Helix people...

[So Pirate55]

Lend me your ears. OK all jokes aside, i've managed to misplace my trouble shooting guide that came with my helix thermostat (DBS-1000), and my check system light came on today. I've tried holding the button down, pressing it for just a second and still no luck. After pressing the button for just a sec to test current temp, i get a temp reading then "EE" which then turns to "E3".

I've looked on the net, but to no avail. So i guess my question is: "what have i broken this time?"

[TBurkeIII]

of the 20 or so helix controllers we use i dont think i have ever encountered that? LOL

i will try to help you if i can find out what it is you are reffering to.

[So Pirate55]

great, i should have known if it said fool proof, i could find a way to mess it up. I've also tried unplugging it and plugging it in again. The red check systems light has come on. I havent used it since may, and i plugged it in to check a strip of heat tape. Anywho, i appreciate the help.

[pcar]

You might check the Fuse on the controller. That might have been blown. I will look for my trouble shooting guide tomorrow when I get home and if I find anything I will let you know.

[Joni Garcia]

pcar... hope you don't mind, but I had my trouble shooting guide right by my computer in the desk drawer. Amazing I knew where it was, cause I usually don't know where anything else is. :D

So Pirate55... E3 deals with invalid an invalid night temperature while EE is shown when the power to the heaters is shut off by either code E4 or E5. Sounds like you have a couple things going on. I decided to type up the entire problem solving and technical information. That way you can print it out if you choose.

Anyways, here's what it says:

"Up to eight error codes can be displayed by the system, though it is unlikely that you will ever see most of them. The DBS-1000 self-checking system incorporates a timer, (watch dog timer) that checks continuously that the routine operations carried out by the processor are completed on time. If one is late for any reason the timer automatically resets the processor, (the equivalent of rebooting a P.C.) This safe guards the temperature set point information. A reset will occur if the AC voltage falls below 90 volts. An E1 message simply tells you that a reset has occurred. It will not affect the system or performance, (E-1 red light is absent in units produced after 03-23-04, reset operation is unchanged). Power to the heaters is turned on twice every cycle of the AC power. If the system cannot detect the A/C voltage properly, it may impair its ability to regulate well and an E8 message will result. Neither condition should affect the performance though you may want to try a power outlet on a different circuit breaker, or talk to your power company, or ask the neighbor about his arc welder etc."

"E2 and E3 denote invalid day and night temperatures respectively. Both temperatures can only be between 65F and 110F." (Mine is a DBS-1000 low temp; The DBS-1000 high temp would list that temps can only be between 80F-120F... I think)

"If a memory setting becomes corrupted, the controller will detect it and reset itself, or safely default to 85F, and the red trouble light will stay on until the appropriate setting has been reset. E4 and E5 report that the system is having trouble communicating with the temperature probe. Any of these two codes will shut off power to the heaters and display EE instead of the temperature. If EE is displayed be prepared to write down all the error codes displayed when the button is pressed as they will help Helix engineers determine the problem; usually the probe damage is caused by reptiles or hungry feeder rodents. A replacement probe can be ordered from Helix Controls and installed by the user without loss of calibration. E6 and E7 denote that the probe temperature has exceeded its working range of 32 to 130F. ***Note: When below 32F "CC" is displayed and above 130F "HH" is displayed, the probe is not damaged by these extremes. The system is simply letting you know that a temperature was reached beyond its designed measuring capability. The display will flash "HC 98-01" or "HC01-04, 65LO, 110HI," over and over or read "EE," if the probe is damaged or a connection within the probes plug has detached from the circuit board inside the unit. Call Helix if you have questions or a damaged probe."

The contact information for Helix is:

Customer Support: support@helixcontrols.com
1035 E. Vista Way #150
Vista, CA 92084
Phone 760-726-4464

I hope you can get it figured out and fixed without it costing much... cause I know those puppies aren't cheap.

[So Pirate55]

thanks, at least i know now what i'm dealing with. I'm going to call them monday when i have time and see what i can do about getting it reset. Luckily i havent had to actually run my heat since may, so this summer will give me the time to get it straight. If not then, i'm just gonna buy one of the cheaper ones as a temp and then to serve as backup.

[pcar]

pcar... hope you don't mind, but I had my trouble shooting guide right by my computer in the desk drawer. Amazing I knew where it was, cause I usually don't know where anything else is. :D

Don't mind at all. I didn't get home till after 11 last night so I didn't even have time to look for the dang thing. Glad that someone was able to help get to the bottom of this.