Cannot get multi-timer to reliably turn on

[ryan98011]

Hello,

I want to use a multi-timer on my RK2 for Actinic supplementation.

I have had limited success with the timer working. Sometimes it works great and other times after a I have adjusted settings I cant get the first timer to turn on at the desired time (10:30am for 30min). The second timer seems more reliable. I always have the third timer turned off. With this latest round of difficulties I have tried power cycling the unit, resetting to factory defaults, and even reinstalling the firmware (running v2.5) with no luck. I have the earlier time on the first timer.

I have noticed a couple quarks. Not sure if they are significant to my problem I thought I would mention them anyway.

When I select multi-timer for CH8 the first timer says 6:40pm by default. Also by default timer two says 1:00am and timer three says 2:00am. If I leave the default times selected and go back to configure again the time on timer one is automatically changed to 12:00am. The times on the other two timers stay as selected. I have even gone so far as to set all timers to 12:00am, power cycle the unit, and then set my desired times. Still no luck.

Also, when I cycle through the times to get to the desired time I have noticed that CH8 will sometimes turn on and then immediately off when passing over random times.

Is there some sort of trick to get the multi-timers to work reliably? All I want is for CH8 to turn my T5's on at 10:30am for 30min and again at 9pm for 30min. I really want to get this working. Oh, I also have CH7 set to always on with no load to prevent channels from sticking.

Thanks!

[Digital Aquatics]

So one of the first tricks for multi-timers is to make sure the times are in order, earliest to latest. Also never have timers overlap.

Are you indicating that you can't get the unit to retain any time setting? Are you going completely through the setup and not letting it time out?

Scott

[ryan98011]

No. It will retain my settings and my times are in order. The first timer just doesn't kick on at 10:30am when it is supposed to.

[Digital Aquatics]

With your report we've now had two reports of RK2 multi-timer issues... I'll look at this and see if they are related and see what might be causing it. It will take a little time before I have anything to report.

Scott

[ryan98011]

Thanks Scott! Ive tried everything I can think of and cant get it to work right.

[Digital Aquatics]

Understood...

[williebone]

I think that my Lighting Scheme exposed some flaws in the RK2 and it is good to see that I am not alone. Only those that are using these types of Lighting Schemes will ever experience this issue and all others will never know that it exist. Maybe they are like me and they just don't bother reporting it and find some work around or abandon it all to together.

I have tried everything from trying to copy the factory default set-up with my equipment and lights, to resetting the unit when the glich occurs. I gave up after getting a PH Probe because I would alway have to pull it out and Re-Cal it.

Finally I was reduced to manually turning the Glichy Channel on and off, but this has its draw backs because it will cut off another multi timer which requires me to turn both channels on and off.

I have been doing this for quite some time now, and I have gotten use to it now, but outside of that, it a great Controller.

Here is a run down of my Lighting Scheme our Show Room which is the Family Room with FirePlace/Big Screen TV/ Professionally Decorated with Sophisticcated Lighting all on a Timing/Motion System. You can see why it is important that the 75gal follows a certain pattern because it is also a Focal Point in this Room.

Aquarium Lights: Track Lighting (Portrait); 3 Corded/3 Switch T5 HO Quad (4x54w) w/Moon Lights; 2 sets of LEDs added on for a total of 24 LEDs. My mission was to immitate a 24hr day/night cycle adjusting all timers according to the seasons.

Lighting Scheme: on @ 6am=Moon LEDs/6:30am=Moon+8LEDs/7am=Moon+8LEDs+8LEDs/7:30am=Moon+8+8+Track Lt, everything turns off @ 11am. On @ 11am=2xT5s/2pm=4xT5s/3:30pm=4xT5/Track Lt, T5 lights out @ 9pm & Track off @ 10:30pm. On @ 9pm: All 24 LEDs and they cycle down in a sequence starting @ 11:30pm and all off @ 1:30am.

I think that if you have your Tech Dept perform a sophisticated lighting scheme, they will experience this very same problem that myself and other are having. We would appreciated a fix to this problem and remember that I have tried all possible configerations because I am the A-Type personality (anylitical). Thanks

PS: Just purchased a 125gal with a simular Lighting Scheme and decided not to get another RK2 even though they are discontinued and will more than likely sell at a reduced price for those Units still available, but I am concidering the RKL3 because I was promised that this would not happen with that system. Wish me well!

[ryan98011]

Thanks for the additional info! It sounds like we now have three people with confirmed multi-timer glitches. My setup is not nearly as complex but I will post the equipment I am using with the hopes that it will help DA diagnose the problem.

CH1 Temp Controller -> Visi-Therm 150w Stealth Heater
CH2 Light -> CPR AquaFuge Light 1318 (18w CF) & Current USA Lunar Light (2 units) (reverse cycle)
CH3 Sump/Skimmer -> Maxi-Jet 1200 Powerhead (for AquaC Remora skimmer)
CH4 Light -> PFO 150w Electronic HQI Metal Halide Ballast & 92mm Antec Fan (2 units)
CH5 Sump/Skimmer -> Pan World 50PX Magnetic Pump & Current USA 1/15 Prime Chiller (chiller is seasonal)
CH6 Temp Controller -> Auxiliary Fans -> 92mm Antec Fan (2 units) & 4.5" NMB A/C Fan (for chiller)
CH7 Always On -> No Device
CH8 Multi-Timer -> 24" T5 Electronic Ballast (2x24w)

I really love my RK2 and think it is a great controller .. except for this issue (and some quirky issues with myReef v1.0). I even have it flush-mounted in my stand.

I have too much invested in it to justify a new controller. It's not that old!!

[williebone]

My settings:

Ch#1: Multi Timer= 2 programs (Morning/Night)
Ch#2: Wave Maker (a)
Ch#3: Wave Maker (b)
Ch#4: Wave Maker (c)
Ch#5: Always On (Filter/2xHeaters) w/Expansion Socket
Ch#6: Sump/Skimmer (Filter)
Ch#7: Multi Timer= 2 Programs (Morning/Night)
Ch#8: Light (Other)

I am using 2 seperate Digital Timers to round out the lighting. I settled on this Configuration after every other possible Config you could imagine. This was the most reliable for a little while and then I lost Ch#1's morning setting, I have to either leave it off knowing that all works well at night, or manually turn it on and back off again later in the AM cycle. As I said in my first post, the problem is that doing this will also turn off Ch#7, so I have to turn both Channels on at that point and back again later at 11am.

For the money spent on RK2, I think that it is worth DA fixing the problem. I did just buy the RKL3, so they know I must be a Loyal Customer. I urge the Site Administrator to pass our Post on to the Tech Dept and get it handled. Thanks

[retromkt]

Hey I have the same problem, i have de multitimer in channel 8 and its the same the first timer doesnt work I had to plave is again in the 3rth one

[williebone]

I think more will come forward once they realize it's not them, it's the RK2. Believe me when I say this Post will grow and I will keep watching until DA takes note of the issue and realizes that it is not isolated.

[Digital Aquatics]

I think more will come forward once they realize it's not them, it's the RK2. Believe me when I say this Post will grow and I will keep watching until DA takes note of the issue and realizes that it is not isolated.

We're clearly listening, that's the point of our support forum... Changes don't come overnight! This tread was started just last week, it will take time to look into the issue...

Scott

[miracles38]

I also have this problem of the multi-timer not working properly. It did work correctly for a long time, and then suddenly didn't turn on. I switched it to another channel and it worked for a short period, but then stopped working also.

[williebone]

They're listing to us and something will happen more than likely after the Launch of the the RKL settles down. It is easy for RK2 owners to not see this problem if: 1) People are not using this Type of Set-up; 2) People just haven't noticed it yet; 3) The Glich is yet to occur (lying dorment); 4) People not using every channel. Either way, it is a problem and I am not going lose sleep over it. DA will address it after they Run Simulated Test Set-ups using the examples that we have described. Be Patient As I Am, help is on the way.

Thanks DA in advance for looking after a very significant part of your Product Market,

WB

[Digital Aquatics]

Just to keep you all in the loop... We're currently looking at the RK2 firmware. Now that we've gotten over the hump on the other projects we're working on fixing this and the one other known bug on the RK2. We'll post here as soon as we have something more to report!

Thank you all for your business! Our valued RK2 customers haven't been forgotten!

Scott