Pacific Sun Kore 5th dosing Fan Club

[nore]

Matt , i can feel your frustration =)
And belive me , i know .
I´m a owner of a PS pandora S lamp , and the pastic cover infront of the led pads melted - the result was major burn damage to led pads.
Lamp is 3years old and out of warranty and 311 euro per cluster is simply not worth it.
After some reading on forums i found out the the plastic melting was a known problem on the early lamps , but of course - according to PS it was my own fault , using their spidermount the lamp was to close to water and salt build up generated the heat =)

Their spare parts are among the most expensive i´ve seen .

Kore 5th dosing pump use kamoer motors and pump heads , and they will charge you 24euro plus shipping for a spare head , or you can order 10 kamoer spare heads from aliexpress including pharmed tubing for under 100euros shipping included :spin1:

So Matt i know how u feel

 

[truepercs]

I received my doser back from repairs earlier this year. I was to set up a larger tank and was hoping to use it. After getting the doser dialed in I pulled out the unused items for the automatic top off. After making sure it worked using a small tank I set it up in my sump. It appeared as all was going to go well so I figured I would also try to use the optical sensor.

Unfortunately the software locked up and I had to exit out. I could not make a connection again, I happen to look at the display and it is blinking on and off and I can not find the bluetooth device anymore.

Originally I sent the doser back to Poland ($100.00 SHIPPING) because the doser would not show up as a bluetooth device anymore. It appears the same thing has happened once again.

I have an email to support I hope that this is not the case and it can be fixed easily I can't afford to send it back again.

I will let you guys know what happens...

-Ed

 

[Przemek_PacSun]

Hello
I would like to not comment every post here detailed but some things should be explained.
1. We not offer technical support thru RC/Facebook - many times we informed that best source for getting help/support is direct contact with our company. Our service stuff don't have time to read every forum/posts and help Customers.
2. Warranty for products is two years. If any product will fail after that time(and it will be even 3 days later) we can't simply proceed repair/fix under warranty conditions. If we will do that - why we shouldn't do the same with Customer who have product one week or one month after warranty also? It's not our "bad will' but rule which is used by all companies(not only in aquatic industry).
If your pump failed one month after purchase you should contact with seller/our service immediately. I dont understand why you waited so long and I'm little surprised now that you are disappointed that service not want to replace that product under warranty condition.
3. We try to manufacture products the best as possible but we know that every product can fail. We stay behind them and we are not in market since last year. We are selling products offering best possible after sale service since 2009 year. I'm sorry to read information that you are not satisfied from our service - it's hard for me to comment now why you weren't able to talk in english with our company, usually there are always persons who can talk in english without any troubles.
4. About "cheap china parts".
We are choosing products looking at their long life and quality firstly - not highest price at all.
We sold almost 10.000 DC pumps for ATO/AWC - below 0.4% had failures. I don't think thats bad numbers but of course - probably we can always find better products/parts but I'm not sure how many Customers will want to pay higher price if that number will decrease to 0.2% for example.
All other parts - like main boards, controllers etc are designed, manufactured and assembled by our company - not any China.
Relating connectivity - like I said it many times, most important is using good quality bluetooth module. Many Customers which reported any troubles with connectivity informed us that problems gone after they used Class 1(100m/300 feet range) bluetooth modules. This reports can be found in many threads, also here.
That problem is offen nowe because computer manufacturers started using energy saving modules(for showing higher numbers of working on battery) and they usually are Class 3/Class4 - which mean that output power is 1mW(100 times less).
If any problems occur(with connectivity, app setting etc) firstly there should be checked bluetooth module in computer - it can be done on module manufacturer website or simply laptop manufacturer data sheet and if module don't have proper output power - any external USB Bluetooth dongle should be purchased(it cost up to 10 euro).
Additionally, asking for troubles is trying to make a firmware update using that "weak" modules. In almost 80% of situations lamp/doser stay without any firmware inside and need to be uploaded again(it can be done by Customer without sending device to service but again - Customer need to have proper power/type of bluetooth module).
So before ANY will send products/part to service in Poland - firstly contact with us directly, because if device is not damaged physically (flooded by water etc) Customer can very easy upload firmware /fix it - having instructions from our support team.
We are not publishing it on any pages because many Customers first what they do after purchase - is uploading newest firmware (without checking what's changed, which version it is etc) but also without checking what kind of bluetooth module they are using - a specially if it's quite new laptop(because many "older" versions/models have used Class 1/Class 2 modules and that problem wasn't reported so offen in previous years.)
So reasuming - if anybody have any problems/questions regarding Pacific Sun products - we ask for direct contact with our service because any technical questions/issue reports will not be commented here(or any other forum) like also Facebook(reasons I gave above)
Thank you for understating.

Regards

Przemek


Przemek

 

[homer1475]

So like previously stated, nearly every problem is the customers problem because they don't have the right BT module in their PC.

Kind of funny as nothing else in the BT industry has issues with lower powered BT modules.

I often have issues getting connected via BT(yes I have a class 2 module), but literally within 2 feet of the doser shouldn't be an issues with a lower class BT module.

While I own a kore 5th and it works well for me(bought second hand so I already know the warranty is SOL), after reading this thread I cannot for the life of me give my support to this company and I will not suggest this doser to anyone. Your lack of CS and seemingly to always blaming the customer(not just the doser but your lights as well, read a few of those threads in plant forums as well) as the problem is the reason this company will never be a leader in the industry.

 

[Przemek_PacSun]

So like previously stated, nearly every problem is the customers problem because they don't have the right BT module in their PC.

Dear Homer,
Please excuse but I can't find any place/word above where I blaming ANY customer. I simply tried to explain WHAT can cause similar problems(not blaming Customer). Should I tell something other that what was said if the real problems with connections are sourced by internal bluetooth modules?
We are really very interested having it fixed but almost every Customer have different computer hardware - for many users it's working from first day, for some others - not.
If it would be "bug" or hardware related problem(in our kore 5th unit) it shouldn't work for anybody. We discuss about that many times - also here.
Almost all reports with similar issues were gone after Customer start using good quality Class 1 module. So if it helped and it's fact - we shouldn't inform Customers about that?
Our company stay behind our products. We offer support in free from work days, many times during the night our local time etc. We do what we can to satisfy every one person who need support from us.
I regret that usually only not satisfied Customers take a voice and complain about some things. We did it many hundred times and we get many very good feedbacks/reviews about that.
We regret reading about any not satisfied Customers and please let me focus on important facts on this thread:
Kind of funny as nothing else in the BT industry has issues with lower powered BT modules.
I often have issues getting connected via BT(yes I have a class 2 module), but literally within 2 feet of the doser shouldn't be an issues with a lower class BT module.
Please read carefully what I tried to say. You say "shouldn't" but I can say(having much netter knowledge about that than you - it IS issue sourced by BT module power/communications profile support.
We not blame Customers. I told that few years ago many laptops had good quality(higher power output) modules. They work very well with all kind of our products.
But since last few years many laptop manufacturers started using low power=energy saving=longer work on battery modules which NOT WORK properly(due lack in support som communication protocols, too small power etc).
This small power bluetooth modules will work fine with your mouse or headphones - but not with professional communication module which need good quality signal for proper data transmission.
It's not true that if you will place lamp/doser one feet from computer it will "fix" power problem.
Class 2 module have 2.5 times less power output than Class 1. If you have read that threads (as you said above) you should also find many confirmation/posts written by Customers after they started using Class 1 modules. We are not only one company which use BT modules for lamp configure - second is Giesemann which use the same kind of Bluetooth modules - and if you will try to setup their lamps using small power modules you will experience the same kind of issues.(however I'm not sure that they have or not native apps for Windows/Mac OS X).
If you are interested getting more technical informations regarding bluetooth module, signal transmissions, etc - please feel free to contact with our technical support department they will give you all needed informations.
Thank you again for your feedback and understanding.

Regards

Przemek

 

[matmatoo]

Hi team,

Can anyone please be kind enough to post pictures of how the DC AWC Pump Set connects to the Kore Doser? Is it one single cord/port controlling two pumps etc?


Thank you
Matt

 

[erik2302]

Yeah one single cord with two pumps attached. The pumps are non removable so when one fails unless you know how to solder, you have to replace both.

The Chinese pumps used can be sourced on Amazon for about 10 dollars each.

It plugs into that multi-pin socket on the back. I'm sure przemek can give you the correct answer but I'm guessing they give you 6feet of wire for each pump.

DISCLAIMER
If you have a large return chamber and are doing less than a 15% weekly change, it probably won't remove enough water to trip the float sensor or optical sensor for the clean water to pump back in and the ATO will replace the SW with FW between water changes.

I've addressed this by mixing my replacement SW to about 1.015 and not using the ATO function. Not exact but...it's the best I can do without buying something else.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Phil1410]

I agree with erik2302, i have the same problem and have implemented the same solution using a weaker SW solution. In an earlier version of the firmware you would calibrate the in & out pumps and it would pump out 300ml (that is equal to a 10% change for me) and pump in exactly the same amount, not using the optical sensor at all, this seems to me to be a much better way to do it.

Why can we not go back to this solution, perhaps Pacific Sun can comment?

I have been running my kore 5th for about 18 months now and I love it, there have been a few problems along the way but these have always been resolved but PS customer services quickly.

Re the comments above regarding Bluetooth connectivity I have never had this issue, I can connect to my doser from the room next door with the cabinet door under my tank closed. I'm running windows 8.1 on a Surface Pro tablet.

 

[erik2302]

@Phil1410 the only reason wouldn't want to use the method you mentioned (300ml out then 300ml in), is I feel with the unreliable Bluetooth communication issues it could be a recipe for a flood. For example saving 300ml out and then 300,000 ml in when you disconnect from configuration mode.

I think they are planning to allow fewer, and larger water changes to allow the float/optical sensor to trip. If I did 12 changes a day instead of 24 that would solve my issue.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Przemek_PacSun]

Hello
In latest firmware revision it's improved and working in tow modes:
a) if during AWC when ate water pump finish work and optical sensor show "low water level" - clear water will be pumped in up to previous water level(before AWC started)
b) if water change was too small to change optical sensor state - AWC fresh water pump will work the same time like waste water pump.

But it's important - that is implemented only in working mode using optical sensor(not floating sensors)

Regards

Przemek

 

[Phil1410]

Hi Przemek, thanks for the speedy response, i have found F/W 1.6c on your website is this the latest version with the improved AWC / ATO solution?

Thanks

 

[erik2302]

So there's still no way to do fewer water changes in the next version??

I don't trust the option B...sounds like a recipe for a flood. Also my fresh water pump works from a greater distance then my waste pump so pumping the same times won't work.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[truepercs]

I hope they are going to help me get the doser working. I have bought a brand new class 1 dongle as to avoid using weak bluetooth as the issue. Waiting on instructions from support...

 

[Przemek_PacSun]

Yes, in latest firmware (1.6c) it's already included.

@erik
About fewer water changes - actually it's not possible to manually set how many changes during the day will be performed.
We tested solution B in many tanks - in typical connection where tubings have almost similar length (even if one have 2m and second 3m) in that pump flow there is almost no difference in water level
Of course, it can affect salinity in long time but it's very easy to correct - the same like you need to remember about preparing water in smaller salinity because before it will be used for AWC can evaporate - and will increase salinity level slowly.

@truepercula
If you need technical assistance please write directly to service@pacific-sun.eu

Regards

Przemek

 

[truepercs]

Truepercula
If you need technical assistance please write directly to service@pacific-sun.eu

Regards

Przemek[/QUOTE]




Yes support has my info, waiting on next steps...

 

[andrek787]

I am about to attempt setting up AWC using the peristaltic pumps and would like some input. Here are some details:

1. Waste will be pumped through a 1/4" RO line running from the tank to the drain via the attic and the ceiling is about 9ft.

2. Fresh SW will be in a container next to the tank. I may endup using 2x-4x SW concentrate in that container and have it ATO dilute it.

3. ATO is controlled by a Vertex Cerebra and is supplied directly from a central RO/DI unit.

4. The return pump chamber in my sump is very small so there should be a change in the water level. I installed Kore 5th float switch in level with cerebra.

5. Plan is to use it for monthly water changed rather then continuously.

Is there a flaw in my plan?

 

[Przemek_PacSun]

Yes, there is a small gap ;-)
If you will use another controller to keep watch your water level(using ATO) during water change thinking that water evaporated.
I think that the best idea is using the same controller for ATO and AWC - because Kore "know" that this lower level of water is sourced by working AWC module in the same time.
During AWC work ATO is disabled and run after proper refill sump with "fresh" saltwater.
That's my thoughts about that.

Regards

Przemek

 

[andrek787]

Thanks for the input.

My idea has been centered around using concentrated SW, as I am limited to 15 gallon container (stainless steel trashcan with plastic insert) next to the tank.

In this, DI water fill would be delayed by the same time as it takes for waste water to be pumped out and started at the same time as "fresh" concentrated SW as supplied. They would mix together and enter tank.

If I understand this correctly,in the next kore 5th software, AWC would remove waste water, add fresh sw and then top off with ATO until the proper water level is reached? If so, this would work for a concentrate as well, if the pump calibration is adjusted to 4x of waste pump flow rate.

Also, is 10ft pumping height an issue for the kore 5th?

What is the best way to connect 1/4" DI line to the peristaltic pumps? I planned on using 3/16" barb 1/4 npt fitting connected to a 1/4" fnpt to 1/4" quick connect.

 

[CFC_Surge]

I have a Kore 5th and just did a firmware update with my Dell Lap Top with internal BT.
I have been having issues connecting with Windows 10 and hope the 1.4g12 will help.

Can someone post a link to a newer firmware.

 

[andrek787]

Latest firmware and software is version 1.6. You can get it here: http://www.pacific-sun.eu/download-kore-5th