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Old 07-10-13, 07:57 AM   #71
AC_Hacker
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mikesolar View Post
I must have missed this post somehow. AC, my thoughts are that the refrigerant volume of the BPHX needs to be similar to that of the the indoor coil unless there is an accumulator which isn't that likely on your unit.
I think you might be right about the refrigerant volume/accumulator issue... I'll look into that.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mikesolar View Post
On the control side, I have seen that there are PWM signals with a start and end pulse that communicate a remote control with the outdoor unit on the inverter models. Yours is probably a lot simpler but finding out what the thermister values on the inside unit are would be a start. Have you got those handy?
I don't have the indoor unit, but if I did I think I might have some chance at being able to communicate with the outdoor unit.

I have looked into this issue and have studied the work that others are doing on this, and have come to the conclusion that 'breaking the code' is going to be too difficult. I have talked to some local electronics guys with way more experience and equipment than I have, in signal analysis and the problem is not trivial.

The best advice I have gotten, is to look at how the present circuit board is laid out and 'hi-jack' the control lines from the existing microprocessor. I have looked closely into this approach and I think that it is the best possibility.

The compressor isn't variable speed, it's just on & off. So I have decided to proceed along these lines.

I'll still need to account for:
  • compressor power
  • crank case heater power
  • reversing valve power
  • fan motor power
  • monitoring frost buildup on the evaporator

I think I can make an Arduino control these things through the existing, decapitated circuit board.

This approach will be less elegant, but more possible for me to do.

Best,

-AC

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Old 10-13-13, 12:31 PM   #72
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Default Two year status report:

It will be two years this week since the first run of this repaired unit.
No problems to report. Operation normal.
Cooling was excellent all summer. Both Sanyos were use during heavy pollen days.
We are just starting the 2013-2014 heating season and both systems are
operating at normal power levels and heat output appears normal.
(It's not really cold yet).
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Old 04-18-15, 12:33 PM   #73
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Default Still ticking after all these years

The repaired unit is still running like new. The only problems are a little noise
from the indoor unit (whining motor) and the need for more snow protection on the outdoor unit.

One other concern is the fungus or mossy stuff that's growing on the HX.
This unit is most always in the shade and it's damp in that area..

The power levels for the 2014-2015 heating season were higher this year,
but that's to be expected, with the winters getting progressively worse.

I will be building some type of large snow roof for this unit.
Maybe even add a duct to bring in snow-free air from under the deck.
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Old 04-18-15, 05:35 PM   #74
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My indoor unit has started to make a very slight noise too.

Have you had any issues cleaning the indoor unit. It's not really easy to get in there, outside of cleaning the filter
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Old 04-18-15, 06:23 PM   #75
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A couple of years back I made some mods to the filters.
I added small foam insulation strips around the edges of the filter screens.
They had an adhesive side which I pressed into the plastic cover.
These strips block air-flow (w/ dirt) from going around the edges of the filter carrier.
(When I remove the filters, the strips remain on the cover).

So, I'm getting very little dust into the actual HX vanes.
Both indoor units are staying pretty clean.

The post (with pictures) is here somewhere..


Early on, I did use a very soft brush on a handheld vacuum to clean off dust bunnies.
Mostly on the surface of the HX vanes. The trick is not to bent the vanes.
They are very thin aluminum.
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Old 04-18-15, 06:27 PM   #76
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Xringer View Post
A couple of years back I made some mods to the filters.
I added small foam insulation strips around the edges of the filter screens.
They had an adhesive side which I pressed into the plastic cover.
These strips block air-flow (w/ dirt) from going around the edges of the filter carrier.
(When I remove the filters, the strips remain on the cover).

So, I'm getting very little dust into the actual HX vanes.
Both indoor units are staying pretty clean.

The post (with pictures) is here somewhere..


Early on, I did use a very soft brush on a handheld vacuum to clean off dust bunnies.
Mostly on the surface of the HX vanes. The trick is not to bent the vanes.
They are very thin aluminum.
Thx for the advice
I did find some 'coil cleaner' that is normally sprayed on HVAC indoor coils if they get musty, but with all the plastic grid in the way, it kinda makes a mess.
My vanes seem ok, but my scroll fan def has a coating and is impossible to reach without dismantling it.
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Old 04-20-15, 10:48 AM   #77
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I wonder what my fan looks like. Seems like it's the fan motor is making the whining noise.
It's still working fine, so I'm not sure that I even want to pull the cover off.. Not yet.

I'll have to track down some 'coil cleaner' for the Den Sanyo, since it's getting bad.
It's on the north side of the house. Our vinyl siding back there also gets moss etc on it.
We pressure wash the north-side when it starts becoming an eyesore..
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Old 04-20-15, 12:02 PM   #78
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Do you have a local HVAC supply house that will sell to " civilians " ? I buy most of my stuff from Johnstone supply . Do not know if they have stores in your location .

God bless
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Old 04-20-15, 01:32 PM   #79
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We do have a local store and they gave me that 'look', but sold me the stuff I wanted.
There is a Johnstone supply in town too. Never been over there.

Since these Mini-splits are made in China, you will likely find the parts on-line.
I looked up the motor for my indoor unit and found them. A few months ago.
Sometimes I see Sanyo parts on Ebay too.
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Old 04-20-15, 02:04 PM   #80
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I like Johnstone . Last week I bought our second MS from them .

I try not to trade with W W Granger if I can find it at Johnstone .

God bless
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