ReefKeeper Lite extra module causing PC4 ports to not turn on

bfortune76 · 10/21/2015, 06:51 AM

I am still waiting for approval for the DA forums but I will ask here as well. I have a month old ReefKeeper lite basic that was configured to run my Return pump, skimmer, and heater. I wanted to use it for ATO and wanted a PH probe so I added an SLV2. Now I want to be able to view over the internet so I picked up a NET controller. I have individually updated all modules to the latest firmware. So here is the configuration

RKL Head Unit --> PC4 --> NET --> SLV2 --> temp probe

The return pump is configured has a standard pump that shuts off when in standby
The skimmer also shuts off in standby but stays off for 10 more minutes
The ATO pump is configured off a switch port on the SLV2 on when open off when closed.
The heater is set to come on or off based on the temp probe.

Here is my issue. Everything is connected and running. I can view everything online and make changes. If I hit standby everything shuts down that is supposed to. However, when standby expires the return pump kicks back on but the skimmer and the ATO will not power back up. The on light on the PC4 is blue saying the port is on. And if I connect the computer and manually move the float switch the PC4 and the software show open or closed but does not power the socket. If I unplug the bus cable from the NET module and plug it back in everything turns on except for the ATO it will not operate period if the NET module is in the loop. Additionally if I plug the SID at the end of the loop in place of the temp probe the software is very buggy and sluggish when the NET module is in the loop.

I have a theory but wanted to see if I am on track. The skimmer and the Aqualifter pump are on PC4 channel 1 and 4. I think those are both the mechanical relay channels. The aqualifter pump will only work for me on one of the mechanical relay channels. Most diagrams I see running similar setups have two PC4’s Is it possible I need another PC4 for more power to run multiple modules?

n2585722 · 10/21/2015, 08:59 AM

I think you are trying to run too much with one PC4. The NET and SL2v2 are power hogs. I would add another PC4 or you can get a HUB and a power pack for the HUB. You can usually get the Aqualifter to run on the other outlets if you add a surge protector between the Aqualifter and the PC4.

bfortune76 · 10/21/2015, 10:42 AM

That's what I suspect. I have another PC4 just no bus cable. I found some RJ11 connectors in the spare parts bin at work so I'm going to make a cable and try it tonight.

n2585722 · 10/21/2015, 11:07 AM

If you make you own cable be careful that the connector are on the cables correctly. If not it can damage your system. Look at a one of your cables. Notice the connectors on each end. One is flipped compared to the other. You also will need all six connections so make sure you have the six conductor connectors and wire.

bfortune76 · 10/21/2015, 06:17 PM

I had to make small repairs to the second PC4 but after getting it to power on and making a cable it is hooked into the system and that was the problem. I guess the modules just needed more power.

n2585722 · 10/21/2015, 06:36 PM

Each PC4 put out 300ma of buss power so it don't take long with the newer modules or the NET module to need more power. The newer PB4 puts out 600 ma I believe. I think the PB8 puts out 1200 ma and has 4 ports. Neither has a current read back though.

10/21/2015, 06:51 AM	#1
bfortune76 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 158	ReefKeeper Lite extra module causing PC4 ports to not turn on I am still waiting for approval for the DA forums but I will ask here as well. I have a month old ReefKeeper lite basic that was configured to run my Return pump, skimmer, and heater. I wanted to use it for ATO and wanted a PH probe so I added an SLV2. Now I want to be able to view over the internet so I picked up a NET controller. I have individually updated all modules to the latest firmware. So here is the configuration RKL Head Unit --> PC4 --> NET --> SLV2 --> temp probe The return pump is configured has a standard pump that shuts off when in standby The skimmer also shuts off in standby but stays off for 10 more minutes The ATO pump is configured off a switch port on the SLV2 on when open off when closed. The heater is set to come on or off based on the temp probe. Here is my issue. Everything is connected and running. I can view everything online and make changes. If I hit standby everything shuts down that is supposed to. However, when standby expires the return pump kicks back on but the skimmer and the ATO will not power back up. The on light on the PC4 is blue saying the port is on. And if I connect the computer and manually move the float switch the PC4 and the software show open or closed but does not power the socket. If I unplug the bus cable from the NET module and plug it back in everything turns on except for the ATO it will not operate period if the NET module is in the loop. Additionally if I plug the SID at the end of the loop in place of the temp probe the software is very buggy and sluggish when the NET module is in the loop. I have a theory but wanted to see if I am on track. The skimmer and the Aqualifter pump are on PC4 channel 1 and 4. I think those are both the mechanical relay channels. The aqualifter pump will only work for me on one of the mechanical relay channels. Most diagrams I see running similar setups have two PC4’s Is it possible I need another PC4 for more power to run multiple modules?

10/21/2015, 08:59 AM	#2
n2585722 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Tx Posts: 1,072	I think you are trying to run too much with one PC4. The NET and SL2v2 are power hogs. I would add another PC4 or you can get a HUB and a power pack for the HUB. You can usually get the Aqualifter to run on the other outlets if you add a surge protector between the Aqualifter and the PC4.

10/21/2015, 10:42 AM	#3
bfortune76 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 158	That's what I suspect. I have another PC4 just no bus cable. I found some RJ11 connectors in the spare parts bin at work so I'm going to make a cable and try it tonight.

10/21/2015, 11:07 AM	#4
n2585722 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Tx Posts: 1,072	If you make you own cable be careful that the connector are on the cables correctly. If not it can damage your system. Look at a one of your cables. Notice the connectors on each end. One is flipped compared to the other. You also will need all six connections so make sure you have the six conductor connectors and wire.

10/21/2015, 06:17 PM	#5
bfortune76 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 158	I had to make small repairs to the second PC4 but after getting it to power on and making a cable it is hooked into the system and that was the problem. I guess the modules just needed more power.

10/21/2015, 06:36 PM	#6
n2585722 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Tx Posts: 1,072	Each PC4 put out 300ma of buss power so it don't take long with the newer modules or the NET module to need more power. The newer PB4 puts out 600 ma I believe. I think the PB8 puts out 1200 ma and has 4 ports. Neither has a current read back though.