RPS 200/400/800 Abnormal Lights

Abnormal Light Behavior

Abnormal light behavior refers to any light (or lack of lights) not normally seen on the controller. Examples can be: no lights at all but the pump is running, all lights flashing in unison, random lights illuminating without the normal lights present, or flickering of the LEDs.
Normal light behavior refers to the Power and Pump light on with the MPPT light flashing while the pump is active. The low well light will illuminate when the sensor is no longer submerged in water or if the sensor isn't wired into the COM1 and WH terminals as it requires a closed circuit to operate the pump. The tank full light will illuminate when the tank sensor is submerged in water as it requires an open circuit for the pump to operate.
When in battery mode, all three lights (Power, Pump, and MPPT) will flash in unison. The low power light can illuminate for multiple reasons but the usual ones are when there is low solar power, low battery power, OR if there is an issue with the pump requiring troubleshooting.

No lights while the pump runs normally

This is usually caused by a faulty LED ribbon cable. If the 5D2 LED is green and controller is getting good voltage, more than likely a new LED ribbon cable is needed. Contact an engineer at [phone] so we can order you a new one.

No lights while the pump is NOT running

1) Using a multimeter, check the DC voltage coming from the solar panels to make sure there is solar power available. If not, refer to our Troubleshooting Solar Panels article. If there is enough voltage, continue with troubleshooting instructions.

2) Disconnect and reconnect solar wires from control box connections.

3) Check if the small green LED labeled "5D2" is on. This is located on the circuit board inside the control box and indicates power is getting to the control box.

4) This can also occur due to a manufacturing defect or a short circuit due to an external factor. Check for evidence of external factors such as Mud Dauber wasp nests, Crazy Ants (these are very real ants that eat circuit boards, we encourage you to look them up), spider nests, or signs of improper care. 

Note: If the connections are secure, solar power is available but no lights and pump isn't running, contact an engineer at [phone] so we can further troubleshoot the issue.
  

Error light

This is usually caused by a battery related issue if batteries are installed.

1) What type of batteries are you using? They must be deep cycle lead-acid, GEL, or AGM type and all the same style. More info on batteries here. 

2) Check that the batteries match solar array voltage. Example: 2 solar panels (24v nominal) should match battery bank (24v nominal), and x4 solar panels (48v nominal) should match (48v nominal) battery bank.

3) Remove batteries from system and do a soft reset.

Blinking MPPT light

A blinking MPPT light on the front of the control box is considered normal behavior. This light shows that the system is trying to optimize the power coming from the solar panels. MPPT stands for "maximum power point tracking" and should either be blinking or solid in the majority of situations. The only time it should be off is when the controller is set of an "off" position or if "well low" or "tank full" are illuminated. 

 

Lights are cycling or blinking

Light cycling is typically caused by low power from solar panels or batteries. Things to consider are:

1) How's the weather? Is it cloudy at all? Time of day? Morning or late evening you might see this behavior. Maybe wait till better solar conditions exist and see if it improves.

2) Make sure the solar panels are clean and clear of debris and there aren't any shadows that may cross over the panels from trees, fences, posts etc...

3) Check that the speed dial is set to 10 to ensure full voltage is making it to the pump. 

If still seeing same light behavior, contact an engineer at [phone].

 

Low well light on or blinking

The Low Well light can be perfectly normal as this is your run dry protection. We see this illuminate when the sensor is no longer submerged in water or if the sensor isn't wired into the COM1 and WH terminals as it requires a closed circuit for the pump to run. This light can also appear if there's improper wiring, or an issue with the sensor.

Low well light solidly on

More than likely this is because the sensor is no longer submerged in water. But if you feel there's no way it could be low, here are a few things to look out for:

1) Check that the sensor is correctly installed into terminals COM1 WH. Polarity does not matter. If still doesn't clear, continue below.

2) Test the sensor by installing a short piece of wire, or a jumper wire, between COM1 and WH. If this  clears the light and starts the pump, yay! If not, continue on.

3) If the Well Low light stays on with a jumper in place, the controller may be defective.

Low well light blinking

The low well light blinking is an indicator that the well low sensor has been triggered but the time delay dial is active. This will tell the pump to wait the amount of time specified on the dial until it attempts to pump again. This allows time for the well to recharge. If you would like to clear the timer, turn off the controller, turn the timer to zero and restart the controller.

 

Tank full light on

The tank full light normally illuminates when the tank sensor is submerged in water like when a holding tank or cattle trough is full. It requires an open circuit for the pump to operate. A few things to consider:

1) Check to see if your tank is full and sensor is submerged. If so, tank sensor out of water. Does light turn off and system turn on?

2) Do you have a sensor installed (silver tube) or a RAPS/transducer. If you have a wireless tank sensor, refer to Troubleshooting a Wireless Tank Sensor. 

3) Remove sensor wires from COM2 and TH. Does the light turn off? If so, you might need a new sensor. If tank full light remains on, the terminal may be faulty. If using reverse action pressure switch (RAPS), continue below.

***If using Reverse Action Pressure Switch:

1) Check that the lever on the side is set to "AUTO" and not "ON".

        *For information explaining why, refer to An Explanation on the Pressure Switch.

2) Ensure the RAPS is wired with both wires on the same side of the device (both on the left, or both on the right).

3) Ensure the RAPS is not wet, sideways, upside down, or buried in dirt. If it is, install it properly with no obstructions and do a soft reset. The inside of the RAPS is a circuit, either open or closed and may show tank full if there is water closing the circuit between contacts.

4) If the tank full light is still active, replace the sensor wire you are using to connect the switch to the controller. There may be damage to the wire allowing the two wires to touch which closes the connection.

5) If nothing has worked, contact an engineer at [phone] for further troubleshooting.

*On very rare occasions, outside forces can cause the tank full to stay on. If you've gone through all steps, replaced the switch and still getting tank full but it turns off when the wires are removed, we'll need a detailed picture of your setup so we can analyze what's going on.  If you have a pressure tank, refer to An Explanation of Pressure Tanks.