AutoPilot DIG-220: intermittent "warning! low-amps, cell?"

Feb 8, 2008
347
Milford, CT
Checking my AutoPilot panel this morning, I pressed the Menu button to light up the display. Temp was 71, purifier level at 37%. I dont think the purifier was running at that point.

One or two screen refreshes later, the temp jumped to 76, purifier level to 40-something, and then the warning light started flashing. Message was "Warning! Low amps, cell?"

Quickly checked the Test Pool Pilot menu item and it was reading 0.6A 6V. Obviously a problem!

I changed the purifier level setting and the warning light and message went away. Checked the Test Pool Pilot again and then it read 3.0A 6V.

Read a couple threads here and tried setting it to Boost 24. After a couple minutes, volts and amps were where they usually are: 5.0A, 22V. Did a cell reverse, Boost 24 and checked again: 4.9A, 23V.

The only thing I did notice is that my cell cable wasnt plugged in quite all the way...only moved in another 1/4" or so, but both leads did go in a little further. This is the first time Im having an issue this season, which we started around late May/early June.

Cell and unit are about 5 years old, set at Power Level 1.

Ive also noticed a few times where, after "waking up" the display, the temp and purifier %-age arent where I expect them. Then the temp seems to update and the purifier setting with it....not sure if thats causing an issue or just normal operation.

Thanks in advance.

-Chris
 
Update:

ran the diagnostic that AquaCal support suggested....kill power to unit for 10 seconds or so, apply power and Boost 24 immediately after screen comes up, then check volts/amps after 25 seconds

What I saw was 21V/8.0A then 20V/6.8A then 20V/5A. They said the spike at startup indicates a bad control board (not power supply because it was capable of putting out the 8A).

Anyone else seen this before?
 
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