Maintenance

ETC plunger lift controllers have a bootloader and separate firmware image that is used when it comes to programming them with a new version of software. This allows users to erase the firmware and replace it with a newer version or a release with a different feature set. What You…

If you battery is currently reading 0V, then the fuse in the battery has been blown. You will need to get a replacement battery. For more information, check out our FAQ.

ALiEn2 plunger lift controllers contain software that actively monitors the attached battery to determine when to go into a low battery shutdown to ensure the controller can perform critical operations and safely shut down. Battery Monitor Operation Low Battery If 6 successive battery samples are below 5.5 V, the controller…

Vision is a free PC software application that is available for download on the Vision product page through the menu.

Cyclops is the most sensitive and flexible plunger arrival sensor ever, but even it can miss arrivals in some circumstances: It is connected to an RTU/PLC with a voltage input. Click here to resolve It isn’t wired correctly There is not at least 5V supplied The sensitivity is too low…

The solenoid is certified as part of the ALiEn2/ALiEn2 Expert and is expected to be installed with a short cable length. Issues that arise from lengthening the solenoid wires are: Increase in resistance leading to poor performance Increase in capacitance Violation of certification

The plunger lift controller battery has an in-line, slow blow fuse. This acts as a safety mechanism and ensures compliance with hazardous locations standards. For replacement parts and service, please contact an Authorized Reseller. For more information, please visit our FAQ.

Once an ALiEn2 controller is installed in the field and hooked up to the solar panel through the charger built into the controller, it will be automatically maintained. If however spare batteries or controllers with batteries are stored for more than a few months, the batteries should be charged periodically.

The plunger lift controller has a built in battery charger that uses the provided solar panel to recharge the battery. If for any reason, an approved battery does need to be charged (ie: loss of solar power source), ETC has built an inexpensive wall charger that falls within the battery…

Vision Device Management is a tool provided by ETC that allows you to interact with our controls and sensors. Video Tutorial Connectivity First make sure that you have established a path of connectivity to the device. Serial If connecting to a controller or Sasquatch, plug in cable from a serial…

This is a known issue with some earlier versions of the Cyclops ExP that has since been resolved. The Issue The circuit board in the Cyclops ExP is fastened to the enclosure using an industrial adhesive. Our manufacturing process includes the following steps: Clean all surfaces to remove dust and…

All models of Cyclops and Sasquatch have a built in self test that generates a magnetic field and measures it to ensure that all components in the detection path are operational. This is used during manufacturing, but can also be performed in the field. WHAT YOU NEED Before planning to…

ETC Sensors have a unique technology embedded in them called Geomagnetic Sensing that monitors the Earth’s magnetic field in real time and then reacts to anomalies caused by ferrous metals found in plungers. By connecting Vision, we can see the changes to the magnetic field in real time. What You…

The Cyclops is mounted on the lubricator and is subject to vibration each time that the plunger arrives. Over time, these impacts can cause the connector to wiggle loose on version 2 of the Cyclops. Use a rubber stopper to prevent the connector from backing out. Cyclops Versions The Cyclops…

If you are an Authorized Reseller of ETC controls and sensors and wish to return devices that require a repair, you must first obtain a Return to Manufacturer Authorization (RMA) number.

The ALiEn2 and ALiEn2 Expert has a set of built in features that can be used to track the wear and tear on our plungers. This tracks both the number of arrivals and the distance travelled. Plunger Statistics Log Number of Arrivals Each time that a plunger arrival is detected,…

ETC plunger sensors have a bootloader and separate firmware image that is used when it comes to programming them with a new version of software. This allows users to erase the firmware and replace it with a newer version or a release with a different feature set. What You Need…

Each product that ETC manufacturers has a unique model number comprised of: Product Family Product Type Unique Variant Controllers The following is a list of current and obsolete ETC controllers: Product Brand Part Number ALiEn2 Lite ETC ET-12001-0321-1103 ALiEn2 ETC ET-12001-0121-0001 ALiEn2 Expert ETC ET-12001-0221-0002 DefinitiveCommander Definitive ET-12001-0121-0201 Definitive ExpertSupreme…

ETC plunger lift controllers are certified as a full product with a certification label that details the type of battery that is acceptable: ALiEn2 Battery Part Number: ET-12001-1008-0002Capacity: 8Ah There are several safety components embedded in the battery assembly to ensure intrinsic safety. For more information on the certification of…

Solenoids can often get gummed up from oils and debris. They are meant to be taken apart and serviced. Over time the seals and spring on the piston and spring (poppet) assembly can wear and may need to be replaced. Cleaning Solenoid Internals In order to clean the, it must…

Geomagnetic sensing is a technology that uses a magnetometer and a microprocessor to read the Earth’s magnetic field and look for changes in the field over time to detect an event. This technology is used in both the Cyclops and Sasquatch sensors. Video Overview Benefits of geomagnetic sensing There are…

The faceplate in the ETC plunger lift controller has been designed to be removed and inserted in a very specific way. If done incorrectly, the powder coating can be scratched off the enclosure. Why Did ETC Do This? After looking at a lot of other controllers, they all had shortcomings…

The ALiEn2 line of controllers are designed to be ultra low powered, which does restrict the type of pressure transducer that can be powered and read. Please see the sections below for more details. Single Pressure Transducer A single pressure transducer is used for reading casing, line, or tubing pressure….

All of the certification certificates and control drawings for ETC products can be found on their product page. Click on the links below to go to the appropriate page:

We have experienced several issues in the past where Cyclops sensitivity is reduced or Cyclops will stop detecting all together. Continuously Powered Cyclops Issue Over time the Cyclops sensitivity can be reduced if the power is not being cycled. This is typical in RTU/PLC based systems where the power is…

There a number of potential reasons that a Cyclops could trip at an unexpected time. Here are the most common causes: The sensor mode was changed to Capture to work with Vision Device Management, but then was not put back into Normal mode. Click here for more details. The cable…

ETC plunger lift controllers have an error handling mechanism to deal with software errors in a graceful fashion. More minor errors might prevent a setting from being entered or show a partial number on the screen. More severe errors that cannot be handled appropriately will cause the controller to be…

We often get asked why the solenoid is installed on the outside of the plunger lift controller enclosure since everyone else puts them on the inside. This was an intentional design choice that comes with many benefits. Maintenance The solenoid on the outside of the enclosure allows maintenance personnel to…