Please Help with Jebao SW-4 with Apex 0-10v input

Shanel · Jul 28, 2021

I'm building a Biocube 32 for my Daughter and Grandson. I am trying to use 2 apex 0-10v outputs to control 2 Jebao SW-4's. No such luck. It seems like when I output voltage the pumps change speed but when I remove the voltage the pumps don't shut off. It's like they revert back to the Jebao controller settings. The instructions are terrible and do not include the setup of the o-10v input. I need some help setting this up. Hopefully it's something simple.

Shanel · Jul 28, 2021

Here is a pic of the Jebao controller

Shanel · Jul 30, 2021

Any Ideas?

Shanel · Jul 30, 2021

If I put it into Feed Mode it work perfect. Tried to keep the Feed button depressed. Even with the button depressed it still times out. Anybody know a way of keeping it in Feed Mode?

Shanel · Jul 31, 2021

Solved! Apex is in control now!

Shanel · Jul 31, 2021

Here is my fix for the SW-4. First I just have to say how I can't stand when company's advertise features that don't work as advertised. This pump controller does not have a headphone jack for 0-10v input. The 0-10v input does not have full control of the pump. Don't take this the wrong way, I still like the Jebao pumps. This is a 24v dc pump. There is a constant 24v dc output to the pump. The va circuit controls the speed of the pump using a 0-5v signal. After testing the va circuit of the pump, the output voltage on the va circuit works like this. The controller steps down the input voltage by 1/2, so 10v input would be 5v output. The controller outputs the higher of the 2 voltages to the va circuit. If the input voltage is 0v and the SW controller mode is signaling higher than 0v. That voltage would be sent to the pump via the va circuit. For example if you send a 0v signal to the SW controller, no matter what mode the SW controller is in it will output the voltage that the SW controller mode is signaling and the pumps stay running. I did some testing and found if you disconnect the 24v power to the SW controller and leave the 0-10v input connected, the va circuit still outputs the signal from the 0-10v input by 1/2 (10v = 5v). Looking at the circuit board where the 24v positive circuit goes from the power connector to the first diode, there is a small copper section. You can use a razor blade to scrape this circuit off and you will disconnect the power to the SW controller modes. You will still have the 24v going to the pump. Now you have full control of the pump via the 0-10v circuit. Below is how I modified the SW controller to work both ways, with or without the 0-10v input.

Here is the copper section to remove.

Here is the copper section removed.

If you want to switch between 0-10v full control and the Jebao factory modes. Install an on/off switch here.

Next you will need to make a cutout for the switch. Position of the cutout will be your choice.

Drill your hole for the headphone jack they advertise is there, LOL. If you have the correct connector you can skip this step. Unfortunately I already purchased the cable before finding out they LIED, LOL.

Cut any tabs that will interfere with you switch.

Install and solder your headphone jack if applicable.

Install your switch.

Reassemble your controller. Now you have full control. Apex can even do the feed modes for you.

VBMike · Sep 29, 2021

Bump!! Thanks for sharing. Was it obvious where on the board you solder the jack? It's hard to tell from the photo. Thanks

Mr. Bends · Dec 17, 2021

Shanel said:
Here is my fix for the SW-4. First I just have to say how I can't stand when company's advertise features that don't work as advertised. This pump controller does not have a headphone jack for 0-10v input. The 0-10v input does not have full control of the pump. Don't take this the wrong way, I still like the Jebao pumps. This is a 24v dc pump. There is a constant 24v dc output to the pump. The va circuit controls the speed of the pump using a 0-5v signal. After testing the va circuit of the pump, the output voltage on the va circuit works like this. The controller steps down the input voltage by 1/2, so 10v input would be 5v output. The controller outputs the higher of the 2 voltages to the va circuit. If the input voltage is 0v and the SW controller mode is signaling higher than 0v. That voltage would be sent to the pump via the va circuit. For example if you send a 0v signal to the SW controller, no matter what mode the SW controller is in it will output the voltage that the SW controller mode is signaling and the pumps stay running. I did some testing and found if you disconnect the 24v power to the SW controller and leave the 0-10v input connected, the va circuit still outputs the signal from the 0-10v input by 1/2 (10v = 5v). Looking at the circuit board where the 24v positive circuit goes from the power connector to the first diode, there is a small copper section. You can use a razor blade to scrape this circuit off and you will disconnect the power to the SW controller modes. You will still have the 24v going to the pump. Now you have full control of the pump via the 0-10v circuit. Below is how I modified the SW controller to work both ways, with or without the 0-10v input.

Here is the copper section to remove.

Here is the copper section removed.

If you want to switch between 0-10v full control and the Jebao factory modes. Install an on/off switch here.

Next you will need to make a cutout for the switch. Position of the cutout will be your choice.

Drill your hole for the headphone jack they advertise is there, LOL. If you have the correct connector you can skip this step. Unfortunately I already purchased the cable before finding out they LIED, LOL.

Cut any tabs that will interfere with you switch.

Install and solder your headphone jack if applicable.

Install your switch.

Reassemble your controller. Now you have full control. Apex can even do the feed modes for you.

Wow! Great fix and documentation. I recently had the same problem, but only on one of my pumps.

Is this solution still working for you? You are still able to control it via the 0-10v signal input?

I am going to try your fix tonight. Any idea why it worked initially? That is, what part on the jebao controller failed so that you had to make this fix?

HuneyBear · Dec 17, 2021

Mr. Bends said:
Wow! Great fix and documentation. I recently had the same problem, but only on one of my pumps.

Is this solution still working for you? You are still able to control it via the 0-10v signal input?

I am going to try your fix tonight. Any idea why it worked initially? That is, what part on the jebao controller failed so that you had to make this fix?

It wasn’t because of a failure that @Shanel did this. The way jebao set up the 0-10v input on this controller warranted the modifications done. It’s listed as 0-10v capable with headphone style jack, however their plug is a 3.5mm dc power style plug. You can add the proper headphone jack as @Shanel did or find the plug that fits in what they have. The added switch and removing of the copper on the board is because the controller will use the highest voltage being put out as it’s out power.

Shanel · Dec 18, 2021

Great to hear Feedback on this. Yes I have 2 of them still going strong without any issues. These are great little pumps they just overlooked some key details when designing the controller

Shanel · Dec 18, 2021

Just wish my Apex water level sensors would stop failing. 3 so far failed on my build.

Mr. Bends · Dec 21, 2021

HuneyBear said:
It wasn’t because of a failure that @Shanel did this. The way jebao set up the 0-10v input on this controller warranted the modifications done. It’s listed as 0-10v capable with headphone style jack, however their plug is a 3.5mm dc power style plug. You can add the proper headphone jack as @Shanel did or find the plug that fits in what they have. The added switch and removing of the copper on the board is because the controller will use the highest voltage being put out as it’s out power.

I was probably extending my experience with the pump to @Shanel, because that's what happened to one of mine. I had two that were taking my 0-10v input perfectly, right out of the box, on H mode. After months of running, one just stopped reacting to the input, except when in feeding mode.

Regardless, I just applied @Shanel's fix and it appears to be working perfectly! It cut out all of the blinky lights, but it's using the 0-10v input.

Thanks again for the directions!