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Old 03-09-11, 08:54 PM   #1
JOHN MARAVICH
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Default C-30-1S solar pump controller problem

XRinger: Do you still have this controller--C-30-1S? I have one just like it and I THINK it has quit working. the pump runs constantly and never turns off. The OFF/AUTO/ON switch is very sensitive and you have to play with it to get it to go off.
It is attached to the end of the pump motor and not even sure how to remove it.

Any suggestions? advice? Familiar with these? Trying to avoid expensive service call...
Thanks, JOHN

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Old 03-09-11, 09:53 PM   #2
Xringer
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Default Removing it, is the easy part.. :)

I still have it and I actually found a pair of thermistors for it the other day..
I think they are the ones I took off the collectors when I took the system apart.



If it's running all the time, one of your thermistors might be bad or maybe
disconnected (open). The wires on one could be shorted together.
Try reading the DC voltage across them.
You also want to take a look at all the wiring.
Make sure nothing has come apart up on the roof..
If the installer used a wire nut, or tape, it might have rotted off..


If the tank and the collectors are near the same temp, the voltages should be close to equal.
It's very easy to check thermistors with a VOM, since their resistance varies with temperature.

The fact that it's running, means the relay is being energized by the control circuit.
So, most likely the board is still good.

On the slide switch, there is a thin slot, where you can see inside the switch.
All the contacts & the sliding bar are visible. If the contacts aren't shinny,
try sliding the switch back and forth about 200 times. That should clean the contacts.

If the contacts have gone bad, you might be able remove it and solder in some wires..
Which can be connected to a new switch..
Or, just short out the 'Auto' contacts and just unplug it for OFF..

If you have a techic nerd or Ham Radio friend, he might be able to help.
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Old 03-10-11, 07:05 AM   #3
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Default

I moved this post on its own to get more attention and clean up the temperature controller thread since its a bit off topic.
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Old 03-10-11, 10:15 AM   #4
Xringer
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Haha! Well, it got my attention, and I'm likely one of the few people who
has any knowledge about this antique controller..


Here's the install manual. It has the thermistor data you might need..
www.conifer-solar-consulting.com/C-30-1S.pdf

11-13-1981.. 30 years old. That sounds about right.
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Old 03-13-11, 10:59 PM   #5
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Hey John,
Did you get it working again??
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Old 03-15-11, 07:39 PM   #6
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Hi,
This was not the same controller, but I had a failure with the same symptoms that turned out to be relay contacts on the pump relay that were stuck together.

Gary
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Old 04-17-11, 09:38 PM   #7
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Hi there , it would be great if you could email me a photo of the C-30 controller diagram on the Metal casing in your photo . I just cannot read it .would be appreciated .

regards
Solar
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Old 04-17-11, 10:46 PM   #8
Xringer
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Here you go..



At http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f147/Xringer/HWC.jpg
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Old 04-18-11, 12:27 AM   #9
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Thanks very much John , did you get it all sorted out?

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