Jandy Automation: PDA-PS8 w/ IQ30-RS to RSPS12

[buldag]

We broke ground a few days back. PB had included PDA-PS8 in the contract.
(Unfortunately, I did not make much about it during contracting phase... since I had asked them to match it to Pentair Intellicenter. They said it was Jandy's PDA-PS8 equivalent)

Recently PB stated that for our setup, it will be significantly better for us to upgrade to RS-PS12. The upgrade price quoted is massive ! (From my limited knowledge, the PBs upgrade price is 8-10x of what I think the cost of upgrade components will be)

Currently, they plan to provide:

• PDA-PS8
• IQ30-RS
• 6614-LD cabinet

My question is what will it take for me to realistically upgrade this system to RSPS12? What additional cards, equipment, sub-panels (cabinets) are needed?
I am not trying to nickel and dime the PB, rather come up with a reasonable compromise with them.

From what I could infer from this Selection Guide (PDF), RSPS12 has 11AUX, requires 2x power centers . Does 2x Power Centers also means 2x Cabinets or can it be accommodated in a single 6614-LD?

How involved is re-programming? If the PB does not budge, should i even considering upgrading myself once the project has been completed? (So far unable to locate any youtube videos showing how to re-program)

(Disclaimer: Have tried to read up on many posts before this first post. Thank you for this amazing forum)

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

You really should have insisted on the IntelliCenter. You are going to learn that Jandy is anti-DIY, provides no support to the owners, and discourages selling their products on the Internet. That all drives you into the mercy of their “authorized dealers” which the dealers love and why they pushed Jandy on you.

That is why I replaced my old Aqualink with a IntelliCenter.

Replacing an Aqualink with an IntelliCenter

This thread is for me to work out what I do in upgrading my 20 year old pool equipment. Jandy RS8 automation, 1.5HP SS Pentair pump, Pentair Mastertemp 400 NG heater, IC40 SWG, typical pool/spa combo with spa spillover, Pentair JVA actuators on suctions & return Jandy valves, 1HP pump for spa...

www.troublefreepool.com

Each Load Center can support 8 high voltage relays. For a 12 relay system you need two cabinets. You will be on your own to forage for the parts and then get no support from Jandy in how to make it work.

Why do you need 11 AUX?

What is your full equipment list?

If the equipment is not installed yet I would do whatever you can to switch to Pentair equipment.

 

[buldag]

Thanks for the reply. I was always in favor of Pentair Intellicenter. However, i was at the mercy of the PB. They are on of the top-rated (best amongst the worst) ones in the area and they categorically declined to work with anything other than Jandy. My hunch is that it has something to do with protecting their own territory (alike Jandy). (In all fairness, I did not realize the huge difference between Pentair and Jandy until recently)

PB states that I might be able to get by with 8 relays (PDA-PS8, with IQ30), however they "highly recommend" I upgrade to RSPS12. In some respects, I agree that i should upgrade to RSPS12... however, I think their asking price is (likely) ridiculous

Our setup includes:
1x Spa (6x10), w/ negative edge to pool, 3 LEDS, jets.
20x35 rectangular pool, 2 skimmers, bunch of LEDs
Jandy 400K heater
Salt system
2x splash pads/shallow wading pools (w/ bubblers and lights)
3x Laminar jets
1x Auto Cover
2x Fire Bowls
Bunch of LEDs around pool deck

 

[ajw22]

The only thing that I see that is driving your need for AUX relays is separate control of groups of lights.
Heater, salt system, laminars, auto cover don’t use AUX relays.

The two fire bowls operate together?

What are you using for a pool cleaner?

You or your builder need to map out how many light groups you will have and how many valve actuators you need for your water feature controls and see how it fits into a RS8.

Be aware that the lifespan of pool LED lights is 2 to 5 years. If you are lucky they will fail within your 3 year warranty. Once outside warranty you will spend thousands a year replacing LED lights.

Make sure your builder leaves you with all light removal tools that come with the lights. And they should never use more then 2 or 3 90s on the light conduit to the light transformer or light junction box so that the light wires can be easily pulled. If this is a forever house you will be replacing lights.

Why is the builder giving you a PDA-PS8, with IQ30? The PDA is worthless. You want a RS8 iAqualink system, not a PDA system.

@PoolGate may have some thoughts since he continues to live with a Jandy system.

 

[PoolGate]

He probably pushed Jandy because that is who he has agreements with and needs x amount to get the best prices (for himself).

That said, I actually really like my Jandy stuff and have never had any big issues except last year my heater failed. I fixed myself for around $1200. I am just starting my 7th season though. 2 Jandy LED watercolor lights and never had an issue.

I also suggest not getting the PDA-PS8 system. With the IQ30-RS upgrade he is changing it to RS system anyway. Perhaps he has the PDA system in his stock and just wants to move it. I haven't used my PDA in 3-4 years. With the RS you can use any phone or app-based Android or Apple device. The PDA system is around $800 more. Although if you convince him to change it, I bet he only cuts $150 off your price. You can sell the PDA and antenna on eBay for upwards of $700 if he won't play ball.

Have your builder make a list of what devices need an AUX interface. Also what need JVAs. The physical Jandy board in the box only goes to AUX7, so I think you actually will need another box if you require the RS12 system. And to use more than 4 JVAs you also need to move up to the PS12. So more than 4 automated valves and you'd be in a PS12.

You are getting a saltwater chlorine generator, right? I suggest the PLC1400 or FusionSoft 1400. Do NOT allow him to sell you the TruClear!

Have him tell you exact parts with part #s. List here!

Programming is not hard at all.