Temperature Probe Issues

[evolved]

I recently purchased a full Apex and I've been setting up the basics the last few days. My LAN is fully configured, email has been setup, and I've got things configured and working on WAN. I also updated the firmware once LAN was configured. Anyhow, the "problem" I've been experiencing:

Everything is sprawled out on a tabletop right now, but I connected the temperature probe last night to the base unit (probe is sitting on the table, not in water, although I don't see why that should matter). After a minute or two, the temperature updated on the display module. I found it a bit odd this wasn't instant, but didn't make much of it at that time. But here's where things take a turn. Every 5-15 minutes (random intervals), the temperature reading drops back to ref (19-20F), as if the probe isn't connected at all. A minute or two later, it'll resume reading an accurate number again. Times infinity on this working/not working loop.

Do I have a real issue here or not? Bad probe? (it's brand new out of the box) Possible interference with other controller wires sitting on the table? Dirty power maybe?

Thoughts/ideas/help much appreciated.

 

[swearint]

That's usually an indication of a bad probe, but it could also be due to interference. Try routing it away from everything else and see if it continues. If it does then contact Neptune support. They can perform a diagnostic via telnet.

support@neptunesys.com

Todd

 

[Ripperj]

Sounds like a possible bad connection in the plug, give it a wiggle when plugged in and see what happens
Keith

 

[evolved]

That's usually an indication of a bad probe, but it could also be due to interference. Try routing it away from everything else and see if it continues. If it does then contact Neptune support. They can perform a diagnostic via telnet.

Thanks; I'll move everything around this evening and try again.

Sounds like a possible bad connection in the plug, give it a wiggle when plugged in and see what happens
Keith

I suspected that and even unplugged/plugged it back in a couple times. But now you've made me think, I didn't actually inspect the pins. Something else to look at this evening; thanks.

 

[evolved]

Well, the plot thickens...

I took a closer look last night. I think the temperature probe is fine. The real issue is the base unit keeps continuously rebooting every 2-10 or so minutes. Any leads here? I updated the firmware once again just to rule that out. Emailing customer support now.

 

[kurt_n]

You didn't happen to remove the plastic cap-looking thing on the end of the temp probe, did you?

If so, that could possibly be the issue. What looks like a protective cap really isn't. It's supposed to be there and not be removed.

[Edit: Looks like we were posting at the same time. Obviously the "cap" wouldn't have anything to do with reboots - I was more thinking along the lines of how a probe could go bad. ]

 

[evolved]

You didn't happen to remove the plastic cap-looking thing on the end of the temp probe, did you?

If so, that could possibly be the issue. What looks like a protective cap really isn't. It's supposed to be there and not be removed.

[Edit: Looks like we were posting at the same time. Obviously the "cap" wouldn't have anything to do with reboots - I was more thinking along the lines of how a probe could go bad. ]

Nope, certainly didn't do that, but thank you. I'm aware that one isn't a "cap".

 

[aquamanic]

If the controller is rebooting, your temp probe will read 20 degrees for the 30 seconds or so it takes the controller to finish the boot process. Clearly the rebooting is your bigger issue.

 

[evolved]

If the controller is rebooting, your temp probe will read 20 degrees for the 30 seconds or so it takes the controller to finish the boot process. Clearly the rebooting is your bigger issue.

Yup, for sure. And thank you.

After some support from Neptune and telnetting in, the hardware is hosed. In goes the base unit for repair.