DC8 failed to switch off, could have been real bad - Page 2

Doni · 07/26/2007, 09:54 AM

I remedied mine by plugging the skimmer pump and the mini-jet into the same outlet

That has worked out great because now I have another outlet I can use to control another item

neverwouldof · 07/26/2007, 12:38 PM

What does the Soft Start really help with ? Can i just go with the DC4H if i'll be running Icecap 660's and MH-400watt ballasts?

Keith

clp · 07/26/2007, 01:30 PM

Soft start reduces the wear & tear on pumps. Also, since the triacs in the DC8 are solid state, then are completely silent when turning on/off. A DC4HD will work fine w/ the ballasts you mention.

Curt

Kevin McG · 07/30/2007, 05:59 PM

Oh my finding this thread may be the cause of my problems. I had been having issues with my T5 ballasts turning off for a minute or so then turning back on. I thought this was due to heat but still has been doing it with a fan directly on the ballast. Now today while doing a water change I noticed a dosing pump that I am using is turning on for a cycle every now and then and then turning back off??

I am going to try and plug another source(lightbulb) and see if it still happens but I'll tell ya right now if it is I am going to be really ****ed! I could have wiped out my whole tank without knowing this and some notes in the directions would of been nice.

I'm not jumping to conclusion right now and will report back after I test with the bulb.

crazy loaches · 08/02/2007, 09:55 AM

Is it just the DC8 that has this problem... everyone seems to indicate using the DC4HD as an alternative but what about the regular DC4 will it have these problems or not? I am mainly concerned about a few Tom Aqualifter pumps and solenoids for CO2 and auto water changers.

Is there going to be a fix of some sort to disable the soft start? I'd really like to save money with the 8's instead of 4's...

sandry · 09/25/2007, 09:41 AM

Curt,

Is a lack of responsibility to do not put in the user's guide a note about this issue. I bought a Neptune with DC8 in July and after 3 days working with Kalk dozer to rise the pH the dozer pump don't stop and I lost 90% of my hardness coral. I'm disappointed.

clp · 09/25/2007, 09:51 AM

sandry,
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. When we became aware of the incompatiblity we did update the DC8 owner's manual. In the DC8 manual on our website and shipping the following note is included:

NOTE: Some extremely small pumps (i.e. Aqualifter), may not be shut off when controlled by a
DC8 due to their poor power factor. Work arounds include:
- Plug an additional load (small light bulb/wall wart transformer/fan) in parallel with the load.
- Use a socket expansion box to control the device.
- Use a DC4 or DC4HD to control the device.

Curt

Reeferhead · 09/25/2007, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by clp
sandry,
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. When we became aware of the incompatiblity we did update the DC8 owner's manual. In the DC8 manual on our website and shipping the following note is included:

NOTE: Some extremely small pumps (i.e. Aqualifter), may not be shut off when controlled by a
DC8 due to their poor power factor. Work arounds include:
- Plug an additional load (small light bulb/wall wart transformer/fan) in parallel with the load.
- Use a socket expansion box to control the device.
- Use a DC4 or DC4HD to control the device.

Curt

That's great Curt but the same message should be placed in the product description as well. Also, I can't find the DC8 manual on your website. Can you provide a link?

clp · 09/25/2007, 04:51 PM

The manual is in the downloads section of the support page: http://www.neptunesys.com/manuals.htm . It is not on our product discription because the DC8s (serial #'s greater than 9000) now have relays on outlets 4 & 8, so it is no longer an issue.

Curt

crazy loaches · 09/25/2007, 07:53 PM

Thats finally some good news. Are these new DC8's shipping then?

Brent Thomann · 09/25/2007, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by crazy loaches
Thats finally some good news. Are these new DC8's shipping then?

would like to know too-

clp · 09/26/2007, 10:52 AM

Yes, they started shipping in August.

Curt

janakaybravo · 09/26/2007, 10:25 PM

Curt, what do the relays do on outlets 4 and 8? Do they remove the soft start or give an option to disable it on those outlets?

kngfisher · 09/27/2007, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by clp
The manual is in the downloads section of the support page: http://www.neptunesys.com/manuals.htm . It is not on our product discription because the DC8s (serial #'s greater than 9000) now have relays on outlets 4 & 8, so it is no longer an issue.

Curt

Can you add this into the the owners manual for if someone was not subscribed to reef central and monitoring this thread, they would have no idea that for instance the dosing pump should be on either outlet 4 or 8 of their DC8.

clp · 09/27/2007, 11:27 AM

On the newer DC8s outlets 4 & 8 are relays and don't have soft-start. The rest of the outlets still have soft-start.
The manual included w/ the newer DC8s document the differences between the 4 and 8 and the rest of the outlets.

Curt

kngfisher · 09/27/2007, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by clp
The manual is in the downloads section of the support page: http://www.neptunesys.com/manuals.htm . It is not on our product discription because the DC8s (serial #'s greater than 9000) now have relays on outlets 4 & 8, so it is no longer an issue.

Curt

is there any way to exchange my current DC8 [SN# 7048] for the newer unit SN# > 9000?

clp · 09/28/2007, 10:54 AM

If the unit is in new/unused condition, original packaging, and was purchase within the last 30 days, then yes we will exchange it for you. Contact sales@neptunesys.com .

Curt

jnb · 09/28/2007, 08:58 PM

Is it better to not use the soft start dc8 when switching MH's? Seeing this thread and noticing that my new electronic ballast and MH - I am getting more starting flicker than with my previous 250 watt system?

clp · 10/01/2007, 10:51 AM

Soft start has no affect on a MH ballasts. It is very unlikely that the flicker has anything to do with the direct connect box.

Curt

blange3 · 10/09/2007, 02:32 PM

Glad I found this thread, my aqualifter was working fine during the day, but not at night!

Thought I was going crazy. Fortunately no damage was done.

ssbreef · 12/07/2007, 09:57 PM

This controller is a piece of crap! I bought it a week ago just to control my lights. It starts and stops my MH's and T5's at any given time for absolutely no reason at all. Sometimes it will turn off my lights 10 minutes before closing time and then turn them on 5 minutes later, turn them back off on time and then turn ALL my lights back on at about 3 in the morning. Is this thing possessed or what. I bought it to fix an X10 problem I had with my Octopus3000. The owner told me I shouldn't have a prob with this because of the DC8.....Yeah sure! Do I go out and get me a couple of timers and ditch this piece of crap or is there an easy fix...

NaH2Ofreak · 12/08/2007, 12:20 AM

I have a DC8 also that was purchased about 2-3 years ago. It always has to reboot after you change a setting. Then ya have to go back and reset the tank time. Recently, my heater program stopped working. Even though there is no change to the program, the heater does not shut off when it is programed to >78.5. Even thought the ACjr's temp shows 80.0F, the heater is still on!!!!! Only recent change has been adding a Tunze 7095 multicontroller and an extra tunze 6101 stream. I wouldnt think there would be any interference. ...never been real happy with this controller.

Dennis

janakaybravo · 12/08/2007, 12:42 AM

I love my AC3. I've had it a couple months and it's never screwed up yet.

clp · 12/08/2007, 10:40 AM

NaH2Ofreak, please contact support@neptunesys.com. The unit shouldn't reboot after program changes, and corrupt the tank time.
ssbreef, please email support@neptunesys.com with your program statements and timer names list, and I will help you debug the issue(s) with your program.

Curt

tonga_man · 12/08/2007, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ssbreef
This controller is a piece of crap! I bought it a week ago just to control my lights. It starts and stops my MH's and T5's at any given time for absolutely no reason at all. Sometimes it will turn off my lights 10 minutes before closing time and then turn them on 5 minutes later, turn them back off on time and then turn ALL my lights back on at about 3 in the morning. Is this thing possessed or what. I bought it to fix an X10 problem I had with my Octopus3000. The owner told me I shouldn't have a prob with this because of the DC8.....Yeah sure! Do I go out and get me a couple of timers and ditch this piece of crap or is there an easy fix...

I have been using the piece of crap (note - Bold and Italics)AQ for years without any issues. X-10, then DC4 and DC8. Why don't you post your program so we can try and help you with your problem.

07/26/2007, 09:54 AM	#26
Doni Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 699	I remedied mine by plugging the skimmer pump and the mini-jet into the same outlet That has worked out great because now I have another outlet I can use to control another item __________________ Doni Marie~ "Energy and persistance conquer all things." Benjamin Franklin Current Tank Info: 120 AGA reef and 1000+ gallons of clownfish!

07/26/2007, 12:38 PM	#27
neverwouldof Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Jacksonville Florida Posts: 202	What does the Soft Start really help with ? Can i just go with the DC4H if i'll be running Icecap 660's and MH-400watt ballasts? Keith __________________ Keith in Jacksonville Florida (Realtor to the Hillbillies!) Current Tank Info: Elos 160 Aquarium - ATI Powermodule 60" 10 bulb - GHL Profilux Controller -Elos NS2000 Skimmer - Vortech MP40's - Avast Media Reactor

08/02/2007, 09:55 AM	#30
crazy loaches Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Gahanna, OH Posts: 45	Is it just the DC8 that has this problem... everyone seems to indicate using the DC4HD as an alternative but what about the regular DC4 will it have these problems or not? I am mainly concerned about a few Tom Aqualifter pumps and solenoids for CO2 and auto water changers. Is there going to be a fix of some sort to disable the soft start? I'd really like to save money with the 8's instead of 4's... __________________ ~Tristan Current Tank Info: 240g, fully automated

09/25/2007, 07:53 PM	#35
crazy loaches Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Gahanna, OH Posts: 45	Thats finally some good news. Are these new DC8's shipping then? __________________ ~Tristan Current Tank Info: 240g, fully automated

09/26/2007, 10:25 PM	#38
janakaybravo Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 555	Curt, what do the relays do on outlets 4 and 8? Do they remove the soft start or give an option to disable it on those outlets? __________________ Kay Current Tank Info: 290 gallon AGE reef tank, QT

07/26/2007, 01:30 PM	#28
clp RC Sponsor Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 4,311	Soft start reduces the wear & tear on pumps. Also, since the triacs in the DC8 are solid state, then are completely silent when turning on/off. A DC4HD will work fine w/ the ballasts you mention. Curt

07/30/2007, 05:59 PM	#29
Kevin McG Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Franklin TN Posts: 650	Oh my finding this thread may be the cause of my problems. I had been having issues with my T5 ballasts turning off for a minute or so then turning back on. I thought this was due to heat but still has been doing it with a fan directly on the ballast. Now today while doing a water change I noticed a dosing pump that I am using is turning on for a cycle every now and then and then turning back off?? I am going to try and plug another source(lightbulb) and see if it still happens but I'll tell ya right now if it is I am going to be really ****ed! I could have wiped out my whole tank without knowing this and some notes in the directions would of been nice. I'm not jumping to conclusion right now and will report back after I test with the bulb.

09/25/2007, 09:41 AM	#31
sandry Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Brazil Posts: 6	Curt, Is a lack of responsibility to do not put in the user's guide a note about this issue. I bought a Neptune with DC8 in July and after 3 days working with Kalk dozer to rise the pH the dozer pump don't stop and I lost 90% of my hardness coral. I'm disappointed.

09/25/2007, 09:51 AM	#32
clp RC Sponsor Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 4,311	sandry, I'm sorry to hear about your loss. When we became aware of the incompatiblity we did update the DC8 owner's manual. In the DC8 manual on our website and shipping the following note is included: NOTE: Some extremely small pumps (i.e. Aqualifter), may not be shut off when controlled by a DC8 due to their poor power factor. Work arounds include: - Plug an additional load (small light bulb/wall wart transformer/fan) in parallel with the load. - Use a socket expansion box to control the device. - Use a DC4 or DC4HD to control the device. Curt

09/25/2007, 04:51 PM	#34
clp RC Sponsor Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 4,311	The manual is in the downloads section of the support page: http://www.neptunesys.com/manuals.htm . It is not on our product discription because the DC8s (serial #'s greater than 9000) now have relays on outlets 4 & 8, so it is no longer an issue. Curt

09/26/2007, 10:52 AM	#37
clp RC Sponsor Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 4,311	Yes, they started shipping in August. Curt

09/27/2007, 11:27 AM	#40
clp RC Sponsor Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 4,311	On the newer DC8s outlets 4 & 8 are relays and don't have soft-start. The rest of the outlets still have soft-start. The manual included w/ the newer DC8s document the differences between the 4 and 8 and the rest of the outlets. Curt

09/28/2007, 10:54 AM	#42
clp RC Sponsor Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 4,311	If the unit is in new/unused condition, original packaging, and was purchase within the last 30 days, then yes we will exchange it for you. Contact sales@neptunesys.com . Curt

09/28/2007, 08:58 PM	#43
jnb Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: S.E. Florida Deerfield Beach Posts: 2,581	soft start & mh Is it better to not use the soft start dc8 when switching MH's? Seeing this thread and noticing that my new electronic ballast and MH - I am getting more starting flicker than with my previous 250 watt system?

10/01/2007, 10:51 AM	#44
clp RC Sponsor Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 4,311	Soft start has no affect on a MH ballasts. It is very unlikely that the flicker has anything to do with the direct connect box. Curt

10/09/2007, 02:32 PM	#45
blange3 Brewer and Reefer Join Date: May 2005 Location: Woodbridge, NJ Posts: 1,126	Glad I found this thread, my aqualifter was working fine during the day, but not at night! Thought I was going crazy. Fortunately no damage was done. __________________ Bill Current Tank Info: 180gal with 100 gal Sump CSS Octopus NW150, Mag 18 return, Jebao RW20, 2xMJ 900's 320w VHO Actinics and 320w overdriven T5's coming back online after a FW break

12/07/2007, 09:57 PM	#46
ssbreef Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Montreal Posts: 862	This controller is a piece of crap! I bought it a week ago just to control my lights. It starts and stops my MH's and T5's at any given time for absolutely no reason at all. Sometimes it will turn off my lights 10 minutes before closing time and then turn them on 5 minutes later, turn them back off on time and then turn ALL my lights back on at about 3 in the morning. Is this thing possessed or what. I bought it to fix an X10 problem I had with my Octopus3000. The owner told me I shouldn't have a prob with this because of the DC8.....Yeah sure! Do I go out and get me a couple of timers and ditch this piece of crap or is there an easy fix... __________________ 180g inwall, 89Xturnover, Deltec Ap1004 Skimmer, Deltec PF1001 CR, Deltec KM 500S KS, Octopus 3000, AquaZone Ozone, 1218Watts-MH+VHO+T5, 120g sump, 77g Refuge Current Tank Info: 180g inwall SPS, 225G Softy

12/08/2007, 12:20 AM	#47
NaH2Ofreak Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 1,468	I have a DC8 also that was purchased about 2-3 years ago. It always has to reboot after you change a setting. Then ya have to go back and reset the tank time. Recently, my heater program stopped working. Even though there is no change to the program, the heater does not shut off when it is programed to >78.5. Even thought the ACjr's temp shows 80.0F, the heater is still on!!!!! Only recent change has been adding a Tunze 7095 multicontroller and an extra tunze 6101 stream. I wouldnt think there would be any interference. ...never been real happy with this controller. Dennis

12/08/2007, 12:42 AM	#48
janakaybravo Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 555	I love my AC3. I've had it a couple months and it's never screwed up yet. __________________ Kay Current Tank Info: 290 gallon AGE reef tank, QT

12/08/2007, 10:40 AM	#49
clp RC Sponsor Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 4,311	NaH2Ofreak, please contact support@neptunesys.com. The unit shouldn't reboot after program changes, and corrupt the tank time. ssbreef, please email support@neptunesys.com with your program statements and timer names list, and I will help you debug the issue(s) with your program. Curt