Request assistance

Subsailor · 08-16-2018, 02:11 PM

Hello folks. I'm a Berkshire owner and I know this is the Dynamax group, but it appears someone here might be able to assist me. From some of the research I have done it appears that Forest River has been installing the Precision Plex touchscreens in the Dynamax for a while. We on the Berkshire side are pretty new to them and I have a question. In my last Berkshire I had a "regular" thermostat that allowed me to select what I wanted to use for a heat source (heat pump or propane furnace). Up here in the Pacific Northwest we don't normally get too cold, so having/using a heat pump works well (and saves propane). I just picked up my new Berkshire last weekend and used the heat once on the way home just to knock the morning chill out of the air. I noticed when I did that (I was only using the front A/C where the heat pump is) the heat pump came on first and then next thing I know the propane furnace came on as well. I have researched and played with the panel a little bit, but I cannot find anywhere in the panel that will allow me to only use the heat pump. Anyone have any ideas? I know I could turn the propane furnace off at the breaker, but I would think the system will allow me to select what I want to use for a heat source. Thanks in advance, Glenn

Wrangler4X4 · 08-16-2018, 05:29 PM

I have an 2019 Dynamax Isata 5 with the Precision panel. I'm also in PNW and was testing this a couple weeks ago.

When I kept the temperature request low the AC Heat pumps were working, when I bumped the thermostat a couple more degrees more the furnace would kick on. I was thinking that a single AC Heat pump would keep it warm enough over night; but the heat pump didn't seem to be able to keep it warm- so furnace would kick in.

My next test will be to just try to keep existing temp in evening; but thinking it really isn't enough potential to keep it warm. I ended up using a few of those little 400 watt space heaters: bathroom, bedroom and a couple in main area.

I was camping in Mtns (Crystal Mtn Ski Area) and it got in low 40's overnight.

But I don't think the heat pump has anything to do with the Precision Circuits panel? For my unit it has a couple thermostats. If I bump ambient temp a couple it stays on Heat pump; but if I request more the furnace steps in, which is what I'm guessing you figured out?

Subsailor · 08-16-2018, 07:30 PM

Thanks Wrangler, good info! I did not think about the “demand signal”” and how high the demand is. You are probably on to something there and it will give me something to experiment with. By the way, we live over near Silvderdale if you know where that is.

chroniekon · 08-16-2018, 08:16 PM

I don't have the precision panel so may be speaking out of turn. On mine, the furnace will kick on in place of the heat pump when the outside temp gets in the low 40's.

steve32409 · 08-16-2018, 08:38 PM

I'm sure you both have " heat pumps " which put out around 12 to 13,000 btu of heat where as some people only have elec heat strips ( 5000 btu ) within their ceiling conditioners , which would be like any small ac heater you plug in at home .

AudiDudi · 08-16-2018, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Subsailor

<snip>. By the way, we live over near Silvderdale if you know where that is.

What sub and when? SSBN 644 74-76 for me. Have good friend in Poulsbo.

Subsailor · 08-16-2018, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve32409

I'm sure you both have " heat pumps " which put out around 12 to 13,000 btu of heat where as some people only have elec heat strips ( 5000 btu ) within their ceiling conditioners , which would be like any small ac heater you plug in at home .

Hi Steve. Yes, mine is a true heat pump and not just a heat strip.

Subsailor · 08-16-2018, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AudiDudi

What sub and when? SSBN 644 74-76 for me. Have good friend in Poulsbo.

Hi Mike. I was in from 1980 until 2006 on 8 different boats over those 26 years. First boat was the Thomas Edison (SSN-610) and last one was the Columbus (SSN-762).

AudiDudi · 08-16-2018, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Subsailor

Hi Mike. I was in from 1980 until 2006 on 8 different boats over those 26 years. First boat was the Thomas Edison (SSN-610) and last one was the Columbus (SSN-762).

No "like button" - so thanks for your service!! 8 yrs was enuf for me.

Mr Towed · 08-16-2018, 10:36 PM

You'll attract the right assistance if your subject describes WHAT assistance you request, not just that you need it. I know you have received good assistance but you'll attract specific people who have experience with what you're dealing with and spare everyone else from reading something they know nothing about or have no interest in.
I'm glad to see you're making headway on your issue.

ScottBrownstein · 08-17-2018, 03:04 AM

That is the standard response from a heat pump. Bumping the thermostat put you into "emergency heat" just like residential units. Only bump the thermostat a few degrees and it will probably stay out of emergency. If it runs for an extended time and doesn't satisfy the thermostat it will also probably go into emergency mode. It may also be monitoring the outside temperature and when it falls below a certain point, again emergency heat. On many units this temperature is around 40 degrees.

Subsailor · 08-17-2018, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Towed

You'll attract the right assistance if your subject describes WHAT assistance you request, not just that you need it. I know you have received good assistance but you'll attract specific people who have experience with what you're dealing with and spare everyone else from reading something they know nothing about or have no interest in.
I'm glad to see you're making headway on your issue.

Thanks Mr. Towed, got it.

**bclemens** · 08-17-2018, 08:12 AM

I think everyone else has answered this correctly. If it is too cold outside (below about 45 degrees) the heat pump has no heat to pull out of the air and thus the furnace will kick on.

One of the changes we have made for 2019 is to go to a heat strip instead of a heat pump due to all the confusion. Most people think its a great idea to have electric heat...save the LP. Problem is, most people don't actually understand how a heat pump works. The nice thing about a heat strip...while it is not a heat pump and uses more electricity...turn it on and it puts out heat. Regardless of the temp. Now it might not be enough to heat the whole coach when its 45 degrees out and you might need to turn on the furnace, but at least you feel heat coming out of the duct.

chroniekon · 08-17-2018, 08:54 AM

So then the next question is (you knew this was coming) can the heat strips be retrofitted into an existing heat pump?

FOURWHL · 08-17-2018, 09:04 AM

I’ll add in terms of electric heat the dyson fan/heater has been a great addition. Works as a space heater in the cold and a fan in the hot.

**bclemens** · 08-17-2018, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chroniekon

So then the next question is (you knew this was coming) can the heat strips be retrofitted into an existing heat pump?

They are not.

Subsailor · 08-17-2018, 10:24 AM

Thanks bclemens. It was about 52 degrees when I was experimenting. I believe my issue may have been attempting too much of a temperature increase at one time (too much disparity between current and requested temp)and that caused the system to think I needed both systems. I will continue to experiment.

hook47 · 08-17-2018, 11:35 AM

Aquahot solves that issue.
Lived in Port Angeles for a number years and loved the Silver City Brewery.

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