Gecko MSPA-MP METAPAC User manual

MSPA-MPMETAPACK
SERVICEMANUAL
•GeckoElectronicsInc.•
Visualstep-by-stepguidetoeasily
identify&correcttechnicalproblems!

Table of Contents
Power & Ground Check
Tools and Parts 3
Electrical Wiring 4
GFCI Instructions & Flow Chart 5
Error Conditions
3 Flashing Dots Appearing On Keypad Display 11
3 Flashing Dots & LED Displayed 15
Display Is Flashing 19
Wrong Temperature Appearing On Keypad Display 23
FLO 25
FLC 29
Prr 31
HL 33
Smart Winter Mode 37
Miscellaneous
Parts List 75
Wiring Diagrams 77
Professional Repair Kit Info 79
Note:
For spa repairs and troubleshooting with Pocket-tek technology, please refer to
Pocket-tek User's Manual available from Gecko and at www.pocket-tek.com.
How to ...
Replace The Board 65
Replace The Heater (Horizontal Front/Back; Vertical/Side) 67
Adjust The Pressure Switch 73
Troubleshooting
Nothing Seems to Work! 39
Spa Does Not Heat! 43
Pump 1/Pump 2 Does Not Work! 47
Blower Does Not Work! 53
Light Does Not Work! 57
Ozonator Does Not Work! 59
Circulation Pump Does Not Work! 61
Keys Do Not Work! 63
Programming
Jumper Positions 8
Low Level Programming 9

In an attempt to make this manual as useful as possible, it has been presented in two
formats. Problem-solving solutions are described with Troubleshooting Flow Charts
and also with Step-by-Step Procedures.
The two formats together should provide an overall complete explanation, with flow
charts providing an overview of specific problems, and step-by-step procedures giving
more detailed information.
Important Safety Information
WARNING: Risk of electrical shock! All procedures described in this service manual
must only be performed by qualified personnel, in accordance with the
standards applicable in the country of installation and, whenever
possible, with the equipment powered off. When connecting the
equipment, always refer to the wiring diagram affixed to the inside of
your spa pack’s power box cover! This diagram always prevails over
the wiring diagram at the end of this manual.
All information given subject to technical modifications without notice.

Tools & Parts
The tools, test equipment and components needed to carry
out MSPA-MP Metapack service calls.
Required tools:
Required
pack parts:
Gecko Electronics Inc. sells Professionnal Repair Kits that include everything needed for MSPA-MP Metapack servicing.
For more information, go to the last page of this manual.
Pliers
Phillips & flat screwdrivers
11/32 " nut driver
1/4 " open end wrench
3/8 " open end wrench
Jumper cable
Multimeter
GFCI tester & digital thermometer
(optional)
Regulation sensor
Hi-Limit sensor
MSPA-MP system board
(or complete spa pack)
Transformer
Pressure switch
Fuses
Top side control (keypad)

4 MSPA-MP Metapacks Service Manual
Electrical Wiring
Correct wiring of the electrical service box, GFCI box and pack terminal
block is essential.
1•Carry out a visual inspection to check
for signs of miswiring.
Refer to supplied wiring diagrams.
Call an electrician if necessary.
Electrical Box GFCI Pack Terminal Block

5MSPA-MP Metapacks Service Manual
If GFCI trips, follow Troubleshooting Flow Chart below to identify
the problem:
GFCI Flow Chart
Is GFCI
properly
connected?
If GFCI is
still tripping,
disconnect
the incoming
power line.
Is GFCI still
tripping?
Replace
GFCI.
Replace
board
if GFCI is
still tripping.
There is
a problem
with the
cable.
Call an
electrician.
Unplug
everything,
including
heater and light
cord wires.
Is GFCI
still tripping?
Replace
transformer.
Reconnect
one component
at a time
until GFCI
starts to trip.
Replace
defective
component.
Verify
Wiring Diagram
and reconnect it.
yes
yes no
no
yes no

6 MSPA-MP Metapacks Service Manual
GFCI Trips!
4•If GFCI still trips, replace transformer.
If it stops tripping, reconnect one
component at a time until GFCI
starts to trip. Replace defective
component.
1•Verify if GFCI is properly
connected.
3•If GFCI is properly connected, but
still tripping, unplug all outputs including
heater and light cord wires.
If all connections are made, but nothing seems to be working, you
probably have a power supply problem. Carry out the following tests to
identify and correct the problem:
Note that for new installations, GFCI trippings due to miswiring are common.
If breaker is wired properly, GFCI trippings may occur when total amount of current
drawn by spa exceeds breaker rating. This is highly unlikely as each spa pack output
is individually fused, and fuses will blow before GFCI trips.
A current leak to ground will also cause GFCI to trip. If any of the components is faulty
and a leak of more than 5mA occurs, GFCI will trip to prevent electrocution.
There are different GFCI models on the market. Note that illustrations are examples only.
From electrical box To spa
2•If it is not, verify GFCI wiring
diagram and reconnect it.
From electrical box To spa
Important
connections:
Neutral of GFCI
must be connected
to neutral bus.
Neutral from spa
must be connected
to breaker.

7MSPA-MP Metapacks Service Manual
GFCI Trips!
1•Disconnect incoming power
lines.
If GFCI still trips, there must
be a cable problem.
Call an electrician!
2•If GFCI stops tripping,
replace GFCI.
3•If GFCI trips again, replace
board. (Refer to "How to
Replace the Board" section
of this manual.)
If GFCI continues to trip even after having replaced the transformer,
carry out the following tests to correct the problem:

8 MSPA-MP Metapacks Service Manual
Jumper Positions
Certain MSPA-MP spa pack parameters can be modified by changing the
position of jumpers on the board.
2•To change a setting, simply pull cover
off and replace in desired position.
1•Jumpers are located in upper
right side of the board.
Jumper 1: Current Limiting Option
Jumper 1 is used to limit amount of current drawn when more than one pump (or pump and
blower) are on at the same time.
Position 1 (HC):
Heater will shut down if more than one pump is on at high speed.
Position 2 (LC):
The system will not turn heater on if any pump (1, 2 or 3) is on
at high speed.
"Heater" indicator will flash on display indicating that more heat is requested, but heater will
not be allowed to start.
Jumper 2: Keypad Configuration
Position 1:
10-key configuration.
Position 2:
8-key configuration.
Remove MSPA-MP power box cover to access jumpers. (See "How to Replace the Board"
section of this manual). Jumper functions may differ from information below. Please
check wiring diagram on inside pack cover to verify specific functions for our pack.
Position 2Position 1
Jumper Location

9MSPA-MP Metapacks Service Manual
Low Le el Programming
Certain system operating parameters can be configured from the keypad. This
is normally done by Gecko or the spa installer, but may be done any time.
6- Ozone
Display: O3 x
Value of x: 0 = not installed
1 = on only in filter cycle
2 = always on
3 = on with circ. pump
7- Circulation pump
Display: CP x
Value of x: 0 = not installed
1 = regulated (with spa
temperature)
2 = always on
3 = on, except if 2 degrees
over set point
8- Filter cycle
Display: FC x
Value of x: 0 = filter cycle enabled
2 = filter cycle disabled
1 = filter cycle replaced
by purge cycle
9- Pressure switch status
Display: PS x
Value of x: 0 = with Pump 1
1 = with circ. pump
(CP cannot be set to 0)
Low level programming:
To access low level programming, press and hold On/Off key for 20 seconds, after
which the first parameter code should appear on the display.
Use Up/Down keys to modify parameter values and On/Off key to change from
one parameter to the next. You must go through all parameters to exit this mode.
If you do not wish to change a parameter, simply press On/Off key to advance to
the next parameter.
List of parameter configurations
1- Pump 1
Display: P1 x
Value of x: 1 = single-speed
2 = two-speed
2- Pump 2
Display: P2 x
Value of x: 0 = not installed
1 = single-speed
2 = two-speed
3- Pump 3
Display: P3 x
Value of x: 0 = not installed
1 = installed
4- Blower
Display: bL x
Value of x: 0 = not installed
1 = single-speed
2 = two-speed
3 = three-speed
5- Light
Display: LI x
Value of x: 0 = not installed
1 = 12 VAC (single-intensity)
2 = 12 VAC (triple-intensity)
3 = 120 VAC (single-intensity
on auxiliary 1 relay )
4 = Internal fiber box control
mode (2-aux. relay)

10 MSPA-MP Metapacks Service Manual

11MSPA-MP Metapacks Service Manual
Flashing Dots Flow Chart
If 3 flashing dots appear on keypad display, follow Troubleshooting Flow
Chart below to identify the problem:
3 flashing dots appear on the display!
Remove pack cover.
Is board LED on?
Follow
flashing dots
& LED flow chart.
yes no
Make sure jumper is
set properly for
circulation pump and
reset breaker.
Start Pump 1 (or
circulation pump if installed
by increasing set point).
Replace pressure
switch if problem
persists.
Do you have
continuity on your
voltmeter for
pressure switch?
yes no
Short pressure
switch terminals
with a jumper cable.
Replace pressure
switch cable.
Replace pressure
switch cable. Remove anything
obstructing filter canister
or piping. Clear any air
locks. Verify water valves.
Try to adjust
pressure switch.
Are dots still
flashing on
keypad display?
If problem persists,
replace board.
yes no
Verify
pressure
switch
connection.
Try to adjust
pressure switch.
Disconnect
pressure switch
for 5 seconds
and reconnect it.
Are dots still
flashing on
keypad display?
If problem persists,
replace board.
yes no
Replace pressure
switch if problem
persists.

12 MSPA-MP Metapacks Service Manual
Flashing Dots Displayed
Three flashing dots error condition indicates a pressure switch problem.
There must be enough water in the spa for normal operations. System may detect error
condition if spa filter is dirty or if something restricts flow of water in piping.
The heater will automatically shut down when error condition occurs.
Power may remain On when the following steps are carried out.
5•If you do not detect continuity,
verify if pressure switch cable is
properly connected to pressure
switch and board.
1•Verify if Pump 1 (or circulation
pump if installed) is working. If
pump is not working right, refer
to pump section of this manual.
2•Make sure jumper is set pro-
perly for circulation pump.
3•If Pump 1 is working properly,
turn it on by pressing Pump 1
key (or start circulation pump
by increasing the set point) and
test continuity on pressure switch.
4•If you detect continuity, go to
step #10.

13MSPA-MP Metapacks Service Manual
Flashing Dots Displayed
6•Ensure adequate water flow in the
heater and short two pressure switch
terminals with jumper cable.
7•If the three dots disappear, first
make sure there is no blockage of
water or air lock and check water
valve.
If the installation is older than 2 years,
replace the pressure switch and re-
calibrate it.
If installation is recent, try readjust-
ing the pressure switch. If this is not
possible, replace switch.
(Refer to "How to Adjust the
Pressure Switch" section of this
manual.)
8•If the three dots still appear, the
problem may be either with switch
cable or board.
Remove plastic cover and replace
cable.
9•Replace board if error condition still
persists. (Refer to "How to Replace
the Board" section.)

14 MSPA-MP Metapacks Service Manual
Flashing Dots Displayed
Power may remain On while the following steps are carried out.
11•If error condition persists, remove
plastic cover and replace pressure
switch cable.
12•Replace board if error condition
still persists. (Refer to "How to
Replace the Board" section of this
manual.)
10•If you have continuity on pressure
switch, follow these steps:
Disconnect pressure switch cable
for 5 seconds and reconnect it.
If error condition disappears, ad-
just pressure switch, if it is a new
installation (less than two years) or
replace it.
(Refer to "How to Adjust the
Pressure Switch" section of this
manual.)

15MSPA-MP Metapacks Service Manual
Flashing dots and LED Flow Chart
Take water temperature
with a digital thermometer.
Are you getting correct
water temp. reading on the display?
yes no
Replace
board if
error
condition
still persists.
Verify if
temperature probe
is properly connected.
If so, replace probe
and reset breaker.
Verify if
temperature probe
is touching water
or if cold air from
back can affect
reading.
Is HL probe
properly connected?
Clean pins, reconnect
it, and reset
the breaker.
Verify if anything
is obstructing water
flow (closed traps or
dirty filters).
If error condition
persists, replace probe
and reset breaker.
When error
condition occurs,
does heater
barrel feel hot?
yes no
If error condition still
persists, replace board.
Turn breaker off then on again to reset the system.
If Hi-Limit condition no longer persists,
check for blockage of water in the piping.
If error condition occurs (potential Hi-Limit sensor or temperature probe
problem), follow Troubleshooting Flow Chart below to identify the problem:

16 MSPA-MP Metapacks Service Manual
Flashing Dots & LED Displayed
Turn breaker off then on again to reset the system.
If 3 flashing dots and LED disappear, wait until they are displayed again on keypad.
Power may remain On.
c- If error condition persists, re-
place probe and reset breaker.
d- If problem is not corrected,
replace board. (Refer to "How
to Replace Board" section of
present manual.)
3•Proceed to following page if
keypad display shows incorrect
temperature.
1•Take water temperature with a
digital thermometer.
2•If keypad display shows correct
temperature:
a- Check if heater barrel feels hot.
If it's hot, verify if anything is
obstructing the flow of water
(closed valves or dirty filter).
b- If it's not, verify if hi-limit probe
is properly connected.
Try to clean probe connector
pins. Even a small coating of film
can cause a bad connection.
Reconnect probe and reset
breaker.
The three flashing dots and LED error condition is related to the Hi-Limit sensor
or temperature probe.

17MSPA-MP Metapacks Service Manual
Flashing Dots & LED Displayed
If keypad display isn't showing correct temperature, carry out the
following tests:
2•Make sure temperature probe
is properly connected.
If it is, replace probe and reset
breaker.
3•Replace board if error condition
still persists. (Refer to "How to
Replace the Board" section of
this manual.)
1•Verify if temperature probe
is in contact with water and if
cold air from the back could
be affecting readings.
Use foam to isolate probe from
cold air if that is the problem.

18 MSPA-MP Metapacks Service Manual

19MSPA-MP Metapacks Service Manual
Display Flashing Flow Chart
On MSPA-MP-NE packs, if system detects temperature at 112°F or
higher, the display will start flashing. Follow Troubleshooting Flow Chart
below to identify the problem:
Are you getting correct
water temp. reading on the display?
Replace
board if
problem
still persists.
Verify if
temperature probe
is properly connected.
If so, replace probe
and reset breaker.
Verify if
temperature probe
is touching water
or if cold air from
back can affect
reading.
Remove
spa cover
(even during
the night).
Start
blower, if
spa is
equipped
with one.
Wait until
spa cools
down (add
cold water
if needed).
Pump is
overheating
water during
filter cycle.
Lower
filter cycle
duration.
Replace
board.
Lower set point
below actual
temperature of
water.
"Heater" indicator
on keypad display
should disappear.
Do you get a
240 VAC reading
between
two heater wires
on the board?
yes no
Is weather
very hot?
yes no
yes no
A power failure
has occurred.
System
works fine.
Press
any key.
Has display
stopped flashing?
yes no