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Lists the key hardware and software components of the MiniWarden controller.
Provides guidelines for selecting a suitable mounting location and securing the controller.
Explains how to connect the flow cell to the pool's circulation system for accurate readings.
The MiniWarden is an advanced, microprocessor-based chemical controller and data recorder designed for automated management of pool and spa water chemistry. It continuously monitors and adjusts pH and sanitizer levels, ensuring optimal water balance for various aquatic environments, including pools, spas, and fountains. The system utilizes ORP (oxidation reduction potential) technology for sanitizer control, incorporating a pH lockout feature to prevent issues with high pH values.
The core function of the MiniWarden is to automate chemical feeding based on real-time water quality measurements. It supports both 110 VAC and 240 VAC power inputs, making it versatile for different electrical setups. The controller uses internal relays to activate chemical feed equipment, such as pumps or solenoid valves, when adjustments are needed. This continuous monitoring and automated adjustment process helps maintain consistent water quality, reducing the need for manual chemical dosing and improving safety.
A key feature of the MiniWarden is its ability to control sanitizer levels, taking into account the effects of pH. The pH lockout feature is particularly useful for preventing over-dosing of sanitizer when pH levels are elevated, which can lead to inefficient chemical use and potential water quality issues. For systems requiring a different control mechanism, the sanitizer relay can be configured as a dry-contact, allowing it to interface with salt water chlorine generators or other equipment that operates with a different voltage or a simple switch.
The MiniWarden also functions as a data recorder, capable of storing up to 8192 lines of historical data in its internal nonvolatile memory. This memory is designed to preserve programming and data for up to 10 years, even without continuous power, providing valuable insights into water chemistry trends and system performance over time.
The MiniWarden is designed for user-friendly interaction, featuring a 16-button built-in keypad and an easy-to-read 80-character liquid crystal display (LCD). The display includes an internal backlight, ensuring visibility even in low-light conditions within equipment rooms. This interface allows for local, on-site monitoring and programming of the controller.
For enhanced functionality, the MiniWarden can be upgraded with the PW-Plus communication module. This module adds Wi-Fi and Ethernet capabilities, enabling direct monitoring, setup, and data interface over the internet. This remote access feature is invaluable for facility managers or pool professionals who need to manage multiple locations or monitor system performance from off-site. The PW-Plus module also supports email alerts, allowing the system to send notifications to up to four email addresses and four phone numbers for text messages, ensuring timely awareness of any critical events or deviations in water chemistry. Bluetooth printing is also available with the PW-Plus module, facilitating easy generation of reports.
Security is a significant aspect of the MiniWarden's design. It comes with a lockable enclosure and offers up to four levels of password protection (Admin, Tech, Service, and Guest). This multi-level security ensures that only authorized personnel can access and modify the controller's settings, whether interacting locally or remotely.
The system incorporates several protective features to ensure safe and efficient operation. Overfeed protection is a standard feature, limiting the amount of time a relay can activate feed equipment within a 24-hour period. This prevents excessive chemical dosing. Additionally, a setpoint overfeed limit can be configured to prevent chemicals from being fed onto the floor of the equipment room in case of damaged feed tubes or other malfunctions. Proportional/span control is another advanced feature that proportionally reduces the on-time of chemical feeds as the measurement approaches the set-point, effectively preventing chemical overshoot and maintaining tighter control over water chemistry.
The MiniWarden is designed with maintenance considerations in mind to ensure long-term reliability and ease of service. The flow cell, which houses the sensors, includes a strainer to filter out debris from the unfiltered water. This strainer should be periodically checked and cleaned to maintain optimal flow and sensor accuracy. The manual provides detailed instructions for connecting the flow cell to the circulation plumbing, emphasizing the importance of a pressure differential for proper operation and warning against exposing sensors to negative pressure or vacuum, which can damage them.
The system's modular design, particularly with the PW-Plus communication module, allows for immediate software updating over the internet. This ensures that the controller always runs on the latest firmware, benefiting from new features, improvements, and bug fixes without requiring physical intervention.
For troubleshooting and replacement, the manual provides a comprehensive list of replacement parts, including sensors (ORP, pH, temperature, flow), flow cell components (strainer, magnet, ball valves, threaded nipple, acrylic block), and circuit boards (display board, relay board, communication module). This detailed breakdown facilitates easy identification and ordering of necessary components, minimizing downtime.
The TrueDPD Free Chlorine Sensor, an optional accessory, also has its own set of maintenance considerations. The manual details replacement parts for this sensor, such as DPD powder, stirring motor magnets, peristaltic tubes, pumps, and the flow cell block. It also provides instructions for routing the drain and water inlet tubes, emphasizing the need for a clear drain path and proper pressure management to prevent damage to the sensor's internal components. Regular replacement of reagents and cleaning of the flow cell are essential for accurate free chlorine measurements.
Overall, the MiniWarden is a robust and intelligent system designed to simplify pool and spa chemical management, offering advanced control, comprehensive data logging, and user-friendly operation with a focus on safety and maintainability.
General| Type | ORP Controller |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 12 VDC |
| Output | Relay Output |
| Power Source | AC adapter or battery |
| Compatibility | Pool and Spa Systems |
| Function | Monitors and controls ORP levels |
