Pump 1: Communication Lost / Pump Status: No Comm!

[Cbuckthree]

Hello, very brand new to all things Pool related. Just bought a house with an existing pool with a Pentair outside control panel and an IntelliFlowXF VSF pump and Pentair screen logic app.

Everything was working well until the screen logic interface protocol adapter got disconnected from power for 3 days.

Now the screen logic app gives me the error: “Pump 1: Communication Lost” and the Pentair outside control panel says: “Pump Status: No Comm!”

Note: When in service mode OR auto mode the pump shows the same screen. (See photo).

Note: The screen logic app still properly controls the hot tub blower so I know it’s communicating with the Pentair outdoor control panel.

I have no other controllers.

How do I fix this?

 

[Jimrahbe]

C,

We have seen this a lot lately... Not sure it applies to your specific pump, but the fix has been for Pentair to update the pump's Firmware.

If your pump was being controlled by your automation system, it would say "Display not Active"

The good news is that you can still run the pump, from the pump's control panel until you can get a Pentair tech out.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Cbuckthree]

Hi Jim, thank you for the advice. Two questions.

1. I assume a Pentair tech is not free. Are people upset that their Pentair system that worked just fine appears to malfunction and require a (presumably costly) technicians visit to fix?
2. Is there a guide online on how to run the pump manually? I see that it is VFD controlled. Is there a threat of me running it too fast or too slow for an extended period of time?

Thank you very much for the advice.

 

[Jimrahbe]

C,

I had assumed this was a new pool, but I now see it is just new to you. If the pumps have been working for a year or two, then it is not a F/W issue. Look at the pump, it should have a date of mfg. on the label. Let us know what it is...

You can't hurt the pump by running it too fast or too slow or for too long.

The pump is normally controlled by the automation from the small black cable that plugs into the side of the pump's control panel. When the automation is in control, your pump's display should say "Display not active".

Since your pump has an RPM display, this means you have lost communications to the pump.

Using your app, turn on the pool light and then go out a visually confirm the light is actually on. Then push the button on the main panel to turn the light off and make sure the app shows the light is off. If this works, that confirms that the RS-485 com bus is still working and that something is wrong on the pump side. Could be the pump or it could be the cable.

1. Check to make sure the end of the cable is connected to the com port inside the automation.
2. Disconnect the cable going to the pump and inspect both ends and make sure there is no corrosion.

If it is not the cable, then the control head is bad. (Assuming everything else on the RS-485 bus is working ok,)

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Cbuckthree]

Just to follow up. My neighbor came over and powered down the system. Waited for 5 minutes and powered everything back up. Communication to the control box was magically restored. I had already cut power to the system but I just flipped the breakers on/off. He suggested waiting for a minute or two. I don't know why it makes a difference but either way it's all working again now. Thank you for your advice!