Jandy TCX Automation Homeowner Review

[russelms]

I wanted to post in the forum a short video I made of our recently installed Jandy TCX automation.

When I was deciding on the TCX I found practically no online reviews, videos, etc. which was disconcerting but having previously owned a Aqualink RS-4 I believed it would be a suitable system for owner like us with a basic pool no extra features.

We've been happy with it for the few weeks its been in operation. The one major bug was heatpump control is not via the 4-wire RS485 interface currently and is the 2-wire TSTAT control but you must trick the heatpump into listening to the TCX commands by setting its setpoint higher than what you'd be controlling on the app. For example I have the heatpump set to 90 degrees and on the app I am usually keeping it at 84-86 degrees which will turn it on and set the VS pump and then put it into standby, if I was to set it to 91 degrees on the app the heatpumps own setpoint would turn it off first before reaching that temperature.

 

[ajw22]

For example I have the heatpump set to 90 degrees and on the app I am usually keeping it at 84-86 degrees which will turn it on and set the VS pump and then put it into standby, if I was to set it to 91 degrees on the app the heatpumps own setpoint would turn it off first before reaching that temperature.

When a heater is under automation control with the 2-wire control you must set the heater thermostat to the max, usually 104F, and let the automation control the cycling of the heater.

 

[russelms]

Thanks for the feedback. I updated my video comment to reflect that the 2-wire interface was not a bug but user error, caveated with no where in the jandy manual or app did I come across that statement which would've made it much easier.

 

[ajbriddell]

I have been using the TCX for two seasons now. What a POS.

Constantly dropping connection (I am hardwired to router), losses schedules or doesn’t run all the schedules programmed.

Once every few weeks I have to redo the entire schedule and 3-4x a week I have to reconnect via Bluetooth to get reconnected.

When it works, it’s great. Unfortunately mine only works when it wants too.

PS- Jandy/Zodiak is ZERO help.

 

[russelms]

Interesting as i've had none of those problems and rely on Wifi connection. My wifi routers are TP-Link Deco Mesh and my plan had been to hardwire the unit if wifi didn't work out but it has so I'm not changing anything.

Now I only run one schedule 8am-9pm filter pump which is then augmented by the heater turning on/off and raising the pump gpm's during that time.

 

[WHGIII]

Just wanted to say thank you for the time you spent explaining this system. I bought a TCX online and self installed into an existing timer box. Your videos and a few other things I found online really helped me through the parts I was unsure of. I have a Pentair VSP 342002 hooked up RS485, Jandy TruClear Salt Cell on the Aux Relay and hope to hook up to RS485 this weekend to gain more control, Gulfstream HE125RA Heat Pump (2 wire on the green bar). I just ordered a Jandy actuator so I can control my pop up heads on the app and I still need to figure out how to wire in my Hayward Universal Color Logic Light. I can now contol my pool from 1,300 miles away and I love it.

The TCX is pretty basic and certainly for simple setups only, but mine has been running perfect for almost a month and I am very happy. I installed a new vsp pump and automation myself for under 2k when quotes were for 5-6k for the same pump with a more elaborate automation that was unneccessary for my setup.

Couple setup tips that helped a lot - setting your heater controls to a higher temp than you would ever use on the TCX app was nice to know and I also read that you can double up equipment on the RS485 connectors.