Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: ants on October 23, 2011, 04:31:12 pm

Title: Is there a way to fix Variflow
Post by: ants on October 23, 2011, 04:31:12 pm

I accidently connected + to minus and minus to + on my cleaning spot variflow.when i was connecting it up to the battery

It still works. but only at full speed and there is no digital display.

Anyone know if theres a way to fix it?

Title: Re: Is there a way to fix Variflow
Post by: gto on October 23, 2011, 04:52:13 pm

depends what got damaged, you will have to take it apart and have a look.

some of the components will be cheap others will be as much as the controller for single purchases.

Title: Re: Is there a way to fix Variflow
Post by: Mike #1 on October 23, 2011, 05:17:28 pm

if you use it a full speed the hose connections will blow off if you shut off flow via inline tap on hose ,  Typically your fuse should have blown as it acts as a fail safe its hard to say really could be a new controller mate .  MIKE

Title: Re: Is there a way to fix Variflow
Post by: Lee GLS on October 23, 2011, 06:19:33 pm

they should have a diode to protect against reverse polarity, but you will need to open it up to have a look, my brother is an aircraft technician and is always fixing peoples stuff, tomtoms, laptops ect, if you want him to have a look at it you can send it to me and i will pass it on to him, he dosent really charge, just does it for beer tokens.

Title: Re: Is there a way to fix Variflow
Post by: Rogue Trader on October 23, 2011, 08:34:49 pm

i have finally come to the conclusion that these bits of kit are a waste of time just connect pump to an on/off switch and use valve to control flow.

Title: Re: Is there a way to fix Variflow
Post by: Dave. on October 23, 2011, 08:46:20 pm

Theres a guy who comes on here who makes 'em - I'm sure he'll be along soon

Title: Re: Is there a way to fix Variflow
Post by: Ian Sheppard on October 24, 2011, 09:01:28 am

That would be me then ;D

Lee is right there is a diode to protect against reverse polarity which will have blown to protect the rest of the PCB when the polarity was connected the wrong way round.
To be honest the only way to fix it will be to return it for us to have a look. Either back to cleaning spot or Spring direct.

At this point I have no idea what the repair would cost if its just the diode gone, what we do not know at this point is what other damage has been done

Ian

Title: Re: Is there a way to fix Variflow
Post by: ants on October 24, 2011, 09:29:21 pm

Thanks for replies everyone.
It turns out one of the lads in a band i play in says he knows a bit about circuits and is gonna have a look at it for me.
I managed to work all day with it today by just turning the tap on aqua adapter half way to control the  flow.

Title: Re: Is there a way to fix Variflow
Post by: Ian Sheppard on October 25, 2011, 08:51:22 am

For obvious reasons I would not recommend your friend having a look. We have the right equipment to test the PCB and micro processor, your friend for all his goodwill could do more damage.
As the polarity was reversed the may also be damage to some of the circuit tracks on the PCB. My advise is to send it back direct to us.

Interested that you are using the Aqua-dapter with the control, this is an area of interest for us I would be interested to hear how you find they work together, particularly how it affect the calibration and DE on the control.

You can always mail me direct if you prefer

Cheers

Ian

Title: Re: Is there a way to fix Variflow
Post by: BORBRYCE on October 25, 2011, 09:11:06 am

I have been using an A/D and Variflow for 18 month's will no problem's. All works as it should.

Title: Re: Is there a way to fix Variflow
Post by: Ian Sheppard on October 25, 2011, 10:46:29 am

Thanks Ronnie

It is a question that has been asked We always felt they would work together without an issue, its good to see it confirmed in the field

Cheers

Ian

Title: Re: Is there a way to fix Variflow
Post by: ants on October 25, 2011, 10:23:05 pm

I dont understand why it wouldnt work with A/D?

I would like to send it to you Ian, but need it daily,i presume theres a way to run the pump straight to the battery,i will have alook tomorrow.
Thanks for your replies

Title: Re: Is there a way to fix Variflow
Post by: Ian Sheppard on October 26, 2011, 09:50:47 am

In regard working with A_D you are right there is no reason at all why they would not work together. It has been a question asked now and then as such i was interested to here your experiences of using them together.

Yes you can in the short term connect the pump direct to the battery while we look at the Variflow for you.

Please return it to Spring (Europe) Ltd
9A connors yard
Crowborough Hill
Crowborough
TN6 2AD

Mark it for my attention and please include a brief note and return address.

What part of the country are you in?

Ian

Title: Re: Is there a way to fix Variflow
Post by: ants on October 26, 2011, 04:46:04 pm

Cheers Ian, will get it sent off to you this w/end.
Cleveland/Northyorks area.

Title: Re: Is there a way to fix Variflow
Post by: Ian Sheppard on October 27, 2011, 09:18:10 am

No Problem

I will keep you up to speed as soon as as the engineers has had a look.

Cheers

Ian

Title: Re: Is there a way to fix Variflow
Post by: Ian Sheppard on November 07, 2011, 10:45:39 am

Quote from: ants on October 23, 2011, 04:31:12 pm

I accidently connected + to minus and minus to + on my cleaning spot variflow.when i was connecting it up to the battery

It still works. but only at full speed and there is no digital display.

Anyone know if theres a way to fix it?

Hi Mark

The Diode protecting the board had blown as I suspected due to the reverse polarity, There was also some damage to the circuit track.
The Unit has been repaired. I will give you a call later.

Cheers

Ian