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FAQ

How do I calibrate (wet/dry) an RH sensor on an ESUS (.4)?

1. Remove the wick from the wet bulb, and wait for 30 minutes.

2. Determine the Dry and Wet Analog Input numbers:
a) Press 22 System key
b) Enter the password "10 Heating then red # key
c) Press the right arrow key when the cursor is flashing on Inputs
d) Press the down arrow key once, the cursor will move to Assign RH
e) Press the right arrow key.

f) The display will read type dry/wet with a number behind the dry and wet assignments on the second line. Record these below.

                        Dry  _______                           Wet _______

2. Adjust the sensor readings.

a) Press the left arrow key once, the display will read Assign Input, Assign RH, and An. In. Calib
b) Press the down arrow key the cursor will be flashing on An. In. Calib
c) Press the right arrow key.
d) Press the double up arrow key until the Dry input recorded above is displayed. The screen will have the Zr, the Sp and a measured value displayed, record the measured value ________.
e) Press the double up arrow key to display the Wet input recorded above. Record the measured value  ________.
f) These two measured values should be equal. If not, adjust the wet sensor by changing the value under the Zr setting.
g) Record the original wet input Zr _______ and Sp _________.
h)To match the measured values, increase the wet Zr to decrease the wet measurement, decrease the wet Zr to increase the wet measurement.
ii) Do Not Change The Wet Sp!!!
jj) Record the new wet Zr ________ and wet measured value _______.
k) Record the current dry measured value (press the double down arrow to view this) ____________.
ll) These two values should now match.

How do I calibrate (wet/dry) an RH sensor on a 755?

1. Remove the wick from the wet bulb, and wait for 30 minutes.

2. Determine the Dry and Wet Analog Input numbers:
a) Press 22 System key
b) Enter the password "10 Daily Run Times  then red # key
c) Press the right arrow key when the cursor is flashing on Inputs
d) Press the down arrow key once, the cursor will move to Inside Climate
e) Press the right arrow key.

f) The display will read RH Plenum with a number behind the RH-D and RH-W assignments on the second line. Record these below.

                        RH-D  _______                           RH-W _______

3. Adjust the sensor readings.

a) Press the left arrow key once, the display will be at the original inputs menu.
b) Press the down arrow key 3 times, the cursor will be flashing on 5 Analog Measurement
c) Press the right arrow key.
d) Press the double up arrow key until the RH-D measurement recorded above is displayed.

e) Press the down arrow key twice.  The display will show the measured values of the RH-D sensor, ie. 221.  Record the measured value  ________.

f) Press the double up arrow key to display the RH-W input recorded above. Record the measured value  ________.
g) These two measured values should be equal. If not, adjust the wet sensor by changing the value under the Zero setting.  Increase by 1 to increase the measured value by 1.
h) Do not change the RH-D!!!
i) Record the new wet zero ________ and RH-W measured value _______.
j) Record the current RH-D measured value (press the double down arrow to view this) ____________.
k) These two values should now match.

How do I Calibrate an Inlet door on a 755?

1: Close the door with the knob on the relay panel.
2: Press button 22 on the 755. The display will ask for a password, which is button 10. Press the # button.
3: Press the right arrow to go into INPUTS and then the single down arrow and go to ASSIGN MEAS. Press the right arrow to go into this and then use the single down arrow to go to the bottom of the list to AIR INLET. (Make sure that the correct bin light is on) Note this number ______.
4: Press the left arrow to go back to INPUTS and then the single down arrow and go to ANALOG MEAS. Press the right arrow to go into this. ANALOG INPUT 1 should be showing.
5: Press the double up arrow to go to the ANALOG INPUT found .
6: Press the single down arrow until the C in CALIBRATE U/R is blinking.
7: Press the # key so that the 0 after CALIBRATE U/R is blinking.
8: Press the single up arrow once and the word ZERO should appear. Press # and wait for the word ZERO changes back to 0.
9: Open the door with the knob on the relay panel. Wait until the door fully opens.
10: Press the #. Press the single up key until SPAN is showing. Press # and wait until 0 shows.
11: Close the door with the knob and wait until the door is completely closed.
12: Press the single down arrow to get to the bottom of the screen where the words ZERO and SPAN are.
13: Press the # key so the Z in zero is blinking. Press the DOUBLE UP ARROW 4 to 5 times then press the # twice.
14: Press the air inlet button. The reading for MEAS should be 1.
Put the knob in auto.

My PC is not communicating with my Fancom ventilation computers, what should I do?

Check the simplest and most obvious things first.

1. Is the Fancom serial interface plugged into the back of the PC? or is the network wire plugged into the netcard?

2. Is the Fancom serial interface plugged into the correct comm port? or is the network wire plugged into the correct terminal on the netcard?

3. Is the Fancom serial interface plugged into 120VAC outlet? Does the outlet have power?

4. Has anyone modified the PC prior to the Fancom Systems failure to communicate? If so, what was changed/added/removed?

5. Has there been any work done on the Fancom System prior to it failure to communicate? Electricians, trenching, wires cut, etc.

6. Was there a power outage, storm or any other electrical anomalies?

7. Does the Master Fancom controller transmit? To check, go to the System, Configure, Communication (refer to installer manuals) and reset the "transmit and receive" numbers back to zero and monitor their progress. If the Master transmits but does not receive, then the problem could be in one of the Fancom controllers. Check each Fancom controller for transmitting and receiving. If one receives but does not transmit or if one transmits and the other does not receive, the problem could be one or both of those controllers. Contact Techmark for technical support before continuing any further. Contact Techmark@techmark-inc.com or (517) 322-0250.

I installed frequency drives on my farm and now I am having problems with my ventilation system. Could there be interference from the drive that affects the Fancom computers?

Yes. Even though Fancom has engineered a very durable filtration for the controllers, some interference has been attributed to frequency drives, motors and wires. The solution can be one of several: Isolate the frequency drives wires from the Fancom wires. Never run them in the same conduit and avoid running them in parallel over long lengths. Make sure the frequency drive is properly grounded and that shielded frequency drive wire is used. For more information on special frequency drive wire, please contact Techmark. Also, make sure the frequency drive is programmed for the job/duty it is performing. Read the manufactures manual for full details.

How do I send my samples to the Techmark Laboratory?

For product quality analyses:

Our potato quality services are generally offered from early September through June each year, though arrangements may be made outside of this window. We prefer to receive samples on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays during this season, though other arrangements may be made. Call (517) 322-0250.

Other analyses:

Please inquire about availability of and arrangements for special analyses. Contact Techmark at (517) 322-0250.

How will I receive my analytical results?

Most of our laboratory services include next-day or 48-hour reporting of results. We can return your results via fax, e-mail or USPS ground mail without an additional charge. 95% of our soil and foliar nutrient complete analyses are reported with in 48 hours of our receipt of the sample. Nitrate analyses or product quality analyses are generally reported within 24 hours of our receipt of the sample.

How can I arrange a special project?

The Techmark Laboratory is available for special research or commercial projects. Contact Techmark at (517) 322-0250 or Techmark@techmark-inc.com to arrange a meeting to discuss your project ideas. After our initial discussion, Techmark will further research the topic and provide you with a proposal. We will develop a plan together with you from that point.

How can I schedule an IRD evaluation?

IRD evaluations of equipment and systems are scheduled individually. Most system evaluations require one full day and the assistance of one on-site participant. Contact Techmark at (517) 322-0250 orTechmark@techmark-inc.com to make arrangements.

Do I need an alarm system for my Fancom controllers?

Yes!  Without question!  Fancom manufactures a very high quality unit, however, any item built can fail and without an adequate alarm system to notify you of an unusual occurrence, you are putting your livelihood at great risk. At no time should any controllers be put into operation without an alarm system and a procedure for routine alarm system tests.

Do I need isolation protection on my Fancom controllers?

Fancom units come from the factory with the main power supply protected from transients as well as the analog units. There is no perfect protection for transients. Therefore, you should always consider the power transmission system that one has, if there is any question to the systems integrity, then you should acquire additional power protection.

What type of wire do I use for my Fancom network?

We have no exact answer for every instance but we do recommend that all installations have wire that meets the applicable electrical codes or the National Electrical Code. We highly suggest that Belden wire be used for the sensor, communication and control signal wire. Each Fancom control does not require the same type of wire so it is best to consult with your dealer or the technical staff at Techmark.

How do I schedule a service call and how much time is required in advanced to schedule a visit?

You must first call Techmark, Inc. at (517) 322-0250 and request a visit from a technician who specializes in your type of Fancom controller. A minimum of three (3) weeks notice is required.

What type of sensors does Techmark provide for Fancom computer controlled systems?

Techmark. carries a wide variety of sensors for agricultural applications. Some examples are:  air temperature, wet/dry bulb RH sensors, electronic RH sensors, wind speed, water temperature, compost/pile temperature, CO₂ (remote or handheld), O₂, NH₄, pressure, feedback positioning, and special "rot" sensors, etc. Please contact us for more details.

What are the minimum personal computer system requirements for operating Fancom F-Central Remote Access Software?               

Microprocessor:  Pentium 4 or higher
Speed:  500 MHz or higher
Operating System:  Windows® 2000, XP, or Higher
Monitor:  Minimum (S)VGA color display, 640x480, 256 colors
RAM:  At least 512MB Internal RAM
Communications:  One free 9-pin serial port for F-Central loop systems.
USB Port:  One free Port.
Modem:  56k baud or higher, internal or external
Hard Drive: At least 5 gig free
Disk Drive:  One 1.44 disk drive
Mouse:  PS2 type or USB
Modem Software Recommended: PCAnywhere® by Symantec®, v. 10.5 or higher

Can I communicate to the PC operating Fancom F-Central from home or another location?

Yes, you need to have a PC at both locations. Each PC needs a modem and a dedicated phone line. We recommend using PCAnywhere® for Windows by Symantec®. The modem software needs to be installed at each location. The PC operating Fancom F-Central needs to be in "Host" mode and the PC at home/office needs to be in "Remote Control" mode. Please read modem software manual for installation, setup and minimum PC requirements.

Can the Fancom Controllers notify me if there is an alarm?

Yes. The Fancom controllers are equipped with an alarm relay, which can activate an alarm system and/or a phone dialer. Techmark uses the Phonetics® Sensaphone® 1100 series phone dialer. The Sensaphone can call up to eight phone numbers in the event of an alarm. The phone numbers can be: home phones, cell phones or pagers. A dedicated phone line is required. Call or email for more details.

Can I have the remote communication system and the alarm phone dialer on the same dedicated phone line?

Yes. The Sensaphone® system has a TAD (telephone answering device) feature that allows it dial out when there is an alarm. When you call back to cancel the alarm, the Sensaphone will answer on the first ring and reset. You can then call back via modem to check exactly what the alarm is and make any necessary changes to the Fancom system to correct the alarm. Please read the manuals for both Sensaphone and the PCAnywhere software for exact details.

Helpful hint: set the answer ring count of the dialer to 10 and the modem to 4.