Osmolator not working properly

[JC VT]

Hi rvitko,

I purchased my Osmolator about a year ago and it stopped working after about 6 months. I haven't gotten it fixed yet because I was half out of the hobby, really busy with school. I just set up my 20H at my new place and hooked it up; the float switch seems to be working, but doesn't emit an alarm... just lights up red on the controller (I turned the float switch upside down to test). The 'eye' or the controller seems to not be working correctly because the sensor is dry, but does not pump water. I cleaned the sensor with some tank water and my fingers, and it still does not work.

I assume it is the sensor, the wire, or the controller? Could you give some tips on how to get it to work properly? I have looked it up on the Tunze website, but I can't find anything other than 'clean the sensor' and 'send it to the mfg'.

thanks,
Joon

 

[JC VT]

The pump works btw... It pumps a small amount whenever I disconnect the power and reconnect it.

And also, the Controller shows green, but does not pump.

 

[rvitko]

There is a jumper inside the osmolator box that controls the alarm- turns the audible alarm off or on or only on for too high vs too long of a time delay. Check that the voltage of the transformer is 9 to 12V. Check that the terminals are not corroded and clean the sensor with vinegar. It is possible the pump is marginally working and it could be you need a new pump. Let me know what you find.

 

[JC VT]

Hi rvitko,

Are you talking about the fuschia colored jumper on the left hand side? I haven't touched anything yet, just wondering.

The voltage to the transformer is on 9.

By terminal do you mean the white thing that brings the wires from the sensor to the pump? One of the wires from the Controller looked kinda crappy so I clipped and stripped the wire and put it back in. I also used my small screwdriver to scrape the inside of the white 'connector/terminal'

I will try to find some vinegar and soak the sensor. I don't think that's the problem, because there is nothing on it that I can see, but I will try anyways.

I appreciate the help,
Joon

 

[rvitko]

It should be a red color, it looks just like the ones on a hard drive except red. This will control the alarm. Yes, check the wires, tin the ends with solder to prevent corrosion and you might consider replacing the terminal block if they look corroded. They sell these at radio shack as European connectors and they come in a block of 10-12 and you will just cut off two sections as required. To test if this is it just make a direct connection without the block.

 

[JC VT]

I made a direct connection with wire connectors and still no dice. I don't have any vinegar in my house... will a bit of tonic water work?

Joon

 

[rvitko]

You need some sort of stronger acid. Phosphoric acid or even very dilute muriatic acid or lemon juice could work.

 

[JC VT]

Hi rvitko,

I soaked the sensor in coke (phosphoric acid) for about 30 minutes, and it didn't help. I'll soak for a longer period, but it seems like it isn't going to do anything.

Joon

 

[rvitko]

Go ahead and send it to Tunze USA 1107 N Bend Dr Austin TX 78758