So, I've had an Autopilot Digital w/ Sc48 cell for around 8 years and I've been mostly happy with it. But one of the things that I've seemingly always had problems with is the tri-sensor. The salt reading especially seems like it is NEVER accurate. Now it is off completely. So I have some questions...
1. The salt will either read zero (0) or something like 25000 - yes, one extreme or the other. Does this sounds like a sensor issue or controller?
2. Are other units salt sensors just as bad or is the tri-sensor the achilles heel of the Autopilot?
I'm at the point where I feel like starting over but don't know whether to leverage existing investment in Autopilot or try something else.
3. Are the 'new' tri-sensors (hard wired) any better than the old ones? Is the different just the hardwire (I never had any trouble with the connector)
4. Is there a finite lifespan of the valve in the manifold? If I were to replace all other components, could I leave the plumbed in valve in place and get many more years out of it, or does that need to be replaced as well? Seems like that piece isn't really critical?
5. Are there any significant differences in the firmware/controller in the new units vs 5-7 years ago?
6. Is there any way to test a tri-sensor outside of the Autopilot to verify salt and temp sensor?
I think my current cell still has some decent life in it so I'm thinking I could just maybe change the main unit (controller/PS) and maybe the tri-sensor but for that cost I could just try a whole new system like CompuPool, Aquarite or Intellichlor? Would I be losing anything 'downgrading' to one of those units? The Add Salt amount never worked so that is a worthless feature to me, the auto temp compensation i think is also a bit 'gimmicky' or not really too important and the manifold (especially if it needs to be replaced) may not be all that important.
7. Are other manufactures cells the same size? Will one fit in the Autopilot manifold or would I have to totally replumb?
Ideas on the problem - tri-sensor/controller? Opinions? Thanks!
1. The salt will either read zero (0) or something like 25000 - yes, one extreme or the other. Does this sounds like a sensor issue or controller?
2. Are other units salt sensors just as bad or is the tri-sensor the achilles heel of the Autopilot?
I'm at the point where I feel like starting over but don't know whether to leverage existing investment in Autopilot or try something else.
3. Are the 'new' tri-sensors (hard wired) any better than the old ones? Is the different just the hardwire (I never had any trouble with the connector)
4. Is there a finite lifespan of the valve in the manifold? If I were to replace all other components, could I leave the plumbed in valve in place and get many more years out of it, or does that need to be replaced as well? Seems like that piece isn't really critical?
5. Are there any significant differences in the firmware/controller in the new units vs 5-7 years ago?
6. Is there any way to test a tri-sensor outside of the Autopilot to verify salt and temp sensor?
I think my current cell still has some decent life in it so I'm thinking I could just maybe change the main unit (controller/PS) and maybe the tri-sensor but for that cost I could just try a whole new system like CompuPool, Aquarite or Intellichlor? Would I be losing anything 'downgrading' to one of those units? The Add Salt amount never worked so that is a worthless feature to me, the auto temp compensation i think is also a bit 'gimmicky' or not really too important and the manifold (especially if it needs to be replaced) may not be all that important.
7. Are other manufactures cells the same size? Will one fit in the Autopilot manifold or would I have to totally replumb?
Ideas on the problem - tri-sensor/controller? Opinions? Thanks!