Pool Pilot Digital Nano - low cell volts

[Ron James]

Hello ... I have the Digital Nano that is 5 years old. The pool chemistry is correct but the display started showing : Warning ! low cell volts ...... I cleaned the cell twice (remove cell, cap the one end with plug, water/acid mix for 20 minutes). When I return it to service it read 14 volts and 5 amps. After about an hour it reads 2 volts and 5 amps. The warning will only show periodically, it is not a steady warning sign. In the past it has always maintained 16 volts and 5 amps. Do I need a new cell ? Or should I try cleaning the cell again ?

 

[Ron James]

Well, further to my post ... we had been gone for a couple months and had another individual taking care of our pool. Now I find out the only things he checked (once) was the Cl and the pH level. He never checked the alkaline. I checked it yesterday afternoon and it was way out of wack at 330 ppm. I've started reducing it but I'm now wondering if it could have caused the problem with my cell reading of 2 volts and 5 amps. I did clean it twice but it still continues with the low voltage.

 

[Ron James]

{bump ... Anybody with some experience on this ?}

 

[mknauss]

The TA itself will not effect the SWCG. It can greatly increase the scaling tendency, but you said you cleaned the cell.

I have no experience with Pool Pilot SWCG. Does this http://autopilot.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/error-code-digital.pdf describe any of your issues?

 

[Foonly]

Wiggle the connector where the cell cable plugs into the bottom of the Nano control box. I found that mine was flaky, though I was getting Low Amps not Low Volts. The design of that connection is not very robust.

 

[Ron James]

The TA itself will not effect the SWCG. It can greatly increase the scaling tendency, but you said you cleaned the cell.

Okay, thanks ... I wasn't sure if maybe the excess alkaline could hinder the cell function. Do you know if there is a test that could be performed on a cell such as this ? Maybe some electrical characteristics that could be measured when it is removed from service ?

I have no experience with Pool Pilot SWCG. Does this http://autopilot.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/error-code-digital.pdf describe any of your issues?

Thanks again ... this page is actually better than the original that came with it.

 

[Ron James]

Wiggle the connector where the cell cable plugs into the bottom of the Nano control box. I found that mine was flaky, though I was getting Low Amps not Low Volts. The design of that connection is not very robust.

.
I too was wondering about the cable. I totally removed it and tested the contacts end to end for a short circuit or open (or partially open) condition with a digital ohm meter. The cable seems fine.
While I'm talking about it, does anyone why it has 3 contacts on each end and only 2 of them get used ? Maybe the third one gets used in some other application ?

 

[Foonly]

The thing to look for is a slight brown discoloration in the plastic. On mine it was on the center conductor. That is a sign of overheating, which can happen if the connection is not solid.

 

[LDW66]

The same thing is happening with mine and its only 2 years old. We had an electrician come out and check the voltage and had the sand changed too. They check and cleaned the cell - said it wasn't even dirty. After the sand changed the amps kicked up to 5..0 and the volts at 17 - the next day I am back to the warning light and the low amps: cell? warning.

 

[LDW66]

Talked with AuquaCal - my issue was a short on the cord that connects into digital panel. They replace circuit board and cord - no more LOW AMPS warning!