Hot Tub Controller Hack part 2

Link to this video's blog posting.
www.toddfun.com...
A friend has a Coleman hot tub from 1994 and the controller has failed. It's a strange failure and I think I can modify the controller and add a hacked in a cheap Chinese temperature control module along with a switch to turn the jets on/off while still using 90% of the original control board.
In part 1 video I review the hot tub failure and a possible hack solution.
• Hot Tub Controller Hac...
In this part (part 2 video) I setup a test rig and evaluate what is functional and reusable on the original control board. Then I test out an override hack that will let me control the defunct features using a simple 5 volt control line.
In part 3 video I test the final hacked hot tub control at the bench.
• Hot Tub Controller Hac...
bigclivedotcom video I refer to in my video
• Neat Chinese thermosta...
Where I purchased my Chinese temperature control module
www.ebay.com/it...
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/ toddrharrison

[@regthebackyardjackofalltrades]

Todd, Thank you for this. It looks like all the companies use the same circuitry for hot tubs but change the design of the tubs.

[@ToddFun]

yes, but some have a few different features so the base code must be a little different too.

[@regthebackyardjackofalltrades]

Todd, thanks a million for these tutorials. My heat increase button is not working and I do not have the time to sit and let the water go stagnant whilst figuring out how to either clean the button or repairing the ribbon tape. I purchased the 220V/12V remote thermostat but haven’t installed it yet because I not sure the 12V is AC or DC? I could try the 220V hook up but the bolts and amperage might be too strong if water was somehow able to get into the box I will build. I tried the resistor method and found out that I could increase the temperature without adding a resistor to the High Limit Sensor. I went up to 3K Ohms and the temperature increased. I went back to Willy’s Electronics(We-Supply) and purchased and 16mm 10K Ohm Potentiometer and I was able to manually increase the resistance and the temperature increased. This is all I needed, all other programmed cycles are still operable. Except cool since the the Potentiometer is telling the circuit board that it is 76 Degrees Fahrenheit whilst it is really at 97 Degrees. The only drawback is that no one els in y family is going to take the time to remove the wood cover which is held on with four screws before to increase the resistance and after to decrease the resistance so that the spa can go back to its programmed temperature settings.

[@ToddFun]

That's interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@jimkodysz5404]

Hi Todd, Very interesting! looking forward to part 3.

[@dricklorenz9340]

Nice work. Seems like you should add repair videos to your repertoire...

[@stphinkle]

It is interesting that they include a relay that is not used in your model

[@ToddFun]

Stephen Hinkle mostly it is far cheaper to spin the one board version through the PCB supply and then try to upsell the customers. They will just not put the more expensive 3 speed motor in if the customers don't pay for the feature. The boards will just have a different code drop in.

[@voidofmind]

As Todd said most boards come with optional features already programmed but merely disabled and this is often across the board for All Electronics and is a cost-cutting measure. You can see this often in cars where there is three or four panels with buttons on them and another panel or three without buttons where it looks like there should have been. For the savvy, you may be able to program or hack extra functionality out of some devices. I installed heated seats in my wife's truck by purchasing the pads and some buttons and tapping into the functionality that already existed in the truck.

[@michaelshansen7070]

Do more electronics Dont listen to Dave below. He has no clue!