Osmolater Sensor DOA?

[milkman55]

I just received a new Osmolator and spent the evening hooking it up. I have both sensors in the sump with the optical about 4" below the high water sensor.

When I plugged it in, it filled twice and shut-off and then the third time, it started filling and didn't stop until I pulled the power when the water was 2" over the optical sensor and on it's way to the high water sensor. I pulled up on the high water sensor and the pump shut-off as intended.

I siphoned out the excess water and tried again several more times. The sensor knows when it is out of water, but once the water comes up to the level of the eye, it will not shut-off. I have a Solona and put the sensors in the third chamber in the back where there is plenty of room and away from the lights, skimmer, etc. The lights were off, so there could not be any interference with the lights. The controller is not located near any other electrical equipment or ballast.

Any ideas or do I have a bad sensor? It does not appear these can be replaced in the field.

 

[rvitko]

Try rinsing the sensor in hot soapy water, they tend to attract air and repel water when new, like any new plastic. The sensor cannot differentiate between being dry and bubbles.

 

[milkman55]

Bingo!

I suggest they add that to the user manual. It would save a lot of frustration and potential returned product.

Thanks for the help and lightning fast response!

 

[milkman55]

OK, it worked a couple of times and then back to sticking again and will not shut off. I will try washing a second time in hot soapy water, but I have my doubts now if this is going to solve the problem.

After I washed it the first time, I could manually pull it out of the water and the pump would start and then put it back in the water and the pump stop. But once I put everything in place and left it a few minutes, the pump turn on even though the sensor was well under the water and then it just would not turn off.

 

[rvitko]

We did add it to the latest revision but it has not gone to print yet. Can you PM me your name/address and email address or give me a call. It may have a defect and we will work out an exchange.