Problem with the photo electric cell.

[africangrey]

Hi Roger,
When I plug the photo cell into the multicontroller, the whole set up act as night mode with only one pump funtioning and doesn't respond to light at all regardless how I shine at it. But when I unplug it, the set up would pulse and alternate, what gives, what step should be taken to trouble shoot if the failure occures in the multicontroller or the photo electric cell, thanks for your time.
-A

 

[rvitko]

I have already sent out a new photocell, this problem usually is the result of a bead of solder on the PS2 style plug shorting the two leads. Basically a bad soldering job. It could be repaired by removing the rubber boot on the plug and reconnecting the wires but as I said a new one is on its way.

 

[africangrey]

Thank you Roger, you are the man.
-A

 

[themadreefer]

i am having a problem with my photocell.
when using sequential mode, all four pumps are running in night mode(pulse mode does shut down in night mode). operation in day mode works fine.

 

[rvitko]

I will research this further but I would also try these two things.

First make sure that the photocell is in more or less complete darkness. Photocells are variable in resistance by the light exposure and it is possible this circuit requires greater resisitance.

Second, unplug the pumps in the first and last sockets of the multicontroller- from the wall, not the multicontroller. This will power down the multicontroller, wait about 30seconds. Sometimes the unit has a "phantom memory" of a previous program and needs to be powered down after a program change.


If this has no effect let me know, this is a bit of a complicated problem and I will need to speak with the electrician in Germany before I have any definite cure/cause.

 

[themadreefer]

none of your suggestions worked.

 

[rvitko]

I will call Tunze tomorrow morning. It is not always possible for me to speak to the right people right away so It might take a couple days but I will get it resolved ASAP and I will replace whichever component is the problem.

Roger

 

[themadreefer]

thankyou

 

[rvitko]

The correct operation in night mode for sequential operation (switch at bottom most setting) is that only the first pump would be on. I know you said earlier that all four pumps were running. I just wanted to confirm. I spoke with Axel about the problem this morning and we are trying to figure out exactly what is wrong.

 

[africangrey]

Dear Roger,
Got the new set of photo cell you sent out yesterday when I plug it into the controller, got the same problem as themadreefer described, all pumps were operating as it's in day mode which is the opposite problem I encountered with the original cell which act as night mode regardless of the light.
This suggested to me that the controller is one which is acting up, please update us as you receive any word from the engineer.
regards,
Spencer

 

[rvitko]

I will forward these email to Tunze tomorrow. It sounds like a complicated problem that will likely involve a replacement circuit board but we will see.

 

[themadreefer]

yes switch is bottom position, when i cover the photo cell
with my hand all four pumps are running.
thanks for excellent response time and concern

 

[africangrey]

It works

It works

Hi Roger,
Sorry to confuse you, I didn't plug the photocell tightly enough which cause the non resposiveness of the controller, now everthing works as it intended. Thanks for all the hard work for getting the problem resolved.
Spencer

 

[rvitko]

Thank you, I am though just doing my job, if you pay a premium service has to go with the sale. I am very pleased that it worked. I am still awaiting a response for themadreefer. We will get it taken care of though- I want to assure you that I haven't forgotten.

 

[themadreefer]

roger
i received new controller, works just fine in night mode.
i will ship other unit tomorrow.
thanks for all the help
archie

 

[rvitko]

Thank you It almost gave me a heart attack to see a new post in this thread- very relieved it was good news.