Vortex iStat6 User manual

Controls User Manual
HPAH™ and DXAH™
Heat pump air handler
with iStat6 electronic controller
Vortex Source Systems
Cambridge, Ontario
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]
www.vortexsource.com

Controls User Manual – HPAH
Rev_20200811 Page 2 of 9
Table of Contents
Controller Basics .................................................................................................. 3
Table 1 Status Messages .................................................................................... 3
Table 2 Display Icons .......................................................................................... 3
Controller Keypad ................................................................................................. 4
USER MODE ........................................................................................................ 4
ADMIN MODE ............................................................................................... 4
Initial Controls Setup ............................................................................................. 5
Cycle Timer (Pump Exerciser) ............................................................................. 5
Two-Stage Heat Pump ......................................................................................... 6
Freeze Protection .......................................................................................... 6
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................... 6
Table 3 User Mode .............................................................................................. 8
Table 4 Admin Mode ........................................................................................... 9

Controls User Manual – HPAH
Rev_20200811 Page 3 of 9
This document describes proper setup and use of the electronic controller for the Vortex
HPAHTM and DXAHTM air handler with the iStat6 controller. Although the system will
function when left at factory default settings, it is recommended that the installer read
through this short manual in order to ensure the system has been setup to match the
required heating and cooling loads and air-conditioning equipment installed, and to take
advantage of the various features available.
Controller Basics
The controller automatically adjusts blower motor speeds and engages relays for
control of the system components. Through its LCD display and keypad, important
system parameters may be configured and operating conditions may be monitored.
When the controller keypad has not been pressed for a few minutes, the backlight will turn
off and the display may go blank. Simply press any one of the buttons to wake up the
controller. By default, the controller will display a short message describing the operating
status of the system. Table 1 provides a list of the different possible status messages and
their meaning. There are also a number of small icons that may appear around the edges
of the display according to the current operating status. Table 2 gives an explanation of the
different icons.
Table 1 - status messages
Message
Meaning
NO CALL System is not currently receiving a call, all functions are off.
FanOnly There is currently a call for continuous fan only and no heating or cooling
AuxHeat Auxiliary (or Emergency) Heat is on.
HeatPmp The heat pump is on.
HP + Aux Heat pump and auxiliary heat are both on.
TST ERR Thermostat error – auxiliary is on at the same time as O (reversing valve) for HP
cooling. Check wiring & ensure heat pump thermostats are used
FROZEN Supply air is too cold, freeze protection has been activated. Compressor calls
will be suspended until
temperature rises and time delays are satisfied
TEST Pressing the button on the bottom of the control will operate the fan and auxiliary
pump for 20 seconds to verify operation. After 20 seconds, it returns to normal.
Table 2 - display icons
Icon
Meaning
Flame
auxiliary
heat
is on
Sun
Heat pump is on
Snowflake
system is in cooling mode
(rev.
valve)
4
-
blade fan
blower is running
at or
below 50%
8
-
blade fan
blower is running above 50%

Controls User Manual – HPAH
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Controller Keypad
By using the option and setting keys, different parameters and their current settings
may be displayed and modified. Use the outer option keys to scroll through the
available parameters, and use the inner setting keys to modify the parameter’s current
setting (if available). By default, the control will remain in ‘user’ mode, in which a
limited selection of parameters may be accessed. By entering ‘admin’ mode, additional
parameters may be made available. Please exercise caution while in ‘admin’ mode, as
these settings are meant to be accessed by the experienced user or installing
contractor. A description of each of the modes is found below.
USER MODE
This is the basic display and operating mode, in which only a limited selection of parameters
may be displayed. Refer to Table 3 for a description of each item displayed.
ADMIN MODE
This is the advanced display and configuration mode. It is intended only for the properly
trained contractor. To enter ‘admin’ mode, press any button to illuminate the display
backlight, then press and hold the two option (outer) buttons at the same time (‘user’ will
be displayed at first, hold until ‘admin’ is displayed and release). You can now scroll
through the display items by using the outer two option buttons, and adjust certain values
using the inner two setting buttons. To return the control to ‘user’ mode simply wait a few
minutes or press and hold both option buttons.
Use Table 4 as a quick reference on the items available in this mode. Detailed descriptions
on important parameters are found below.

Controls User Manual – HPAH
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Initial Controls Setup
When first powering up the air handler during commissioning, enter ‘admin’ mode on
the controller and adjust the following settings to match the installed equipment.
Model Max. Tonnage Max. Airflow
(cfm)
HPAH30 2 800
HPAH63 3 1200
HPAH100 5 1800
ContFan – the amount of airflow used for a continuous fan call, as a
percentage of the maximum system airflow. The default setting is 50%.
Heat Pump Fan Speeds – Heat pump heating and cooling fan speeds for first and
second stage as a percent of maximum HPH1Fan, HPH2Fan, HPC1Fan and
HPC2Fan.
Auxiliary Heat Fan Speeds – Auxiliary heating fan speeds for first and second stage
as a percent of maximum Aux1Fan and Aux2Fan.
HP Pre – Length of time in seconds that the fan will run at half speed at the start of each heat
pump cycle. Default is 10 seconds. This can improve comfort by pre-heating/cooling the
coil.
HP Post – Length of time in seconds that the fan will run at half speed at the end of each
heat pump cycle. Default is 30 seconds. This can improve efficiency by delivering residual
heat/cool in the coil to the rooms.
Aux Pre – Length of time in seconds that the fan will run at half speed at the start of each
auxiliary cycle. Default is 30 seconds. This can improve comfort by pre-heating the coil.
Aux Post – Length of time in seconds that the fan will run at half speed at the end of each
auxiliary cycle. Default is 30 seconds. This can improve efficiency by delivering residual
heat to the rooms
Cycle Timer (Pump Exerciser)
The HPAH includes an optional cycle timer or pump exerciser feature which may
need to be enabled depending on the hot water source and local regulations. When
enabled, the cycle timer will run the heating circulating pump for 30 seconds every 24
hours. This is only for the auxiliary coil.

Controls User Manual – HPAH
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PumpExr – Pump Exerciser (Cycle timer) mode. Set to 1 to enable, 0 to disable.
Pump exerciser is disabled by default.
Two-Stage Heat Pump
An output is available on the low-voltage terminal strip for the control of a two-stage
air-conditioner. When a call is present, the heat pump compressor will initially be
activated in first stage (low). If the call continues beyond time HP2Time, second
stage compressor and air flows will be activated for the remainder of the call.
HP_2ST – Turn ON if a 2-stage heat pump is present.
HP2Time – The time, in minutes, in which 2nd stage is activated, set by default to
20 minutes. Decreasing this value will cause 2nd stage to be activated sooner,
leading to full capacity.
Freeze Protection
In order to prevent the auxiliary coils from freezing during cooling, the air handler
includes a freeze protection feature. If the measured supply air temperature drops
below the freeze protection temperature FRZ_TMP, the signal to the heat pump
contactor is interrupted. In order to prevent short-cycling of the compressor, this
feature includes two settable delay intervals FrzDly1 sets the amount of time the
supply air temperature has to remain below FRZ_TMP before the alarm is triggered;
and FrzDly2 sets the amount of time until the compressor is allowed to come back on,
once the supply air temperature has returned to above FRZ_TMP. Note This feature
will only turn off the HP compressor signal. It will not protect the home or air handler
from freezing house temperatures or improper fresh air connections such as from a
heat recovery ventilator.
FRZ_TMP – The freeze protection setpoint temperature. Default value is 3 °C.
Lowering this value will decrease sensitivity of the freeze protection feature.
FrzDly1 – Amount of time (in minutes) to wait before acknowledging a freeze
protection condition. Default setting is 3 minutes. Increasing this value will decrease
sensitivity of the freeze protection feature.
FrzDly2 – Amount of time in minutes to wait before bringing the HP compressor back
on, once the measured supply air temperature has returned to a safe value. Default
setting is 2 minutes.
Troubles ooting
Warning: The homeowner can diagnose many issues from the main controller on the front of
the air handler but any diagnostics or servicing inside the air handler (blower compartment)
should only be performed by a qualified service person. High voltages are present.

Controls User Manual – HPAH
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No Display – If pushing one of the four front buttons does not refresh the display, there may
be no power to the air handler, or the transformer has failed or the controller has failed.
Thermostat calls – The status screen (default) will show heating, cooling or continuous fan
calls detected from the thermostat (Table 1). Using the outer keys, the user can scroll
through the screens to see individual thermostat calls and fan speed (Table 3).
If a thermostat is calling but not detected by the control
1. Check the thermostat and its connections
2. Check thermostat wiring at the thermostat and air handler.
3. Check the 8gang relay indicator lights.
W1, W2, Y1, Y2,O and G1 are connected
directly from the thermostat terminal strip.
The 8 gang relay converts 24vac thermostat
signals to digital signals for input to the iStat6
controller. If the lights are on but the
controller does not respond, the problem is
the wiring to the control or the control has
failed.
No Auxiliary Heating – Try Test Mode first – pushing the
button on the bottom (underneath) of the control will run the
auxiliary pump and fan for 20 seconds. Pipes should get warm and fan should run. No pump
– check the pump relay for a 24vac signal from the control, wiring and pump.
No HP Cooling/Heating - Check for 24vac at the terminal strip Y1-OUT. If not, check wiring
to and from control and control.
No Blower - The fan can be tested from 0-100% by placing the primary thermostat in FAN
ON (or jumper R to G) with no heat or cool call. Then, adjust ContFan up and down within
ADMIN mode. It should modulate smoothly from 1% to 100% and off completely at 0%. If it
fails to run, check wiring from controller to motor speed control, motor speed control, wiring to
motor and motor.
Blower motor never fully stops, even with no demand signal
Ensure control displays NO CALL. If not, check thermostat settings and
thermostat wiring.
Too much airflow, causing noise
This can occur due to undersized ductwork, dirty filter or improper setup of the air
handler heating/cooling loads. Check airflow % settings. Installing a 2-stage heat
pump will reduce the airflow most of the time (first stage).

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Alarm message “TST ERR”
There is a simultaneous call for auxiliary heating (W) and cooling (O), indicating an
error with thermostat wiring or setup. Ensure that the thermostat is wired as per the
Installation Instructions, and configured for heat pump systems, either single or 2
stage.
Not enough humidity removal in cooling mode
Reduce cooling speeds HPC1Fan and HPC2Fan.
Supply or return air temperature (SA_TMP or RA_TMP) reads -50 °C
This indicates the supply air temperature sensor is not properly connected to the
controller. Ensure that the sensor is connected as per the wiring diagram found in the
Installation Instructions and that no wires have become loose. RA_TMP is not used
and can be ignored. A failed supply air temperature sensor will put the system into
freeze protection.
Freeze protection errors (alarm message “FROZEN”)
This usually occurs when there is inadequate airflow for a given system.
 Ensure that the air filter is not plugged and all ductwork is open
 Ensure supply air temperature sensor is located after cooling coil and in the
supply air stream, not touching the coil, heat source, plumbing, etc.
 Ensure the cooling setpoint temperature CoolTmp is not set too high
 Decrease sensitivity of the freeze protection feature (see Freeze Protection above)
Table 3 User Mode (default)
Line 1 Line 2 Set. Type Description Default
HP AirH #### D Display Display status of system NO CALL
W1_Aux (0)Off/(1)On D Input Thermostat auxiliary heating W1 (ON/OFF)
W2_Aux (0)Off/(1)On D Input Thermostat auxiliary heating W2 (ON/OFF)
Y1_HP (0)Off/(1)On D Input Thermostat heat pump Y1 (ON/OFF)
Y2_HP (0)Off/(1)On D Input Thermostat heat pump Y2 (ON/OFF)
SA_TMP ###.# C D Input Supply air temperature
RA_TMP ###.# C D Input Return air temperature (display only, not used)
FAN_Spd #### % D calc Fan speed as a percentage
HPAH ##.## REV D Display Program name and revision number 2.00
* note "D" in set. indicates variable is for display only and is not
settable

Controls User Manual – HPAH
Rev_20200811 Page 9 of 9
Table 4 Admin Mode
Line 1 Line 2 Set. Type Description Default
HP AirH #### D Display Display status of system NO CALL
W1_Aux (0)Off/(1)On D Input Thermostat auxiliary heating W1 (ON/OFF)
W2_Aux (0)Off/(1)On D Input Thermostat auxiliary heating W2 (ON/OFF)
Y1_HP (0)Off/(1)On D Input Thermostat heat pump Y1 (ON/OFF)
Y2_HP (0)Off/(1)On D Input Thermostat heat pump Y2 (ON/OFF)
SA_TMP ###.# C D Input Supply air temperature
RA_TMP ###.# C D Input Return air temperature (display only, not used)
FAN_Spd #### % D calc Fan speed as a percentage
ContFan #### % Setting Continuous Fan airflow as a percent of maximum. 50
HPH1Fan #### % Setting Heat pump heating 1st stage fan speed as a % of max. 50
HPH2Fan #### % Setting Heat pump heating 2nd stage fan speed as a % of max. 100
HPC1Fan #### % Setting Heat pump cooling 1st stage fan speed as a % of max. 50
HPC2Fan #### % Setting Heat pump cooling 2nd stage fan speed as a % of max. 100
Aux1Fan #### % Setting Auxiliary heating 1st stage fan speed as a % of max. 50
Aux2Fan #### % Setting Auxliiary heating 2nd stage fan speed as a % of max. 100
HP Pre #### sec Setting
Time fan runs at half speed at beginning of heat pump
call in seconds 10
HP Post #### sec Setting
Time fan runs at half speed at the end of a heat pump
call in seconds 30
Aux Pre #### sec Setting
Time fan runs at half speed at beginning of auxiliary heat
call in seconds 30
AuxPost #### sec Setting
Time fan runs at half speed at the end of auxiliary heat
call in seconds 30
PumpExr (0)Off/(1)On Input Daily pump exerciser ON/OFF OFF
HP_2STG (0)Off/(1)On
Text
Setting Is the heat pump 2 stage? 0
HP2Time #### min Setting Time to activate 2nd stage cooling in minutes. 20
FrzTemp #### C Setting Freeze alarm setpoint temperature 2
FrzDly1 #### min Setting Freeze Delay 1 - wait time to activate freeze alarm 3
FrzDly2 #### min Setting
Freeze Delay 2 - wait time to restore operation after a
freeze alarm 2
HPAH ##.## REV D Input Program name and revision number 2.00
Modbus #### Setting Modbus address 137