Chemtrol Pool Controller: Difference between revisions
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The Chemtrol Pool Controller is a model PC2100 unit (often referred to as the "Chemtrol unit" in the Wiki). It was manufactured by [https://sbcontrol.com/ Santa Barbara Control Systems]. | The Chemtrol Pool Controller is a model PC2100 unit (often referred to as the "Chemtrol unit" in the Wiki). It was manufactured by [https://sbcontrol.com/ Santa Barbara Control Systems]. | ||
In the configuration used at Fairway Farms, it samples ORP (oxidizing properties of a sanitizer, such as chlorine) and | In the configuration used at Fairway Farms, it samples ORP (oxidizing properties of a sanitizer, such as chlorine), pH and total dissolved solids (TDS). It adds calcium hypochlorite (via the "chlorinator") and/or hydrochloric (muriatic) acid (via the "acid pump") to the pool as part of a closed-loop system. | ||
== Operation == | == Operation == | ||
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=== Alarms === | === Alarms === | ||
An alarm has been configured to sound when a measurement parameter (pH, ORP, TDS or flow rate) is far out of normal operating bounds. | An alarm has been configured to sound when a measurement parameter (pH, ORP, TDS, or flow rate) is far out of normal operating bounds. | ||
The parameter that is responsible for the alarm will flash on the Chemtrol LCD display. Note that it is normal and expected for the unit to alarm when the main pump is stopped. | The parameter that is responsible for the alarm will flash on the Chemtrol LCD display. Note that it is normal and expected for the unit to alarm when the main pump is stopped. | ||
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# Press the left arrow twice to return to the main screen. | # Press the left arrow twice to return to the main screen. | ||
On the main screen, an "A" to right of the ORP reading indicates that the chlorinator is enabled (automatic control), "X" indicates it is disabled. | On the main screen, an "A" to the right of the ORP reading indicates that the chlorinator is enabled (automatic control), "X" indicates it is disabled. | ||
=== Enabling or Disabling the Acid Pump === | === Enabling or Disabling the Acid Pump === | ||
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The flow meter is an absolute necessity for automated chemical control. Due to the large main re-circulation lines in the system (larger than 2 inches), a bypass line is used to provide an alternate path to the pH and ORP sensors. The flow meter verifies that sufficient flow is present in this bypass line (such that the measurements reflect the chemical levels in the main re-circulation line and pool). | The flow meter is an absolute necessity for automated chemical control. Due to the large main re-circulation lines in the system (larger than 2 inches), a bypass line is used to provide an alternate path to the pH and ORP sensors. The flow meter verifies that sufficient flow is present in this bypass line (such that the measurements reflect the chemical levels in the main re-circulation line and pool). | ||
The | The flowmeter for the bypass line can be disabled under certain circumstances. However, this must be used with extreme caution, as operating a chemical feed without sufficient monitoring could cause dangerous/damaging chemical reactions. | ||
Upon installing the newest unit (April 2021), the bypass flow rate read-out was adjusted. Per the datasheet for the 155481, the unit produces 225 Hz (pulses/second) for a 20 GPM flow rate. The Chemtrol requires a value in "pulses per unit volume". In this case, 225 Hz / 20 GPM = 11.25 Hz/GPM, or 11.25. Prior to April 2021, a default value of 1 was used, resulting in a typical (incorrect) readout of 0 to 1 GPM. | Upon installing the newest unit (April 2021), the bypass flow rate read-out was adjusted. Per the datasheet for the 155481, the unit produces 225 Hz (pulses/second) for a 20 GPM flow rate. The Chemtrol requires a value in "pulses per unit volume". In this case, 225 Hz / 20 GPM = 11.25 Hz/GPM, or 11.25. Prior to April 2021, a default value of 1 was used, resulting in a typical (incorrect) readout of 0 to 1 GPM. | ||
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== Technical Information == | == Technical Information == | ||
* The left-hand connectors (on the generation of controller that we own) for TDS/Temp, PWFS ( | * The left-hand connectors (on the generation of controller that we own) for TDS/Temp, PWFS (paddlewheel flow sensor), Flow and PPM are Conxall/Switchcraft 4-position Mini-Con-X male pin connectors. The mating connectors are Conxall/Switchcraft 6282-4SG-311 and as of January 2021, they are stocked by multiple distributors (Digi-Key, etc). | ||
* The display is a Newhaven Display NHD-160128WG-BTMI-VZ#-1. If replacing, make note of the required backlight resistor modification. Hawk Electronics of Buffalo Grove, IL stocks this part for $63.30 (as of January 2021). Replacement (at your own risk!) is fairly straightforward for an experienced technician; it requires simply the de-soldering of a header. | * The display is a Newhaven Display NHD-160128WG-BTMI-VZ#-1. If replacing, make note of the required backlight resistor modification. Hawk Electronics of Buffalo Grove, IL stocks this part for $63.30 (as of January 2021). Replacement (at your own risk!) is fairly straightforward for an experienced technician; it requires simply the de-soldering of a header. | ||