I was hoping you would have something out for this! Your channel is my go-to resource for troubleshooting and repairing my new FD, in the event I have problems with it. I will find out this month as I get set up to freeze dry. Thanks for sharing this resource!
I have had mid-batch failures and I am going to do the test they asked me to do. I will move the 2 wires from the heat to the drain. Thanks for your instructions. I am trying to get the top off without having to take ALL of the screws out of the back! Your directions are much better than theirs. They should hire you!!
You mention a "mild electric shock" risk with the capacitor. Unless it's really low voltage, this should be a potentially deadly risk. It's a large capacitor, and if it's charged with say 110V (rectified / DC) you can likely get enough current going through your heart to stop it / kill you. Note: I love your videos, thanks!
My cap was charged first time I got into it. The connectors were so tight that I had to pry them off; the screwdriver discharged the cap.....sounded like a .22 pistol
I got "mid-batch heater failure" after having my freeze dryer about 1 year. Now, i can't even find the replacement part (relay board) online. Apparently, now the newer (competitor) freeze dryers on the market, are improving on the Harvest Right, and making their freeze dryers with better relays, improving upon epoxy harness, etc. Stay Fresh and Blue Alpine seem to have figured things out. But, i'm invested in my Harvest Right, I will have to stick with it.
@@Philat4800feet No, i have not even opened my freeze dryer. I'm not really a electrical type person. So, i wouldn't even know which wires to switch around. I'd rather just buy the whole part and replace it. I just can't find one online. I also want the ambient temperature wire, as someone else mentioned. But it seems like I have to get diagnostic ($45) from Harvest Right first, to even be eligible for getting the parts. Thanks for your suggestions, though.
Connector from your mains hot wire(black) looks like it´s burned out. Bad contact? Good visible at 09:33 Maybe a good idea to replace it before it gets worse, and damages the board
I have had a problem with my freeze dryer since the get go. While it was still on warrantee (I’ve had the machine 11/2 years), it was already taking up to 70/+ hours to dry on some batches. I did the tests, and eventually they sent me new trays. Annnd new operating systems. It has worked, but verrrry slowly. At this point I have a load of onions in. At 44 hours it is still in the initial freeze stage - it has not moved forward to vacuum freeze. Its fluctuating between -13c and -16c. I’m hesitant to contact HR for a ticket and go through an expensive analysis that will probably not fix my problem. And which I really can’t afford. Do you have any thoughts on the possible issues? I’m not familiar with what the freeze relay exactly does, but am wondering if the issue might be one of the relays.
Check this out: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9UKfpSmirk0.html If the relay isn't working either the pump, heater, or freezer wouldn't turn on. A relay is just a switch.
I am dealing with a failure to heat during the drying cycle (see below). I received a new breaker board and installed it. Didn't fix. I installed the 5.1.16 update and then reinstalled the 5.0.23 software but that didn't cure it. Along with the breaker board, the company sent me a replacement ambient temperature wire. I searched the web including their website and didn't find a video of how to replace the wire. Anyone know of one?
Most of these repairs are remove and replace. Is this not he case with the ambient temperature wire? I haven't done this repair before. Is this the wire that goes down to the condenser? In my video, I believe it's at time frame 11:52.
How much does a replacement relay board cost from Harvest Right, assuming your unit is out of warranty, how old is your unit and what is the frequency of board failure? My Freeze Dryer is 10 months old, I am seriously considering purchasing a shelf spare relay board to limit machine downtime. Keep up with the great detailed videos, very helpful and informative.
Phil! Need your experience. Waiting on delivery of my first FD. Want to temporarily set it up with the pump above the FD unit. Will the pump function properly? Cannot find resources!
There are Pros and Cons to your idea: Cons: 1. The hose isn't long enough. You'd need to join two together with a #12 JIC coupler. 2. Changing the oil could be difficult. If you place your FD on a 32" cart, and your pump on top, you'll need to step stool for the 6' oil plug. Pros: 1. It would take up less space
The board was deenergized during the swap, although L1 and L2 (neutral and hot) were still attached to the board. When the board is powered, there is an LED that is illuminated next to it's relay.
Help, our HR is 8 months old and will not heat up during the drying cycle. Going round and round with HR techs and getting nowhere. Don't know what to do, any suggestions?
Yes, but this could be technical: When you toggle the heater switch manually do you hear the sound of the relay closing? If you unplug the shelf unit. Do you get voltage when the heaters are turned on manually?
@@Philat4800feet I never listened for the sound but when I turn on the heaters in test mode, they heat up to 130 ° It's just when the drying cycle comes on after the freeze cycle, the heaters do not come on.
You can use the spare relay, but for some reason it becomes energized at Power-on. The relay will need to be turned off by turning the touch screen on. Does this make sense? To test the function in question, after moving the wires, you'll need to turn the touch screen off to energize the relay. The circuitry is backwards.
I’m getting pretty disgusted with this machine. Finally fixed all the vacuum leaks, and now it it’s mid-batch heater failure. Had this machine less than a year, have had nothing but problems.
Plus I know absolutely nothing about electronics, and poking around in there is something I’m not looking forward to messing with. I appreciate your videos very much.
