Pool Pilot Digital display went blank

[Tricky1]

Hi

My Pool Pilot display went blank and the unit has shutoff.I have checked the fuses (all ok)and the unit has AC power to it.The fan is still running,but I don't seem to be getting any DC power to the cell.My pool water is 70 degrees so I don't think it shutdown because of low water temp.AutoPilot factory assistance said it was probably the circuit board which lists for $450.The unit is 3 years old and was virtually trouble free until about 2 months ago.Since then I have had to replace the cell and now this problem.I am rapidly losing my enthusiasm for this product.Has anyone had any similar problems or any ideas for me.

Many thanks

Rich

[rollo]

Been there, Rich. Read on.
My Pool Pilot DIG-220 w/ SC-60 cell was installed in 2003. I had to have the power supply replaced TWICE in the first TWO MONTHS. And to top that off, I received a refurbished power supply as replacements. Now to be fair here, Autopilot's website states they have the option to send out refurbished replacement parts under warranty, but IMHO a unit that is less than 1 month old the FIRST time it goes bad deserves a BRAND NEW replacement. I was told at the time, by someone at Autopilot, that there was a problem with the power supplies. The third unit worked great for about 2 years but hasn't worked right all summer. I keep the power supply and cell manifold under cover, out of the rain and bring it in during the winter. The thing has been outside with power connected for maybe 13 months total. I guess that's not too bad for a REFURB. I purchased a brand new unit and THREE WEEKS later when the power supply went bad, I get a refurb as a replacement. THREE WEEKS! I more or less paid full price for a refurbished Pool Pilot. If you paid $1200.00 for a new tv or fridge and it quit working within 3 or 4 weeks, would you be happy with a refubished unit as a replacement? Autopilot charges almost twice as much for their units as anybody else but it doesn't show up in quality or customer service. I think I'll just buy an Aquarite this winter and put the Autopilot fiasco behind me.

[Tricky1]

Hi Rollo

When your unit went bad did you have the same symptoms as mine?I am reluctant to buy a new circuit board.What if it turns out to not be the problem?I could have a service call but if it costs $450 just for the circuit board I could foresee this costing $600 or more including labor.I also wonder if this could somehow be related to the premature failure of my cell.For the cost of this repair plus the cell I have already bought, I could almost buy a complete new unit on ebay,although if this is what I have to look forward to I think I would be better off going back to chlorine.

Rich

[Poolsean]

Rich,

I can't promise anything, but if you can, please e-mail me with your serial number and the date of installation.

Where are you located and who was the dealer that installed your system for you?

[rollo]

Rich,
The first two times mine went bad it was like you are describing. No display. The unit I am having problems with now still has the display but it shows
0 volts and 0 amps to the cell. Autopilot customer service said it was a bad cell cord. I replaced the cell cord and nothing changed so they said it was a bad power supply. For the price of the power supply I can buy an Aquarite with the cell and since my Autopilot cell is about 3 years old, it will probably need replacing soon. The volts to the cell were dropping all summer and like you, I'm not sure if it would have caused a premature end to the cell life. In your case, since you've already purchased a new cell, you would probably be better off just getting the new control board. My Autopilot worked GREAT when it was working. After owning a SWG I'll never go back to BBB.