Sunlover SL8-RTA User manual

SL8-RTA – INSTRUCTIONS
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CONTROLLER MOUNTING:
The controller enclosure must e firmly attached to a near y solid fixture y either the two mounting lugs or direct
attachment though the controller. If mounting through the controller ensure the power cord is disconnected from
the mains supply then remove the enclosure front cover y turning the four corner locks so each arrow points to
the ‘O’ marked on the front cover. Insert two mounting screws diagonally through the oval holes in the enclosure,
refit front cover and turn the four corner locks to the ‘I’ position.
The power ca le is 1.8m long and should e plugged directly into a general power outlet, not into an extension
lead.
CIRCULATING PUMP(S):
The solar circulating pump plugs into the right hand 240Vac socket marked as SOLAR PUMP. The Filtration pump
plugs into the left hand 240Vac socket marked as AUXILIARY.
The AUX ON. LED will e lit when the filtration pump is operating and the SOLAR ON LED will e lit if the solar
pump is operating. The maximum allowable combined current for both pumps is 10 AMPS @ 2400W
This controller can e configured for the solar pump to e independent (std) or in series with the filtration pump
(retro-fit) for series retro-fit the solar pump is plum ed via a T-piece after the filter.
HEATER INTERLOCK:
The heater interlock ca le connects to the green socket marked RELAY1 which switches on the NO/C contacts
when the heater is to e turned on. The other end of the heater interlock ca le connects in series to the heater’s
flow or pressure switch circuit. If the heater’s flow/pressure switch circuit is 240Vac then a special switch ox is to
e connected (Option SB02).
VALVE OPTION:
The valve option can only e added at time of manufacture and is connected to the green socket marked VALVE.
A valve can e used for selecting or ypassing the solar collector when heating with an auxiliary heater in the
independent plum ing configuration. The valve can also e used for selecting or ypassing the solar collector
instead of using a solar pump in the retro-fit plum ing configuration.
TEMPERATURE SENSORS:
For retro-fit systems the pool sensor must e fitted in the suction line efore the take off Tee fitting for the solar
oost pump. For independent (standard) systems the pool sensor must e fitted into the suction line of the solar
oost pump, prefera ly in a position out of direct sunlight. It is recommended that a 14.5mm hole e drilled in the
PVC pipe, this can e carried out using a Dontek PD01 grinding drill or a small pilot hole can e drilled and a
14.0mm drill- it used spinning in a counter clockwise direction to minimize the chance of shattering pipe. Insert
the grommet into the pipe and gently push in the lack sensor ar . The green sensor plug is to e fitted to the
plug socket marked POOL.
Roof sensor must e fitted into a small piece of ru er collector material away from the main collector ut on the
same aspect. Keep in mind that it is of the utmost importance to keep the roof sensor ca le as short as possi le
as this will assist in the longevity of the sensor and controller in the event of electrical storm activity and power
surges. Sensor ca les must not be run parallel to power cables and run lengths should e less than 50m. Ca le
ties should e used to fasten the sensor ca le to the cold water inlet pipe making sure that the ties are
approximately 10mm from PVC fittings. Ca le ties should e tightened only firm, over tightening can cause reaks
in the outer PVC if not careful. If the ca le is to e run under ground a conduit should e used to protect the wire
and there is to e no ca le joins within, conduit ends must e sealed to prevent water ingress Any excess cable
should be removed and re-fitted ensuring that the wire ends are tinned with solder The sensor plug is to e fitted
to the right hand socket marked ROOF.
DESCRIPTION:
The SL8-RTA is a solar controller that heats using a solar collector and a heat pump or gas heater.
Solar, Filtration and heating via an auxiliary heater are all controlled y the time clock and their relevant settings,
heating is performed to the temperature limit plus ½°C and once that temperature is achieved heating will no re-
occur until the temperature drops elow the desired limit y ½°C or until the sample period has elapsed and the
temperature is at or elow the limit. This controller is designed for standalone operation or for a retro-fit
installation where separate plum ing for the solar pump is not availa le. In retro-fit the solar can e locked to
filtration and heater timers to control the level of chlorination.
SETTINGS MENU:
All items on the LCD that flash are adjusta le items, use the Up or Down uttons to modify the adjusta le item.
Press Enter to accept the adjusta le value.
To enter the SETTINGS MENU push either the up or down uttons and the following will e displayed;
SETTINGS MENU
1) MANUAL MODE
All menu items are shown elow, use the Up or Down uttons to scroll to different items in the menu;
SETTINGS MENU
1) MANUAL MODE
2) FILTER TIMER
3) TEMPERATURES
4) AUX. HEATER
5) SOLAR MODE
6) SYSTEM SETUP
7) SAVE & EXIT

SL8-RTA – INSTRUCTIONS
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1) MANUAL MODE
MANUAL PUMP 24HR
UP=ON DO N=OFF
MANUAL MODE allows you to manually set the aux pump (filtration) to ‘on’ y pressing the Up utton or ‘off’ y
pressing the Down utton. In manual mode the heater and solar pump and valve are switched off.
Pressing Enter will return you to the SETTINGS MENU. You can also keep pressing Enter to toggle the filter pump
from ‘on’ to ‘off’ and vice versa. If any of the uttons are not pushed then the unit returns to automatic operation
after 24 hours.
2) FILTER TIMER
When the FILTER TIMER is selected the following is displayed;
SINGLE CYCLE
DUAL CYCLE
Select SINGLE CYCLE or DUAL CYCLE, Single Cycle runs the filtration once per day, Dual Cycle runs the filtration
twice per day.
Single & Dual cycle su menu; Dual cycle su menu;
FILTER CYCLE FILTER CYCLE 2nd FILTER CYCLE 2nd FILTER CYCLE
START TIME x:xx END TIME x:xx START TIME x:xx END TIME x:xx
Adjust the start time and end time for filter cycle 1; if dual cycle was selected then also adjust the start and end
time for the 2nd cycle.
Note1: that if dual cycle is selected, take care not to overlap the 2nd filter times with the first filter times as the
result will be one cycle per day
Note2: If a 24 hour filtration is required then set a single cycle with the start & end times the same (E g 12:00 –
12:00)
Note3: If the unit is configured as a retro-fit and solar is not locked to the filter pump (i e filter timer and/or aux
heating requirements) then any solar gain will force the filter pump to also turn on
Note4: Aux heater requirements will also override the filtration timer
Note5: In winter mode the 2
nd
filter cycle does not run
**Factory Default is ON, SINGLE CYCLE from 09:00 to 17:00
3) TEMPERATURE
TEMPERATURE
SOL LIMIT xx.x°
When you enter the TEMPERATURE menu you may adjust the solar heater temperature limit setting (SOL LIMIT).
If the AUX. HEATER is turned on then the following temperature setting is also displayed;
TEMPERATURE
AUX LIMIT xx.x°
AUX LIMIT allows you to adjust the temperature limit for the auxiliary heater. (heat on demand).
Note1: AUX LIMIT setting will only be shown if AUX HEATER is turned ON
Note2: For maximum efficiency it is advisable that the solar limit (SOL LIMIT) be set higher than the auxiliary limit
(AUX LIMIT), this will be enforced by the software but can be overridden (but not recommended)
** Factory default for AUX LIMIT is 25°C, for SOL LIMIT is 30°C
4) AUX. HEATER
AUX. HEATER
ON/OFF
When you enter the AUX. HEATER menu you will need to select ON or OFF.
If OFF is selected you will return to the menu and the heater will never run automatically, If ON is selected you will
e prompted for START and END time, the heater will only run etween these times.
HEAT DEMAND TIME HEAT DEMAND TIME
START TIME xx:xx END TIME xx:xx
Next option is IF LIMIT ACTIVE SAMPLE AT hh:mm/0:30/1:00/1:30/2:00/2:30/3:00/3:30/4:00/LIVE
If the temperature limit is achieved the controller will turn off the pump until the sample wait time has elapsed.
After the sample time has elapsed the pump (filtration pump for retro-fit, solar pump for independent) will run for
3 minutes to sample the water temperature. If after 3 minutes heating is required then the pumps will switch to
run the appropriate heat source(s). Selecting LIVE disa les all sampling and assumes PIPE temperature is the
same as POOL temperature.
Note1: if a 24 hour continuous heating time is required then set the start time and end time to the same value
(E g Start 12:00, End 12:00)
Note2: when SOL GAIN = HIGH is shown then the heater will stop as priority is given to low cost solar heating
Note3: High solar gain is defined as 15°C above the SOL LIMIT setting
Note4: Sample wait may be cancelled if solar gain becomes available and the pool is below the solar limit setting
Note5: If AUX HEATER is set to OFF then sample time for solar is 3 hours
**Factory default for HEAT DEMAND is OFF (06:00 to 22:00, sample @ 1 hour)

SL8-RTA – INSTRUCTIONS
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5) SOLAR MODE
MODE MODE MODE
SUMMER MODE AUTO INTER MODE TROPICAL MODE
SUMMER MODE is the normal operation of heating the swimming pool.
TROPICAL MODE is selected if you wish to cool the swimming pool, the solar pump will run if the roof temperature
is colder than the pool until SOL LIMIT is o tained; note that this is most likely to occur at night. Selecting tropical
mode also ignores solar lockout times and lock to filter settings.
WINTER MODE, when selected you will e prompted to select the start month of winter and the start month of
summer, the purpose of the winter mode of operation is for off-season maintenance or if pool heating is not
required (AWAY MODE). This is a etter option than turning off the controller as it will flush treated pool water
through the solar system as well as prolong pump earing and mechanical seal life. If AUX. HEATER is set to OFF a
3 minute flush of the solar matting occurs etween 10:00 and 16:00 providing the roof temperature is equal or
greater than the pool, ut if that condition does not occur a solar system flush will e forced to occur at 16:00.
If AUX. HEATER is set to ON then the system operates similar to summer mode ut solar pump activity is
monitored and will force a 3 minute flush if solar has not een active for seven days, note the unit may flush if
winter mode is selected on the day of install.
**Factory default for solar mode is SUMMER MODE
6) S STEM SETUP
4 options are availa le under system setup, SET SYSTEM CLOCK, FACTORY SETTINGS, INSTALLER SETUP,
TEMPERATURE LOG and EXIT.
EXIT - will return you to 6) SYSTEM SETUP with no changes.
SET SYSTEM CLOCK – allows you to adjust calendar and time of day.
FACTORY SETTINGS – restores ALL the settings to the factory default state.
TEMPERATURE LOG – Logs min/max temperatures & time, NO support is offered for this feature.
INSTALLER SETUP –
This su -menu is for installers ONLY, plum ing configuration, valve use, lock solar to filter pump, solar start and
end time, start and end temperature differentials can all e adjusted.
PLUMBING CONFIG: - Two options are availa le;
Independent – Solar pump has its own suction & return lines and operates without overriding the filtration pump,
when this plum ing configuration is selected you can then choose when the hour the solar pump is allowed to start
and the hour at which it is forced to stop, you can also choose to modify the differentials, the start differential is
the temperature rise the roof needs a ove the pool temperature to start the pump, the end differential stops the
pump when the roof drops elow the pool temperature plus the end differential.
Series Retro – this is where the solar pump is in series with the filtration pump, when this plum ing configuration
is selected you can then select if a solar divert valve is used instead of a solar pump, and wether to lock the solar
operation to the filter pump (locks to the filter timer and/or the AUX. HEATER timer) or if not you can choose the
start and end hour of the solar, you can then choose to modify the differentials (as descri ed for Independent
systems)
SETTING THE PLUMBING CONFIGURATION TO THE WRONG SETTINGS MA DAMAGE PUMPS AND/OR
PLUMBING!
**Factory default for installer setup is series retro-fit locked to filter, no valve, solar allowed to start at 09:00,
forced to end at 17:00, Start Differential of 8°C End differential of 4°C
7) SAVE & EXIT
When this menu is selected, push Enter to save ALL settings, the unit will return to normal automatic operation.
Note: If any of the menu items are left unattended for 3-4 mins the menu will time out and automatically save all
settings and return to operation.
The ENTER/MANUAL button (Manual heating mode)
FOR MANUAL MODE
PRESS ENTER NO
Pressing the Enter utton once will display the a ove message for ~3 seconds, to prevent accidental manual mode
if ENTER is not pressed again within the 3 second period then the controller will revert to automatic operation (and
it will cancel any pump lockout delays).
If ENTER is pressed again within 3 seconds then manual mode is activated, the solar pump is stopped (if
operating) and the aux pump (filtration) is switched on, the following is displayed;
MANUAL MODE 4HR
23.5° SET=30.0°
The displayed temperature on the left hand side is the water temperature; the SET temperature displayed on the
right hand side is what manual mode will heat the water to efore the aux. heater is switched off.
Use Up utton or Down utton to change the SET temperature to the required comfort level.
Press & hold ENTER/MANUAL to exit manual heating mode and revert ack to automatic mode.
Manual heating mode will automatically revert to automatic operation 4 hours after the last temperature
adjustment.

SL8-RTA – INSTRUCTIONS
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NOTES.
1. If a sensor fault is detected the SL8 will display which sensor and what the fault is.
2. Should power e interrupted for any reason, the SL8 will resume normal operation when power is restored, all
information will have een kept.
3. Temperature sensors used with this unit are Digital and are accurate to 0.5 Deg. C, no cali ration is required.
4. The sensor ca le with the thin trace is the positive and is usually fitted to the right hand side of the green plug,
incorrect polarity will e displayed.
5. The heater interlock switching is used the maximum load is 5A at 32Vac max.
WARRANT
This product is covered by a limited 3 year warranty against component failure or
faulty workmanship from the date of installation.
A faulty unit should be returned in the first instance to the dealer from which the
unit was purchased.
Damage to the unit due to misuse, power surges, lightning strikes or installation
that is not in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction may void the
warranty.
Warranty does not cover travel costs to or from installation site. nit must be
returned to manufacturer for repairs.
If the power cord is damaged, do not use the controller; return the unit to the
supplier for repair.
Customer Record. (To be retained by the customer);
Dealer/Installer Name ___________________________
Serial Number ___________________________
Date Installed ___________________________
For service assistance phone S NLOVER HEATING
VIC 03 9887 2131
NSW 02 9838 0000
QLD 07 5597 7360
Factory 6
62 Parkhurst Drive, 7-9 Activity Crescent,
Knoxfield 3153 Molendinar 4214
Victoria Australia Queensland Australia
nit 2
20-22 Foundry Road,
Seven Hills 2147
NSW Australia
www.sunloverheating.com.au