Runaway stoker

Yesterday my son and I attempted to install my newly-purchased Coal-Trol Standard (CM2-4 power module, S/N 590022, and TS2 thermostat) on my Alaska Channing III (new last fall). We solved the minor connection problem involved in bypassing/eliminating the Alaska feed control, but when we were ready to run the stove with the new Coal-Trol we discovered that the stoker motor runs continuously regardless of the thermostat settings. Oddly, the Firing Rate Indicator (FR) display is not showing the plus sign as described in the instruction manual. Putting the t-stat in TEST mode showed continuous power to the stoker except when the display reads AUX or IC 000 at which times the stoker turns off, only to turn on again when STOKER comes up next in the test sequence. Since we can hear and see the stoker relay functioning inside the power module, my guess is that the problem lies with the t-stat.

Also with respect to the thermostat, we observe that the SETUP menu does not include an item for setting temperature units (DEG), nor one for the CFT Convection Fan Threshold, as described in the Instruction manual.

Have we missed something?

A number of very odd things there. Please call us at 315-299-3589 to troubleshoot this and arrange replacement/repair if necessary.

In the meantime things to check:

- In TEST mode, besides the stoker motor issue, do the other motors turn on and off as expected (on only when the output name is displayed, correctly matched to the name on the display)?

- Have you tried disconnecting and reconnecting the cable connecting the thermostat to the control module? Make sure it snaps into place securely on both ends.

- What version information displayed when you power up the thermostat? Should be something like "V3 0__", "TS2", "COLTRL".

Thank you for the amazingly quick response, Paul.

Its going to be a bit of a drag trying to troubleshoot my problem by phone. Since we are still in the heating season here in NE Ohio, when the new Coal-Trol malfunctioned it was necessary to reinstall the Alaska controls. I'm not crazy about going back and forth with this process any more often than is absolutely necessary.

pvolcko wrote:- In TEST mode, besides the stoker motor issue, do the other motors turn on and off as expected (on only when the output name is displayed, correctly matched to the name on the display)?

Yes. We checked and double-checked, and all the other functions are by the book.

pvolcko wrote:- Have you tried disconnecting and reconnecting the cable connecting the thermostat to the control module? Make sure it snaps into place securely on both ends.

Yes. In fact, as a computer buff, I have several other network cables here and we tested using one as a substitute for the factory-supplied 25-footer. No joy.

pvolcko wrote:- What version information displayed when you power up the thermostat? Should be something like "V3 0__", "TS2", "COLTRL".

She reads, "V4 001", TS2", "COL TRL".

If you want to run any other tests I can do them on the "bench", my kitchen work surface, where I just now obtained the above power up reading. In fact, with a 7w nightlight plugged into the stoker outlet on the control module as an indicator, I can and have reproduced exactly the problem.

What next?

Chal

That's what I thought. You got a thermostat programmed with experimental software that is not ready for prime time. We're very sorry for the mix up. Please call the shop on Monday to arrange to have the thermostat and control box sent back for reprogramming and bench retest (the stoker output issue may be an electrical issue in the control module, separate from the thermostat programming problem).

I was just going ask about Version 4.0 I didn't think it was out yet!!

Hello Paul,

I had an e-mail this morning from Ed Tucker explaining and apologizing for the situation and telling me what you folks are doing about it. I have written him as follows:

'"Well, stuff happens. I had my own small business for 30 years and, believe me, I've been there. No hard feelings.

What I truly appreciate is the amazingly fast response my problem has enjoyed beginning with the forum message from Paul — on a Sunday!"

Cheers,

Chal