Pulling my hair out trying to get VDM programming to work...

[Tac302000]

Hi everyone. So, I'm trying to control a pair of Tunze 6105's via Apex and a VDM module. I am trying to use slief's programming (from Reef Central).

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1994312

I have created all the necessary profiles and timers for the programming:

Set WAVE1
If Time 10:30 to 11:59 Then DUSK_DAWN
If Time 12:00 to 19:00 Then WAVE1
If Time 19:01 to 20:00 Then DUSK_DAWN
If Time 20:01 to 10:29 Then NIGHT

I uploaded the programming to the VDM module and I got no errors. However, when I set the variable speed ports to Auto, it did not run my programming. It did not even run the pre-programmed "Schedule". Both ports just randomly switch between 0% and 50%. The lights on the port just flash on and off. The pumps pulse on and off in about 1 second intervals. The VDM module is connected via Aqua Bus to an old style EB8.

My trouble shooting:

Same response from VDM ports 1/2 and 3/4 with the same programming.

Swapped out Aqua Bus cables and tried all Aqua Bus inputs on the VDM module and EB8.

I uploaded the same programming to the Variable Speed ports on the Base Unit. The program ran as it should there so I do not believe the problem is in the programming or profiles. Additionally, when the program runs on the Base Unit, the current profile running is displayed IE WAVE_1, DAWN_DUSK etc. Should I be seeing the profile displayed from the VDM ports?

My Base Unit and an EB832 are one floor below my display in my basement fish room. I tried plugging the module into each. The program still would not run. Using the Base Unit's VSP's is not an option as it is a floor below my display.

I came to the conclusion that I must have a bad VDM. BRS accepted a return and I received a new VDM today. I plugged it into my EB8, attached the Tunze adapter cable and uploaded the programming without errors. I get the exact same response, it just oscillates between 0% and 50%.

What in the heck am I missing?!

Thanks in advance for any help!

Scott

 

[SuncrestReef]

While I don't have an answer why it's not running the programming correctly, I can confirm the display of a profile name on the dashboard instead of the percentage is normal. The VarSpd ports on a VDM show the percentage on the dashboard, but VarSpd ports on the Apex base unit display the profile name. No idea why Neptune decided on this.

See: https://forum.neptunesystems.com/showthread.php?22447-VarSpd-port-not-showing-percentage

 

[Tac302000]

Okay, good to know, that problem is solved at least. Thank you sir (again).