Osmolator optical sensor failure?

[bureau_13]

It seems my Osmolator optical sensor is no longer able to detect that the water level has dropped. This is a little odd, because previously it would occasionally get gunked up and not be able to tell that the tank is already full, and cause an overflow, but this was always fixed by cleaning the sensor periodically. In this case, the pump just never turn son and the LED is green indicating the tank is full...only it's not. I've tried cleaning the sensor anyway, powering down the controller, etc. Nothing seems to work, so it makes me think either the sensor itself or some circuitry in the controller has failed. Is there anything else I can try? Do I need to send the unit in for repair?

As usual, this has happened close to when I'm supposed to go out of town, although I think it should probably be safe...not leaving for another month or so.

 

[rvitko]

If the sensor is clean, the most likely culprit is the sensor has failed. Send it in and we can replace the optic sensor. Please include a note with return address and phone number-

Tunze USA
305 Victor St
Austin, TX 78753

 

[vanxxx]

my 5017 tunze sensor

my 5017 tunze sensor

my sensor R.I.P. does not detect the water level

is it possible to just get a new one without buying the kit

by the way i live montreal canada

:headwallblue::headwallblue::headwallblue:

 

[rvitko]

The sensor can be replaced, it does require unsoldering the old one and soldering in the new one. If you are comfortable with that, I can get you the part, otherwise you would need to send it in.

 

[bureau_13]

Awesome, thank you. I'm going to take a look and see how tiny the soldered contacts are, and then decide if I want to go that route.

jds

If the sensor is clean, the most likely culprit is the sensor has failed. Send it in and we can replace the optic sensor. Please include a note with return address and phone number-

Tunze USA
305 Victor St
Austin, TX 78753

 

[unze]

Why can't Tunze make the sensors replaceable so that they don't have to be soldered.

 

[rvitko]

All osmolators made from the 80's and 90's had replaceable sensors. The biggest cause of sensor failure was corroded plug connectors. That is why we switched to everything being soldered.

 

[GasMaster]

Hi Roger, can I buy a optical sensor and cable from you...or 2 maybe?

I can solder them in.

Bob

for the 5017

 

[bureau_13]

I took the cover off and had a peek...I should be able to solder that without problem. How do I order the sensor?

 

[GasMaster]

Mine is showing the tank level is fine ......as the tank goes lower and lower. I looked at the wires going into the sensor and it appears some water followed the along side the wires,through the silicone that was used to seal the sensor up. I have 3 of these 5017's in use, would be nice to get 2 sensors so I have a spare on hand.

Yes, I am also wondering how would I go about getting these sensors

 

[rvitko]

We generally do not sell them outright, only installed and usually this is warranty so their is no charge for the work. This will typically only happen on sensors with the clear sealant, occasionally this resin did not have enough hardener and would breach, if it has a black or grey sealant this almost never happens. I can send them as needed if you want to solder it yourself, the wiring has changed over the years. But I would need you to PM me the details of when it was purchased and when it was made (should be on a price tag like sticker inside the housing) so I can complete a warranty report on my end.

 

[GasMaster]

I will open up the box tonight and look for the tag. Mine had the clear sealant and was rubbery like silicone. This unit might be out of warranty (I have 3). I will send you a pm tonight with the info. Thanks!!

 

[rvitko]

The clear resin is actually epoxy, it is gummy from the lack of sufficient hardener. We have used polyurethane in more recent years.

 

[GasMaster]

Hi Roger,


The tag on the inside on the unit says 06-2011, I'll have to look back on Bulk Reef Supply's website to see when I ordered it.


Is this still under warranty with that date of manufacture?

It wont let me PM you since I am under 10 posts

The unit says 5017. the purchase on BRS says "Tunze 3155 Osmolator Universal (Auto Top Off) *NEW* w / magnet"

Purchased July 20, 2011

I also sent you an Email instead of a PM with the same info, Thanks!!!

 

[bureau_13]

I'm reasonably certain my unit is NOT still covered under warranty. That being said, hopefully I don't have to buy an entirely new one...everything was working great...until the sensor died.

We generally do not sell them outright, only installed and usually this is warranty so their is no charge for the work. This will typically only happen on sensors with the clear sealant, occasionally this resin did not have enough hardener and would breach, if it has a black or grey sealant this almost never happens. I can send them as needed if you want to solder it yourself, the wiring has changed over the years. But I would need you to PM me the details of when it was purchased and when it was made (should be on a price tag like sticker inside the housing) so I can complete a warranty report on my end.

 

[GasMaster]

The sensor did the trick, thanks for the help Roger!!!! I didn't realize how bad my eyes are getting, had to use the cheaters to see those pads on the board.

 

[rvitko]

bureau, if the controller is much older, it may not be the optic sensor that has failed, I would really suggest sending it in. In general the only time it is clear cut that it is the sensor is a controller from late 2010-mid 2011 and these optic sensors are clear, on some of these the resin had insufficient hardener and leaked as the resin never fully cured. If the sensor is black or grey, it is just as likely to be a board component on the circuit that has failed.

 

[bureau_13]

OK, I will send it then. Thanks...

bureau, if the controller is much older, it may not be the optic sensor that has failed, I would really suggest sending it in. In general the only time it is clear cut that it is the sensor is a controller from late 2010-mid 2011 and these optic sensors are clear, on some of these the resin had insufficient hardener and leaked as the resin never fully cured. If the sensor is black or grey, it is just as likely to be a board component on the circuit that has failed.

 

[dpstrand]

This same thing happened to me this weekend, it never detects the water level dropping. I bought it from BRS last year, the sensor is clear. How should I proceed? I can solder it myself if that would be faster than sending the entire unit in. Thanks!

 

[rvitko]

That would be odd as the range of time the sensors were clear and by that I mean the filling inside was clear and you could see the LED's and connections inside, was from 11/10-07/11 after that they have a black filling and typically the causes of issues will be different between the two. I would only need the controller sent it.