Possible SES-3 Failsafe Issue

[petn7]

I am using an SES-3 electronic switch and it has worked perfectly so far...except for the failsafe. A few weeks ago, when I tried an RCABS system with two air pumps, the failsafe worked perfectly: when I turned off the transmitter, 7 seconds would elapse, then the correct air pump would start, forcing air into the bladder. Now that I've removed one air pump and replaced it with a Clippard valve, the failsafe doesn't work. When I turn off the transmitter, the Clippard valve starts randomly clicking (I know this is the Clippard valve activating) and the air pump randomly turns on and off. This occurs no matter how I position the failsafe jumper and even if that jumper is removed.

Anyone know what could be wrong? Is it the Clippard valve that causes this glitch? Or maybe the diodes I installed across the Clippard and motor terminals?

[skip asay]

It sounds like maybe one

It sounds like maybe one of the diodes are reversed. Can you post a schematic of how it's connected?

Skip Asay

[petn7]

It sounds like maybe one

It sounds like maybe one of the diodes are reversed. Can you post a schematic of how it's connected?

Skip Asay

If one of the diodes are reversed, shouldn't the diode explode?

[skip asay]

"If one of the diodes

"If one of the diodes are reversed, shouldn't the diode explode?"

Since it's almost certainly the diode across the Clippard valve that's the culprit, no. The reason for that is that the Clippard solenoid valves draw a relatively miniscule amount of current. Actually, because the current draw is so low, I've never used a diode on a Clippard solenoid.

I'm still fishing, though. How about a schematic?

Skip Asay

[petn7]

I don't have a schematic,

I don't have a schematic, but I believe I followed the directions correctly (although I could be wrong). What confuses me is how this worked properly before, but now it doesn't. Also, if there was a wiring issue, shouldn't the SES-3 not work properly when the transmitter is on?

I just removed the diode from the Clippard valve and have the same problem.

Maybe I damaged the SES-3 when I used both airpumps with no diodes?

EDIT: I also removed the diode from the air pump motor and the problem remains.

[petn7]

Ok, I tried a few

Ok, I tried a few things:

1. I unplugged the Clippard valve, but the kept the airpump plugged in = same problem.

2. I unplugged the airpump, but kept the Clippard valve plugged in = same problem.

3. I replaced the clippard valve with the original second motor pump (so I have 2 air pumps plugged into the SES-3) = same problem.

Seems like it's an SES-3 issue.

Steve, BigDave...none of you have every had problems with your SES-3s' failsafes?

[skip asay]

"I believe I followed the

"I believe I followed the directions correctly (although I could be wrong)"

That's exactly why I asked for a schematic. I'm sure you have some type of program that you can use. Give it a go.

Skip Asay

[petn7]

"I believe I followed the

"I believe I followed the directions correctly (although I could be wrong)"

That's exactly why I asked for a schematic. I'm sure you have some type of program that you can use. Give it a go.

Skip Asay

What program is that? I don't have any programs. To do a schematic, I would have to draw it by hand.

[skip asay]

"If one of the diodes

"If one of the diodes are reversed, shouldn't the diode explode?"

I don't know where my head was at when I originally answered "no" to this question. The real answer is yes, the diode would explode if connected backwards. I was thinking of the possible voltage spike generated when power is turned off. Sorry about that.

I still think that the problem is how everything is connected. Since you don't have a program suitable, draw it out by hand, take a picture of your drawing, and post it.

Skip Asay

[petn7]

Here's my diagram. If it

Here's my diagram. If it doesn't make any sense, it would be a better use of my time to just buy a new SES-3.

Again, I doubt the wiring is an issue since it worked. I suppose my wiring could be incorrect in that it works, but then somehow damages the SES-3 over time.

Perhaps I damaged the SES-3 when I plugged in my battery into the wrong red plug, which ended up damaging original Mtroniks esc.

[skip asay]

It looks as though you've

It looks as though you've somehow "lost" the SES-III. According to your drawing, you've hooked it up correctly although "I plugged in my battery into the wrong red plug" bodes ill.

Sorry.

Skip Asay

[petn7]

It looks as though you've

It looks as though you've somehow "lost" the SES-III. According to your drawing, you've hooked it up correctly although "I plugged in my battery into the wrong red plug" bodes ill.

Sorry.

Skip Asay

That's what I figured. I assumed there was some easy fix, or that I damaged it. The damage either came at the same time I damaged the Mtroniks ESC or by my failure to use diodes (which I doubt). I never assumed the SES-3 was flawed or faulty in any way.

I'm going to continue using this SES-3, under the assumption that the only problem with it is with the failsafe and caused by me.

I'll probably buy another SES-3 eventually...especially if I want to run my Seafox anywhere besides a swimming pool.

[petn7]

I reapplied the diodes and

I reapplied the diodes and the failsafe works...kinda.

After I set my WTC back up, whenever I turn off my transmitter the air pump will kick in, but at differing moments. Sometimes the air pump will kick in immediately. Sometimes it kicks in after 16 seconds. Other times it kicks in between 3-8 seconds. Oh, and after 5+ seconds of the air pump running when the transmitter is turned off, the air pump will turn off on its own.

I know my SES-3 is partially broken, but I just thought I'd give an update.