Need Century VGreen EVO w/ Century Connect factory default reset or factory settings (RS-485)

[afassas]

Predicament:
I have somehow gotten my new Century EVC165 VGreen EVO variable speed pump motor into a state where it is not being discovered by my Jandy Aqualink TCX pool automation.
Automation uses RS-485 to communicate with Century motor with Century Connect and Jandy Aquapure SWCG. The SWCG was working with the TCX before the new motor.
Aqualink TCX is for simpler pool requirements and as such depends on the iAqualink app for ALL configuration settings. The TCX does not have the bezel and software menu on the device like the other Aqualink systems.

Background:
The beginning of this journey is documented in this thread: How do I reset a Jandy TCX to factory default or erase its setup?
Pump motor currently working in standalone mode on Schedule A.3. Sure would like the automation connection to work.

1. The new Century motor was initially detected and controllable by my TCX, but somehow broke my ability to control my Jandy Aquapure 1400 SWCG.
2. I wanted both devices to work as advertised together. Shame on me for wanting such.
3. I played with settings on the One Button EVO motor interface and now my Century motor will not communicate to TCX either.
4. I was given the 'factory default reset' procedure from Jandy technical support. This did wipe out all saved equipment on the TCX.
5. Now the TCX will not discover or recognize the Century motor. The SWCG is recognized and controllable from the TCX.
6. Troubleshooting determined that the Century motor 'Schedule D' for automation could be communicated with and controlled via RS-485 from a laptop PC using MODBUS commands. Troubleshooting also determined that the RS-485 cable from the motor to the TCX was working as it should.
7. TCX will still not discover or recognize the Century motor. I read where the TCX sends out a query command and expects a response from the VSP (Century motor). Then the TCX will give it a new device address ID. I am guessing that the response, if any, from my programming altered VSP (Century motor) is NOT recognized by the TCX; so the two never continue the connection dance.
8. The selling distributor does not have any technical support advice for connecting the Century EVO motor to pool automation.
9. I have reached out to Century (Regal/Rexnord) and finally reached a Customer Care Specialist. She told me that they do not have customer facing technical support. She provided me with some notes for the older series Century VGreen motor and an email address for the Engineering group to ask them. My 2 emails to Engineering group have gone unanswered.

Ask of the Community:
I am pretty sure if I can restore my Century VGreen EVO motor to is initial factory settings that it would be recognized and configured by my Jandy Aqualink TCX pool automation.
Any help with a procedure to return my motor to its factory default settings would be appreciated. I am also capable of sending instructions to the motor via RS-485; I just need to know what settings and the necessary values.

 

[MSchutzer]

Unless the TCX is significantly different from the Aqualink system you have to manually tell the automation the address of the VSP pump you are setting up.

You should be choosing an Epump (as that is a Jandy VSP that the Century Connect protocol will replicate). You should set up VSP pump 1 as an Epump with a filtration function. Like this:


And then you need to set up the speed table:



And you also have to have the Pump set on address 1, this is likely what you changed somehow when messing with the button on the motor. Take a look at the motor’s manual and figure out how to read back the motor’s RS-485 address, and if not 1, change it to one.

Does the motor manual talk about how to do a factory reset on its configuration? If so try that.

I’m not familiar with that motor’s menu, but you will have to manuall,set its address to 1. If you can factory default the motor configuration that might be the best choice as it will get you back to a known point.

 

[afassas]

Unless the TCX is significantly different from the Aqualink system you have to manually tell the automation the address of the VSP pump you are setting up.

You should be choosing an Epump (as that is a Jandy VSP that the Century Connect protocol will replicate). You should set up VSP pump 1 as an Epump with a filtration function. Like this:

View attachment 582593
And then you need to set up the speed table:

View attachment 582595

And you also have to have the Pump set on address 1, this is likely what you changed somehow when messing with the button on the motor. Take a look at the motor’s manual and figure out how to read back the motor’s RS-485 address, and if not 1, change it to one.

Does the motor manual talk about how to do a factory reset on its configuration? If so try that.

I’m not familiar with that motor’s menu, but you will have to manuall,set its address to 1. If you can factory default the motor configuration that might be the best choice as it will get you back to a known point.

The TCX is significantly different. There is NO settings menu or significant interface on the automation board or the Communications Hub. Only controls are a 3 buttons 1) to cycle between auto, service, timeout, and clean, 2) pump on/off, 3) bluetooth connect mode. All settings and control are done through the iAqualink app. There is also NO web configuration on the TCX either. The TCX is Aqualink lite, both in what and how much it can control and in interface options and flexability.

The TCX is supposed to recognize a compatible VSP when connected upon power on. From there you can configure the VSP settings in ghe iAqualink app. This worked when I 1st connected the VSP, but it broke the control of the previosly working SWCG. Me knowing that all should play nicely together, could not leave well enough alone.

As for the VSP address, that is a conundrum. The EVO manual gives instructions on setting the VSP into schedule D, Automation Mode. The manual shows the ONLY configuration you can update from Schedule D isnthe address. I have tried from the one button interface to set the address to “1”. The LED light on the button is your only interface feedback. The LED is supposed to blink back the address you just set. Alternatively you can execute an address check and it is supposed to blink back its address. Regardless of the valid address that I attempt to set in the range of 1-4, the interface blinks back a blank (no address).

I can connect from a laptop PC using instructions I gleaned from you, via the RS-485 interface. The VSP seems to be using an address of 0x15, which is the “default” address according to the Century GEN3 MODBUS document. The EVO series motor responds to the MODBUS commands just as your post instructed. I can change the address via MODBUS commands, but do not know what the TCX is looking for.

The EVO manual makes NO mention of a “factory reset”.

 

[MSchutzer]

Okay, but I guarantee you that any Jandy device will not send commands to Modbus address 0x15 as those are Modbus addresses and commands.

The Jandy stuff will only send Jandy formatted commands to the motor and in theory the Century Connect stuff is supposed to respond to any of the big 3 vendors commands.

I think the clue is that you can’t read back any address. I would try setting the address again, set it to address something other than one and see what it reads back? Then change it back to one.

You’re saying that you don’t have either of those screens in your iAquaLink web interface setup menu for the TCX? I understand that there is no central interface on the unit, but if you don’t have the VSP setup menus in the iAquaLink web interface, then how would you ever configure your VSP functions or speeds.

Have you looked for the screens that I showed above in your iAquaLink web interface?

 

[ajw22]

You’re saying that you don’t have either of those screens in your iAquaLink web interface setup menu for the TCX? I understand that there is no central interface on the unit, but if you don’t have the VSP setup menus in the iAquaLink web interface, then how would you ever configure your VSP functions or speeds.

Have you looked for the screens that I showed above in your iAquaLink web interface?

The TCX system does not support the iAqualink web interface. All control and setup needs to go through the AquaLink phone app.

 

[afassas]

Okay, but I guarantee you that any Jandy device will not send commands to Modbus address 0x15 as those are Modbus addresses and commands.

The Jandy stuff will only send Jandy formatted commands to the motor and in theory the Century Connect stuff is supposed to respond to any of the big 3 vendors commands.

I think the clue is that you can’t read back any address. I would try setting the address again, set it to address something other than one and see what it reads back? Then change it back to one.

You’re saying that you don’t have either of those screens in your iAquaLink web interface setup menu for the TCX? I understand that there is no central interface on the unit, but if you don’t have the VSP setup menus in the iAquaLink web interface, then how would you ever configure your VSP functions or speeds.

Have you looked for the screens that I showed above in your iAquaLink web interface?

@MSchutzer Thank you for the prompt response.
Since I did not know that the VSP to TCX setup was going to go sideways, I did not take screenshot pictures of what I saw. I will describe for a better understanding.
Instructions from Century for Schedule D (pool automation via Century Connect) and how it is supposed to work on Jandy Aqualink TCX.

1. To program the Century EVO motor for Schedule D.
2. Power off motor.
3. Change motor dip switches to #3 ON & #4 ON (they are the only DIP switches). DO NOT connect RS-485 wires at this step.
4. Power on the motor; so that it wakes up and sees that it is now in Schedule D mode. Power Off the motor.
5. Now connect the RS-485 wires from the motor to the pool automation controller.
6. Power ON the motor and the pool automation controller (TCX) and allow them to connect.
7. The TCX is supposed to recognize a compatible VSP when connected upon power on.
8. In the iAqualink app, I open the app, connect to my system, touch the 'settings' gear icon on the top right. In the settings menu, touch 'System Setup. In System Setup menu, touch VS Pump Setup. It should show me my VSP and RPM settings for various functions (ie. filter, ~clean, ~feature). Instead, I am getting the message, "VSP Not Connected, No VS Pumps have been detected. Please see the Installation Manual for more information." If a VSP was detected, then step 9 applies; otherwise I can never get that menu/settings screen.
9. From there you can configure the VSP settings in the iAqualink app. At this point in the iAqualink app, I see and have the ability to set RPM for various VSP motor functions, similar but not as many choices as the Aqualink web interface and screenshots that @MSchutzer shared previously. It is documented that the iAqualink.com web interface DOES NOT configure or control the TCX. When I log into the web account, I can only see my system and its serial number.

I do understand that the Aqualink TCX is NEVER going to connect on the VSP address of 0x15. I do understand that the Aqualink TCX is going to speak its own language command set and that the VSP w/ Century Connect is supposed to interpret and respond appropriately to the Aqualink TCX, or RS, or a few other Jandy products.

I have tried using the Century VSP 'one-button' control panel to set the device address to various addresses (1-4) and then back to address 1. On each attempt to set a device address, the 'one-button' LED read back of address is "blank" no light flashes.

A reminder that my first connection of the Century VSP to my Aqualink TCX, having only used the Century VSP dip switches to set into Schedule D (automation) and then connecting RS-485 wires; It Worked and connected to my Aqualink TCX. It stopped working and has never reconnected since I went crazy trying button presses on the Century VSP 'one-button' interface, in an effort to get the TCX to also reconnect to the SWCG.

I am confident that a brand new from the factory Century EVO motor, which is set to Schedule D (automation) and then connected via RS-485 to my Aqualink TCX would be detected and then controlled by the TCX. How can I get my existing motor back to its 'factory fresh' state?

 

[MSchutzer]

Alex,

Sorry that I was giving you bad advice about the web interface. My experience is all with the Aqualink RS system. I went back and looked at your earlier thread and you mentioned there that you were able to reset the motor by holding the button down for more than 50 seconds, does that not seem to work anymore?

Have you retried that motor reset procedure with the motor dip switches in there original positions. One would think there should be a way to get back to the starting point?

 

[afassas]

Alex,

Sorry that I was giving you bad advice about the web interface. My experience is all with the Aqualink RS system. I went back and looked at your earlier thread and you mentioned there that you were able to reset the motor by holding the button down for more than 50 seconds, does that not seem to work anymore?

Have you retried that motor reset procedure with the motor dip switches in there original positions. One would think there should be a way to get back to the starting point?

@MSchutzer That is the first mention of the Century EVO motor reset I have seen. I will try this and report back.
The real frustration is that there is ZERO access or response from Century (Regal/Rexnord) about their Century Connect product support.
Thanks again and I will let the community know how it goes.

 

[afassas]

Reporting back on attempted Century EVO motor reset procedure. If it reset anything about the motor logic and settings, it DID NOT fix my issue of failed discovery by the Jandy Aqualink TCX.

It was suggested that placing the motor DIP switches in their original position of #3 OFF & #4 OFF; then pressing and holding the one-button for 50 or more seconds might reset the motor logic and settings.

Here is what I tried:

1. Powered off motor.
2. Changed DIP switches to #3 OFF & #4 OFF. Disconnected the RS-485 cable. This is how the motor came new.
3. Power cycled the motor; On for 60 seconds, then Off for at least 60 seconds.
4. Powered on the motor and waited 60 seconds. The motor started in its previously set Schedule A.3.
5. Pressed and held the one-button interface for 60 seconds.
6. Powered off motor. Wait 60 seconds.
7. Powered on motor. At this point it was hopeful that the logic board would be reset.
8. Powered off motor.
9. Changed DIP switches #3 ON & #4 ON to put in Schedule D (automation mode).
10. Powered on motor. Waited 60 seconds.
11. Powered off motor.
12. Connected the RS-485 cable to the Aqualink TCX.
13. Powered on motor and TCX. Waited approx. 5 minutes.
14. No Joy! The TCX did not discover the Century VSP. In iAqualink app VSP Setup I still receive the message "VSP Not Connected".

I repeated the above but changed by putting Century motor in Schedule D mode before the reset attempt.
No Joy!

I repeated the above but changed by putting the Century motor in Schedule A mode AND performing the Jandy Aqualink TCX factory reset before connecting them.
No Joy!

I repeated the above but changed by putting Century motor in Schedule D mode AND performing the Jandy Aqualink TCX factory reset before connecting them.
No Joy!

I have run out of time today to try more, but will keep an eye out for suggestions from the community.

 

[weiyin]

Maybe check the cabling? Do you have all 4 pins connected, or just the data +/- pins?

 

[afassas]

Maybe check the cabling? Do you have all 4 pins connected, or just the data +/- pins?

Thank you. Yes, the cabling between the Century motor and the TCX pool automation has been checked for proper function. The Century motor installation guide has a diagram for connection to a Jandy Aqualink TCX showing all 4 wires (12V, red; data +, blue; data -, yellow; Gnd/Com, green).

I have connected my short test cable to the RS-485 block plug at the TCX, where the Century motor is terminated. I am able to connect to the Century motor via my laptop and UST to RS-485 and a terminal program. The Century motor accepts and responds appropriately to Century MODBUS commands. The Century motor does not respond to Jandy formatted commands.

I have begun a 'warranty claim' with INYO Pools to either get the motor and its control drive replaced, or get a replacement control drive PC board, or get direct support from a Century engineer. My gut feeling is that somehow a setting or piece of code on the Century motor control drive board is not correct. I am willing to flash update the control drive board or replace just the board. Or if need be replace the motor.

I am using the motor in standalone mode on its program A.3 currently. Not ideal, as I have a water feature that uses the same filter pump for its water. With the pool automation, it would automatically command the required motor RPM for the water feature. Now I have to take a walk outside of my pool area in order to ramp up the RPM for the water feature. 1st world problems.

I am not going to accept a partially functioning Century VGreen EVO pool motor with Century Connect. So I am going to keep pushing for a solution.

I am done blindly trying to connect to the motor and change settings. I will accept thoughtful ideas, known solutions, or in a moment of divine clarity a call from Century engineering. Century you have my number and email from several times reaching out via Support Contact Us forms, Warranty Claims, emails to Customer Care.

 

[afassas]

UPDATE on this situation.
1. I received a warranty replacement Century EVC165 VGreen EVO motor with Century Connect.
2. The replacement motor was recognized by my Jandy Aqualink TCX pool automation system. Follow Century instructions for setting motor into Schedule D mode, then connecting to pool automation. Please note that with Century Connect, the EVO motor will recognize Jandy, Pentair, and Hayward pool automation commands straight out of the box without the need to set the motors drive control protocol.
3. Life was GOOD. EVO motor controlled by pool automation as it should.
4. Needed to backwash my filter. Queue the suspenseful music!
5. Being new to both pool automation and variable speed pump motor world, I (apparently foolishly) powered off the pump & pool automation (they are both powered on the same switched circuit) so that I could place my filter into backwash.
6. Powered all back up and backwash proceeded smoothly.
7. Again, powered off the pump & pool automation so that I could place my filter into 'filter' mode.
8. Powered all back up and the Century EVO motor would NOT respond to the pool automation commands to start.
This is essentially the same thing that happened with the 1st Century EVC165 motor.

I have sent the following to Century / Regal Rexnord engineering, [email protected], with no response to date. Perhaps the TFP brain trust can provide help.

CS Engineering,
I have a question regarding a Century EVC165 motor, VGreen EVO with Century Connect that has stopped responding to Jandy Aqualink commands via RS-485.

This motor is working properly in Schedule A mode (internal control module program).

This motor will go into Schedule D mode.

This motor is accepting and responding to Century Gen3 EPC MODBUS commands.

The motor will not respond to Jandy Aqualink commands anymore. The motor initially worked with a Jandy Aqualink TCX pool automation. After several power cycles of the motor, it has stopped responding to Jandy Aqualink commands. The motor is still responding to Century Gen3 EPC MODBUS commands.

Examples
Century Gen3 EPC MODBUS
15 43 20 50 EC - Sent STATUS Command
15 43 10 00 F8 3C 15 64 10 0A - Motor Response

Jandy Aqualink protocol
10 02 78 43 CD 10 03 – Sent STATUS Command
No Response from Century EVC165 motor.

How can the response to Jandy Aqualink protocol commands be restored?

 

[MSchutzer]

Sounds like they might still have some bugs in their Century Connect firmware. Works okay for initial configuration but then it doesn’t remember configuration after a power cycle?
I wonder what their tech support will say?