TF Test Kit - Smart Stirs going bad

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jesse-99

jesse-99

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May 2, 2021
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I just had to order my 3rd Smart Stir (Smart Stir Magnetic Stirring Device) because my previous ones just stop working. The first one lasted me about a year. The second one only about 4 months of use. Idea why what's going on? (No it's not dead batteries). Anyone else having this issue?
 
Sorry to read about your issue. I have had my Taylor speed stir going on 5 years now. I have had to replace batteries, say 3 times. Maybe more, I haven't kept track.
 
Didn't ask them, LOL. I figured they wouldn't warranty it or anything. I guess I could email them and ask...
 

Anyone had issues with their Ciblanc speed stirrer?

I bought the kit with the stirrer last May and I've only used it a few times. I tried to use it yesterday and the stirrer would only "shimmy." I could give the test tube a twist and sometimes it would start the "+" shaped magnet spinning. I assumed the batteries I had were bad so I replaced...
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
 
@duraleigh The Smart Stir is indeed labeled Ciblanc.. I just find that name very clunky so I refer to them as Smart Stirs. Ciblanc Smart Stirs are what we sell at TFtestkits.

@jesse-99 Jesse-99 has emailed me and I've responded, but I figured I would take the opportunity to post what I told them for the community at large.

I've seen this issue more than a few times and in every single case, the issue is solved by replacing the batteries with brand-new AA batteries. As mentioned in the thread linked above, rechargable batteries often do not work for long with the Smart Stir for reasons I am not sure of. I always offer a replacement if the unit is less than a year old and the customer sends their apparently malfunctioning unit back to me. EVERY TIME, I get the unit out of my mailbox, put some new batteries in it, and it works perfectly.

It makes me question everything - are the users pressing the button down firmly enough? Are they putting the batteries in backwards when they replace them? Why does the Smart Stir work as long as the button is pressed?? The answers, I do not know. What I do know is replacing the batteries with brand-new batteries always works.

Nate @ TFT
 
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Sarah and Nate said:
@duraleigh The Smart Stir is indeed labeled Ciblanc.. I just find that name very clunky so I refer to them as Smart Stirs. Ciblanc Smart Stirs are what we sell at TFtestkits.

@jesse-99 Jesse-99 has emailed me and I've responded, but I figured I would take the opportunity to post what I told them for the community at large.

I've seen this issue more than a few times and in every single case, the issue is solved by replacing the batteries with brand-new AA batteries. As mentioned in the thread linked above, rechargable batteries often do not work for long with the Smart Stir for reasons I am not sure of. I always offer a replacement if the unit is less than a year old and the customer sends their apparently malfunctioning unit back to me. EVERY TIME, I get the unit out of my mailbox, put some new batteries in it, and it works perfectly.

It makes me question everything - are the users pressing the button down firmly enough? Are they putting the batteries in backwards when they replace them? Why does the Smart Stir work as long as the button is pressed?? The answers, I do not know. What I do know is replacing the batteries with brand-new batteries always works.

Nate @ TFT
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Do you sell the returned ones at a discount? I'd be interested in one as a backup.
 
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3RD season with mine, I took it out after last winter and the batteries were dead and it came to life with some new batteries.

Next year I will pull batteries before winter.
 
I have the older one (speed stir) and upon replacing the batteries recently it didn’t work at all. I thought maybe my new box of batteries were duds. Turned out they just weren’t quite making contact with the plate on the positive side as they weren’t exactly in line. A little nudge on the contact plate & back in business!
 
I've tried 2 additional sets of batteries (new), no luck. Going to send back for them to diagnose later today. It's no biggie, just was curious if others had any issues. Not trying to knock the product, I like using it a lot.
 
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jesse-99 said:
I've tried 2 additional sets of batteries (new), no luck. Going to send back for them to diagnose later today. It's no biggie, just was curious if others had any issues. Not trying to knock the product, I like using it a lot.
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Mine just went out as well. lasted about 9 months.
 
The one I got from TFTestkits lasted right at a year. Not a battery issue, it just wouldn't work anymore. Used both new industrial alkalines and Energizer lithiums. You could push the button and it would light up for a split second then power back off.
 
I use a Taylor SpeedStir 9265 - never had an issue. About $30 on Amazon but I do recommend switching from the included straight pill to the "X" shaped pill for better results.
 
Have you tried cleaning the battery contacts?

Maybe a battery went bad and leaked, resulting in oxidation or residue buildup on the contacts.

Did it get humid where you stored the smartstir? Maybe leaking reagent bottles nearby?
 
Which vials are you using ? It did fine with the TF 100 and k1766 vials.
 

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