Anyone know if I can use 3 intelliflo vs pumps with the easytouch 8 panel? Hoping there is a way as everything is installed and was recommended by the pool designer.
Doug,
As you may already know, the IntelliFlo is made to be connected to constant AC power and the on/off and speeds are controlled by a serial cable. To control the 3rd pump, you would have to run the AC power from a circuit breaker to an Aux relay and then to the pump. You would set the pump's control panel to run 24/7 at X RPM. When the power was removed by the relay, the pump would stop, when you turned on the Aux relay the pump would get power and return to running at X RPM.
The two problems that I see with this approach is that if you leave the pump off for several days, I suspect the program memory will be lost, or that turning the pump off by just cutting the power may cause intermittent errors and hang the pump up until you push a reset button.
A much better way to do this would be to use the IntelliComm. Basically, the IntelliChem receives low voltage signals from your Aux relays and translates them into control signals for your pump. Using 1 Aux relay would give you one speed, 2 Aux relays would give you 2 speeds, etc. This would allow you to power the IntelliFlo from continual AC power, but still control the pump using Aux relays.
Here is a link to the IntelliChem manual. https://pentairpool.com/~/media/web.../intellicomm_ii_interface_adapter_english.pdf
If this is a new system, I would get the installers to get it set up for you...
Thanks,
Jim R.
Doug,
I don't see any reason why your IntelliComm is not running the pump..
I did see this note... "Unlike the VF, the IntelliFlo VS does not have to be in the “Running” mode to
accept commands from an IntelliComm II. The power must be on (Green LED lit)
on the IntelliComm II to accept commands."
Also ensure the pump is set to address #1 (internal to the pump) and make double sure the Yellow and Green wires are going to the correct pins on the module.
Other than that, I suggest you call Pentair and see what they say.. Might be tough right now as they are in NC...
Thanks,
Jim R.
Doug,
You have to set up a "Circuit" and use the Spillover "Function" first.
For example, you can use the Aux 8 Circuit, and name it "Spillover" or whatever you want, and then make the Circuit Function "Spillover".. Pushing the Aux 8 button, or scheduling Aux 8, should turn the valves to the spillover condition..
I looked at the IntelliValve, and they use a three wire connector.. I have no idea what you are looking at, but will look at the manual for the Com expansion module.. The IntelliValve will not allow you to have three positions.. The valve will always turn all the way from stop to stop. You can set the stops where you want, but you can't have three positions, such as full left, middle, and full right.
You can have a 100 IntelliFlo pumps connected to you com buss... that is not the problem.. the problem is that the firmware in the main board will not recognize more then two pumps. It is not a connection problem, it is a Firmware problem. You have the same problem with valves. It is not a connection issue but rather a control/programming issue.
I talked with one of our experts, and he said your best bet would be to removed the EasyTouch board and replace it with IntelliTouch boards. They would allow you to control three pumps and more valves..
I am not sure why the Intelicomm is not working, but I'll go over your set up and see if I can spot anything.
I'll see what else I can come up with...
Thanks,
Jim R.
I did have one other question you may help with. When I turn on my spa and set my temp on the easytouch panel, it doesn't go by that temp. it goes by the temp I set on the heater itself. is that how it should function?
Doug,
The IntelliComm manual says the pump address must be #1. Just proves that not all Pentair support people are created equal..
One thing to think about for controlling your bubblers and waterfall... You can have the ET adjust the pump's RPM, which helps you have the water feature look the way you want. So you can assign different pump speeds for bubblers (low) or bubblers (high)..
Just keep in mind that the faster you run the pump the more it will cost.
I am glad to see you got it all running,
Jim R.