1) Product scope
Split-type cassette indoor units (approx. 18k–24k BTU/h class).
Focus areas: functions, timers, fan control, drain/defrost logic, self-diagnosis, thermistors, and troubleshooting.
2) Key operating functions
Cold-draft prevention (heating): on heat start, the indoor fan runs super-low until the indoor coil warms, then steps up.
Three-minute delay: compressor is inhibited after power-up and following stops to protect the system.
Test run mode: bypasses thermostatic control for commissioning; never leave the unit in test for normal operation.
Weekly/ON/OFF timers: OFF timer stops at a set time; ON timer starts at a set time; Weekly timer supports two ON/OFF windows per day and a one-day “Day Off” override.
3) Fan control logic
AUTO (cooling): fan speed steps between LOW/MED/HIGH based on room–setpoint delta.
DRY: prioritises dehumidification; indoor fan runs LOW with coordinated starts/stops around compressor cycling.
HEATING: fan advances to the next speed step when the indoor coil rises to a defined temperature and backs off if it cools; two-minute minimum hold between step changes.
Manual (LOW/MED/HIGH): fixed speed selection.
4) Drain pump operation
Pump starts with the compressor.
Continues for ~3 minutes after compressor stops to clear the pan.
Float-switch trip stops compressor and fans; pump continues briefly.
If the float remains high for several minutes, the controller issues a drain fault indication.
5) Defrost (heating)
Defrost eligibility is based on cumulative heating run-time and low outdoor coil temperature.
During defrost, the outdoor fan stops and control follows a fixed sequence; completion requires coil warm-up and/or maximum defrost time expiry.
A short “mask” period prevents nuisance protection trips during transitions.
After defrost, the 4-way valve and compressor are sequenced back to heating, then normal control resumes.
6) Indoor coil anti-icing (cooling/dry)
If the indoor coil temperature drops near the ice threshold, outdoor fan is reduced; if the coil stays too cold, the compressor is stopped.
Recovery occurs once the coil warms above the reset temperature.
7) Self-diagnosis (typical wall remote)
Error display can be invoked from the controller; codes cover communication, room/coil/discharge/outdoor thermistors, outdoor pressure/temperature protections, indoor fan, model/configuration, and EEPROM/controller faults.
Always clear latched errors by isolating power for at least 3 minutes after rectification.
8) Thermistors — quick reference use
Room thermistor: ~10 kΩ at 25 °C (NTC).
Indoor coil thermistor: higher resistance at low temperature; used for cold-draft prevention and anti-ice control.
Outdoor coil & ambient thermistors: govern defrost; check against standard NTC tables.
Discharge thermistor: protects against high discharge temperature.
Bench test: disconnect, stabilise at a known ambient, measure resistance, and compare to an NTC chart. Allow ±10% field tolerance.
9) Troubleshooting workflow
No operation
Confirm supply, fuse, and low-voltage rails (5/12 V).
Check reset circuit and microcontroller oscillator rails.
Verify remote input path and LED/indicator drive.
Erratic display/controls
Inspect remote wiring and DIP/configuration; confirm key inputs switch correctly.
Indoor fan issues
If the fan runs when stopped: solid-state relay/drive short.
If the fan will not run or only LOW works: check drive outputs and relays; verify microcontroller outputs for each step.
Poor cooling/heating
Indoor/outdoor airflow (filters, coils, fans).
Refrigerant side (charge, restrictions); look for frosting patterns.
Confirm coil temperatures; watch for anti-ice/overheat interventions limiting capacity.
Drain faults
Verify pump runs with compressor and post-run.
Check float switch continuity, pan level, and hose gradient/obstructions.
If float remains high, isolate power, clear water, and test pump on bench.
Communication/IO faults
Measure DC levels on the indoor–outdoor communication rails; asymmetry or zero volts indicates wiring, device, or PCB IO faults.
For persistent comms codes, isolate to single indoor and test with correct addressing.
10) Commissioning & service checks (field list)
Addressing and DIP settings verified; controller in normal (not test) operation.
Supply voltage within tolerance; earth continuity confirmed.
Fan speeds: verify AUTO step changes and manual LOW/MED/HIGH.
Heating start: confirm cold-draft prevention behaviour.
Cooling: monitor coil temperature to ensure anti-ice logic is not engaged under normal load.
Drain: function test with added water to prove float and pump.
Defrost: observe at low ambient; confirm clean exit and stable return to heat.
Record baseline: room/coil/discharge temps, compressor behaviour, fan states, and any error history.
11) Reset & handover
After fixing faults or changing boards/sensors, power the system off for at least 3 minutes to clear latches, then retest.
Document final measurements, DIP/addressing, and timer settings for the site record.