Problem with Osmolator

[ozkrogh]

Hi Roger,

I've had an osmolator unit that's been working like a champ for at least 8 years over which time I've replaced the pump once. Recently, it stopped pumping water so I assumed it was another pump gone bad and so I ordered another replacement. However, the unit still isn't keeping things topped off and I believe it may now be a problem with the head unit itself.

On the head unit, I get a solid green light when water level is fine. I also get an alarm if I attempt to manually overfill. When the water level gets too low and the pump should be kicking in, no yellow pump light comes on and eventually I get a blinking red "low" indicator. I've tried unplugging power to the unit but the result is still the same. With a brand new pump, it's like I'm not getting a signal for the pump to come on.

Please help!

-Chad

 

[rvitko]

The issue is a burned transistor and PTC. The PTC is a type of circuit breaker and the likely issue is that until 2008 the controllers had an 800mA PTC, this limited the current to the pump to 800mA. Pumps made since 2008 have had a double oring seal, they use more power as a result, 900-1000mA, the old osmolator can only run a new pump when the original power supply is used and switched to 9V (until 2007 they were 9-12V switchable) and 2008 they were 9V only. If the damage has not been done yet, if you disconnect the pump, the yellow light should come on when the water level is low, you then may be able to save the unit by using a 9V 800mA power supply. Otherwise, the board will have burned out and we could discount a complete new Osmolator to $178.70 shipped.

 

[ozkrogh]

Ugh! Looks like the unit is dead then... when I disconnect the pump, nothing comes on when the water level is low. Rats!

I appreciate the discount offer on the replacement unit and I'll be sending a PM shortly.

-Chad