Troubleshooting

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 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.

Autosol has taken their standard Modbus driver and created a version specific to the ALiEn2 that helps to retrieve both the Daily Production Log and Cycle Logs. You can see their help below for setup instructions. The sections below give more detail on how the driver works with the ALiEn2….

The purpose of Adaptive Seeking Velocity Optimization is adjust the Afterflow Time and/or Close Time to influence the plunger to arrive at a given velocity/time. This helps to both ensure consistent runs and provide a means to autonomously adjust to changing well conditions. Patents Velocity/Time Optimizations Basics Timing of Adjustments…

The Cyclops uses Geomagnetic Sensing to read the Earth’s magnetic field and then look for changes in the field to indicate the arrival of a plunger. This single eye allows you to see what is happening inside the well. ARRIVAL DETECTION The Cyclops by default will take magnetic readings and…

The ALiEn2 line of plunger controllers has a feature called Non-Arrival to deal with plungers that do not arrive within the specified Rise Time. Non-Arrival Event When the controller determines that a plunger arrival has been missed, it records a Non-Arrival, shuts the Sales Valve, and enters the Non-Arrival Close…

The output signal (SIG) on the Cyclops IS, Cyclops ExP, and Sasquatch are designed as a dry contact. This means that it does not provide any voltage and the controller is expected to detect the flow of current. How a dry contact works A dry contact or contact switch output…

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 pressure inputs work generally the same way. This article discusses how to install, enable, and configure pressure switches or sensors. WHAT YOU NEED Before getting started, make sure you have: ALiEn2 or ALiEn2 Expert Plunger Lift Controller Pressure Transducer or Pressure Switch Install Pressure Device Pressure Switch Connections A…

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…

Use Vision to connect to the sensor. Click here for the steps. Ensure that the dial on the sensor is set to 0. Click the Normal Mode radio button Press Set Mode Turn the dial on the sensor back to a non-zero value before using it.

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.

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…

Overview Using the Sasquatch with the ALiEn2 Expert controller allows the surface velocity to be read each cycle and be used for safety and/or optimization. This article explains the steps required to connect, configure, and troubleshoot this setup. Installation There are several steps to installing the Sasquatch as well as…

There is a full simulator for the ALiEn2/ALiEn2 Expert plunger lift controller that is built from the software that runs in the controller. The simulator allows for: Training without have a physical controller Evaluating controller models and features Giving controller demos Testing Modbus (using TCP) Access to manuals and instruction…

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…

Whether you are using Vision or another piece of software or device, there are several things that have to be setup correctly in order to communicate via modbus. Ensure that the COM settings for Sasquatch and the Modbus Master match Click here to find/change the Sasquatch settings Ensure that Sasquatch…

There are a number of common problems that can happen when trying to use Modbus with the ALiEn2 or Sasquatch. Please check each of the sections below. Is Modbus enabled? For the ALiEn2, Modbus is diabled by default to save power. Press install Navigate down to Modbus and press select.

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…

The Cyclops may not work properly with a very long cable run. The maximum cable length depends on a number of factors such as: Supply voltage Cable resistance/capacitance Controller input sensitivity Causes There are a number of potential issues that are caused by long cables that may be happening.

Overview Sasquatch works by watching a ferrous plunger go by in real time, correlating multiple key points on two separate waveforms. Detection Issues If the plunger is not ferrous, no waveforms are seen leading to a zero velocity being reported. While an arrival may be detected from moving parts at…

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…