Intellicenter Heat Pump Automation

[pa_pool]

Hello all! I recently had an AquaCal SQ225 Heat pump installed... I asked the installer about connecting it to my Intellicenter and he didn't know if it could be done. The instructions reference the EasyTouch and IntelliTouch, so I assume it can work with the IntelliCenter too. I attempted to wire it myself, but I keep getting an error on the Heat Pump (SMART COMM FAULT). I set 'SET EXT. CTRL MODE' to 'SMART' on the heat pump. then I added a heater to the Intellicenter, but no luck... i always get the error. I even tried switching the comm wires, but got the same result. I've attached some pictures of my wiring at the heat pump and IntelliCenter.

There is a strange statement in the installation manual:
Example - Pentair EasyTouch® and Pentair IntelliTouch®: Some controllers require an additional sensor be connected to the external controller's power supply circuit board at the solar connection point. The sensor is not used but will show an error if not connected.

This seems strange, is it possible it's required for the Intellicenter too? If so, can I just add a jumper wire from the existing sensor to the solar sensor?

 

[Jimrahbe]

PA,

Are you trying to get the IntelliCenter to talk over the RS-485 bus??? I have never heard of any non-Pentair heat pumps being able to use the RS-485 port..

I'd call Pentair and see what they say... I have no problem being proven wrong, but suspect that the two units are not compatible from the serial bus point of view..

Most heaters that Pentair automation control are done via a simple two wire control to some type of firemans switch.

Please let us know what you find out, as it might help others with the same issue.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[pa_pool]

thanks for the quick response... I just got off the phone with Pentair. He said it's possible to connect the 2 units, but confirmed it wouldn't be through the RS-485. He mentioned I need to go from the AquaCal to an Intellicenter Relay and from there to the Solar relay... Then there is an option in Intellicenter to use the Solar input as heat pump. he said they don't have any documentation on how to do that so i'm scratching my head a little... uhg, I thought this was going to be straight forward. Time to reread the IntelliCenter manual, maybe i missed something.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Pa,

Sorry to hear that, but no a real surprise.. I'd like to help, but I do not have the IntelliCenter, or Solar or a heat pump, so not much experience here..

I do know that my ScreenLogic has a box to check for "Solar is a heat pump", so the basic idea makes some sense.. I expect that your IntelliCenter has the same option box somewhere..

Let's see of we can get one of our heat pump users to chime in..

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• Jimrahbe
• Jul 14, 2017

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[pa_pool]

Pa,

Sorry to hear that, but no a real surprise.. I'd like to help, but I do not have the IntelliCenter, or Solar or a heat pump, so not much experience here..

I do know that my ScreenLogic has a box to check for "Solar is a heat pump", so the basic idea makes some sense.. I expect that your IntelliCenter has the same option box somewhere..

Let's see of we can get one of our heat pump users to chime in..

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• Jimrahbe
• Jul 14, 2017

Thanks,

Jim R.

Thank Jim,

I appreciate the response!

 

[MyAZPool]

Unfortunately (and for what reason, I'm really not sure), the IntelliCenter does not have the same "Equipment Configuration" options that @Jimrahbe referenced above for the EasyTouch (and I assume the IntelliTouch as well).

EDIT: If those additional options actually work correctly for those ET and IT users, it sure would be nice to have those for the IntelliCenter. Just another Pentair firmware/software oversight I guess.
r.

 

[pa_pool]

The TFP community saves the day again!! despite very poor and/or no documentation, and a not helpful call to Pentair, my heat pump is being controlled by my IntelliCenter. I ended up wiring straight from the 'Z' and 'Y' terminals on my AquaCal to the 'GAS HEATER' terminal on my Intellicenter. At first it would not work, then @MyAZPool wisely requested I select 'GAS HEATER' when adding my heat pump. and that did it! Thank you all for your patience and suggestions!!