power setting on AutoPilot

[semenzato]

My Autopilot output level also varies quite a bit with temperature changes. It's easy to notice because when the pump starts, the temperature of the water in the pipes varies between 75 (water standing in pipes in the shade) to 90 (water that has been sitting in the solar panels)---a 15F change or more is not uncommon. You may have a similar effect at startup time. If the output swings wildly with small temperature changes (and you may read the temperature directly on the unit) then I would worry about it, otherwise this seems normal.

One thing that I would like from Pool Pilot, however, is the ability to set the output level consistently when the temperature changes. Suppose for instance that I want to turn off the unit for a while (chlorine too high). I check the level, say it is 30% at 85F, and bring it to 0 (I don't know of other ways of turning it off). Later I want to put it back to where it was, but now the temperature is 92F, and I can only guess. Sean, would you be able to post a chart that shows how output levels and temperature are correlated? Surely this is not proprietary information---your customers could find it out for ourselves, but you could save us the work.

Thanks!

[Poolsean]

I'll get that information to you if someone can tell me how to attach a document.

[brent.roberts]

never tried to attach a document.

if it's on the autopilot web site, just point us in that direction.

[semenzato]

It doesn't seem too difficult. Click on "Go Advanced" (next to "Quick Reply") at the bottom, then click on "Manage Attachments" at the bottom. There is a maximum file size but it's sufficiently generous for a small table. I attached a random picture from a visit to a power plant (the water chemistry lab, of all places...). A PDF document would be best. Putting it on the Autopilot web site would be even better.

Thanks!

[Poolsean]

The Automatic Temperature Compensation adjustments run along this chart. These are not absolute values and may fluctuate +- 2-3 degrees.

[brent.roberts]

Thanks for digging this out for us Sean.

Can you tell me the relative power settings at the different leves 1, 2, and 3 ?

[Poolsean]

Cell Power 1 = 5.0 amps
Cell Power 2 = 6.5 amps
Cell Power 3 = 8.0 amps

Normal operating Volts depends on the cell.
SC-36 = 16 - 19 volts
SC-48 = 23 - 27 volts
SC-60 = 21 - 26 volts
when the salt is low, cell is scaled, water temperature gets colder, or cell is wearing out, the voltage will rise to 28-29 volts. At that point the amperage will drop. This is where you start seeing the warning lights appear.
This is SPECIFICALLY for the Pool Pilot system. However, you'll see the same affects on the cell due to the same reasons.

[brent.roberts]

Great. Now I can understand where I'm going.

Thanks a lot. By the way. Wave this message in front of the people that write your paycheck. The primary reason I bought the Autopilot Digital was your participation on this forum. At the very least you deserve a gold star!

[semenzato]

Thanks Sean, this is very useful!