Optical Sensor Question

[mcrist]

I’ve been using the Tunze Osmolator for approximately one year now and love it. I have never had any problems with it except when I forget to keep the optical sensor clean. I usually just wipe the sensor clean on a weekly basis with a paper towel. Last week I noticed that my water level alarm was on and it shut down the pump. I tried cleaning the optical sensor with a paper towel and turned the unit back on. It seemed fine but within an hour the alarm was going off again. I then tried cleaning the optical sensor with vinegar and once again the alarm went off in about one hour. I know it is not a siphon or bubble issue so what happened to the optical sensor to cause it to fail? Nothing has changed in the sump for at least 2 months.

Thanks

 

[rvitko]

The alarm would be triggered by the float switch, did you add anything new that may be creating a magnetic field that would set off the float switch?

 

[mcrist]

Yes the alarm was triggered by the float switch. The float switch isn’t malfunctioning since the water level did rise to where it should trigger the alarm. I am not sure why the optical sensor thinks it needs to add more water. The strange thing is that works perfectly for at least 20 minutes while I stand there and watch it but if I give it more time it decides the tank need more water. So to answer your question nothing is near the float switch that is magnetic.

 

[rvitko]

Do you have any microbubbles sticking to the sensor or is the optic sensor scuffed or scratched?

 

[mcrist]

No bubbles but I will inspect the sensor tonight to make sure it isn't damaged. I doubt that would be the case since it never gets moved and their is nothing in the sump that could damage it.

 

[mcrist]

I checked the optical sensor and there is no damage to the unit. What should I try next?

 

[rvitko]

Send it to me and I will replace the sensor.

Tunze USA
305 Victor St
Austin TX 78753

 

[mcrist]

I guess I need to send the whole unit? I won't be able to ship it until Monday.

 

[rvitko]

Ideally I would get everything except the holder brackets as such a problem can also be cause by a faulty pump or transformer.

 

[mcrist]

I wanted to let you know that the sensor is now working properly. I am not sure what I did different from the four other attempts to get the sensor to register the correct water level. The only thing I can think of is that the sensor was out of the water for about 5 days but otherwise everything else was identical to my testing. Thanks again for help but it doesn’t look I need to send it in now.