Heating and the hot water tank.

KAR

We are getting ready to take the final trip here in October and Colorado high country is getting a bit nippy.  We want to use the Alde heat system for the first time and am wondering do we need to fill the fresh water tank to use the heating system?   The control panel indicates hot water only can be heated or hot water and heat as the second option.  Nothing about heat only.  The manual is not really clear.   Thanks for the help

Dutch061

You can always use the Alde without fresh water in the tank, it is designed for this.

Sharon_is_SAM

If you are afraid of freezing temperatures and you will not be using/filling the water system, you can just use the Alde to heat the cabin.  Just check the glycol level.  

Here are some settings to use.

If you are only going to use electric for heat and no water service:  D, E, I and turn the thermostat dial to L for About 72 degrees.
If you are going to use LPG and electric and no water:  D, F, I and turn the thermostat K
If you are only able to use LPG:  A, F, I and turn the thermostat K

ScottG

Yes, it is confusing. The "hot water only" setting turns on just the heaters (electric or propane, depending on what you have selected). The "hot water and heat" setting turns on the heaters and the pump that circulates hot glycol to heat the cabin.

If you select "heat and hot water"--but don't  have any water in the system--you have effectively selected "heat only."  :-)

KAR

Good to know! Would like to rewrite these manuals for sure! Once we get it all figured out that is! Thanks, K

dp150

Newbie here. Trying to use Aide heat for the first time. I am hooked to 30amp power and have propane on and fresh water connection. The switches are in the correct configuration for heat and hot water. D F I L. I have no heat and no water. Is there a pump to turn on? It is not making any noise at all. Not sure where to start

Sharon_is_SAM

1.  Check under the driver’s side bench to make sure the Alde is plugged into the 120v outlet.  

2.  Check to make sure you have glycol in the expansion tank.
3.  ?fresh water connection.  You either connect to city water or you use the fresh water tank and pump.
4.  Have you filled the Alde tank with water? 

ChanW

Check the fusebox?
Also, there are some fuses inside the Alde itself, that have a tendency to go 'without reason' (and confound the best of us).
Do a search on the forum for Alde "hidden fuses" here: https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=site%3Atab-rv.vanillacommunity.com%20Alde%20"hidden%20fuses"

ScottG

The Alde is pretty quiet, though it does make a few clicks and whirrs when it starts up and shuts down.

That you are are getting no heat--and hearing nothing--points to a problem with the 12V power supply. Regardless of your heat source, 12V power (from the battery or converter) is always required to run the Alde's brain. As ChanW suggested, I'd start with checking the fuses (including the hidden glass ones on the top of the unit itself).

dp150

I have a connection to city water. Where do I fill the Alde tank?

Sharon_is_SAM

Just open a hot water tap until it stops sputtering, then you will know the Alde water tank is filled.

Sharon_is_SAM

Do you have heat yet?  You will feel the black glycol runs coming out of the Alde get hot first.

dp150

Okay, I had bled the air out of the hot water line already. Checking hidden fuses now

Sharon_is_SAM

Also, check the fuse for the Alde circuit in the converter box.

Denny16

Also make sure the Alde bypass vale is open in the normal use position, or youmwill not get water into the tank.  You can check by pulling up,on the yellow pressure valve and see if water comes out.
cheers

dp150

I found a blown fuse in the hidden fuses. Replaced with spare and no change. The Aide circuit fuse is in main fuse panel correct?

Sharon_is_SAM

Yes.  Hopefully someone labeled your fuse panel.

dp150

Alde 15amp circuit fuse is good. I am at a loss. I was sure the hidden fuse would rectify the problem but no change

Sharon_is_SAM

You may have to reset the 12v connection on the Alde.  After you confirm the 12 v fuses are intact, then go back into the Alde and remove the wire that is in between the 2 green fuse holders.  Wait a few minutes, then reinsert.  That allows the Alde control panel to reset.  Others have just turned the battery switch off and wait a few min. Then turn it back on.

dp150

I appreciate all of the assistance. Just a no go for now. Thanks again

ScottG

@dp150, do all of your other 12V devices (lights, fan, water pump, etc.) still work when you are plugged into shore power?

dp150

@ScottG, yes all other 12 volt systems are working normally. I did read a link about a fuse actually sounded like a fuseable link that goes out if it overheated to 194. Maybe that could be the issue?

Sharon_is_SAM

@dp150 What else is on the circuit with the Alde?

Verna

@dp150, the “fuseable link” is located on the main circuit board of the Alde. Replacing it is not for the weak of heart👍  @ChanW is the one who found the soldered on fuse. It seems that you have found ChanW’s post. If you have the knowledge, the soldering knowledge and the ability to diagnose the blown fuse, the ability to not “blow up” the circuit board, the fuse is certainly less expensive than a new circuit board. 

dp150

The AC fan is also on the circuit with the Aide and it is working properly.

dp150

@Verna , I am not going to tackle that fuse issue but may be able to save a technician some troubleshooting time.

Sharon_is_SAM

@dp150 - I would change out both of the hidden fuses even if they look fine.  Did you reset the 12v control panel lead?

dp150

Okay, we are back home with our T@b. I will purchase new fuses and replace both hidden fuses then reset circuit again. 

dp150

Probably next week before I have chance to troubleshoot further

dp150

Replaced both hidden fuses and reset circuit, no change. I almost feel like there is something else I should do to turn this on but I am setting according to the control panel picture above. How do I go about finding someone that can troubleshoot and repair this system? 

Verna

@dp150, the best place, seriously is the nüCamp repair facility at the factory in Sugarcreek, Ohio. Email repairs@nucamprv.com and you will get a response. Please give them the VIN, year, model. 

If that is too far, check with Authorized Repair Centers for Alde, or check with your nüCamp dealer.