Vortech Controller

mlandscape · Jun 25, 2020

Just acquired a Vortech Controller and trying to set up but hit a problem.
I have assigned the VC and all OK in that department except it does not show the RF section clearly - see screenshot

I am assuming that the firmware is up to date.
I have reset both of my MP10,s and now showing green and after following the instructions in the App I can't get the MP10's to show in the pump section.
For some reason, they don't seem to connect. I don't seem to be getting the right colour sequence on the MP10 when I try to connect them.

This is what the Controller LED's are showing, the 4th LED is not lit:-

Can anyone advise where I am going wrong, please.

Member No 1 · Jun 25, 2020

Connect the P4 via your computer, open GCC and then the Vortex overview. Update the two modules. I think it's the RF and Controller Interface. Don't update anything to do with the Vortech.
Then try to pair.

mlandscape · Jun 25, 2020

Hi and thanks for the quick reply. I did wonder if it was to do with the firmware and your image shows that.
I was trying to avoid having to update the firmware because being a Mac user it means I will have to go and borrow a Windows laptop from my daughter. I'll take a look later this evening when I can get the laptop and hopefully that will solve the problem. I'll let you know then. Thanks

Member No 1 · Jun 25, 2020

Good luck! You know where to find help if you need it!

mlandscape · Jun 25, 2020

I certainly do - thanks

mlandscape · Jun 25, 2020

Well, I managed to get the laptop sooner than I thought - that the good news.

The bad news is that it won't let me update either of those modules.

On both modules reported transferring firmware and then GHL Control Centre _ Error! Couldn't start update

Any further suggestions appreciated

Thanks

Member No 1 · Jun 25, 2020

Oh no!
Open a ticket with GHL. I had the same problem with the first Vortech Controller I received. They sent me a replacement.
Sorry
@Vinny@GHLUSA

Member No 1 · Jun 25, 2020

What's the Serial No on the Vortech Controller?

mlandscape · Jun 25, 2020

1107056016 just bought used

Member No 1 · Jun 25, 2020

Used? Was it working before? Sorry to say, you might be out of luck with that one.
Still I would open a ticket with GHL.

If GHL uses a sequential numbering system, it's older than the one I had issues with that I purchased about 2 months ago.
That serial no. was 2001056009.
This is my current controller, which is working great.

mlandscape · Jun 25, 2020

I was told "Everything has been tested today and is fully working"

The way you described your problem in the attachment seems to be exactly the same

Member No 1 · Jun 25, 2020

Sorry to say, it does look that way. I hope you get it straightened out.

mlandscape · Jun 25, 2020

Thanks very much. Although I am in the UK hopefully @Vinny@GHLUSA might have a solution to the problem without having to replace it.

Member No 1 · Jun 25, 2020

Mine seemed to be "locked" up. Only way to fix, was replacement. They were going to send it back to Germany so they could reverse engineer the device to find out what caused it. With all that's going on, I never got a response as to why it did it.

KenO · Jun 25, 2020

This might be something to try. Sometimes when trying to update a GHL product that has had a number of firmware updates, you can't just jump to the last firmware version. If there are previous versions try updating with the oldest. If that works keep working your way to the latest version.

Vinny@GHLUSA · Jun 25, 2020

@mlandscape
There was no need to do any update for the Vortech controller's RF module or anything on it. That kind of update has nothing to do with GHL and is a FW sourced from ETM.

Normally a new module will show the RF firmware version, but not seeing one in your screenshot tells me one was attempted and failed possibly due to uploading the wrong file. In either case, the device is likely not recoverable and will need replacing.

mlandscape · Jun 25, 2020

Sorry, @Vinny@GHLUSA I don't understand. If its nothing to do with GHL why is the option there to update to a newer firmware version? The RF firmware version was blank in myGHL before I attempted any firmware updates. The updates I attempted were only fro the Controller interface and the RF module ie the third/fourth in the list.

When you say likely how would I establish that was the case. I do not want to be replacing it if it can be sorted out.

mlandscape · Jun 25, 2020

KenO said:
This might be something to try. Sometimes when trying to update a GHL product that has had a number of firmware updates, you can't just jump to the last firmware version. If there are previous versions try updating with the oldest. If that works keep working your way to the latest version.

Thanks for the suggestion but there was only one update available and besides @Vinny@GHLUSA has said that they shouldn't be updated anyway which is a bit odd considering the option is there in GCC to do that.

Vinny@GHLUSA · Jun 25, 2020

Because ETM at one point offered these updates which could be applied to the module. If the wrong one was used for the update, it could render the RF module inoperable.

For further advice, please work with the support member assigned to your ticket.