Boston POTN Meet (3)

Let's go take pics of snow

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/DiBS​Jd

sansational wrote in post #17866485
Let's go take pics of snow

I agree.

Harm wrote in post #17866370
Nest takes it's power via the HVAC unit, if I remember correctly. Strange that it should detect a problem and shut down. No override.

Not exactly strange. Nest needs a power source. It has an internal battery, I think, that powers the screen so that it can help troubleshoot. It told me that there was an E23 error code and that it was not detecting power from the HVAC unit in the basement. This was at least helpful, because on the Nest.com site there are self help modules that told me to inspect the wiring connected to the Nest. Unfortunately, no issues there, nothing wrong at the fuse box and power to the HVAC seemed okay.

Googling the error code brings up topics like "Fixing the Dreaded E23 Error" on Reddit. Nothing really helpful, but Nest responded to a customer inquiry on Facebook:

RHChan84 wrote in post #17866365
Did you have a power outage? Could be faulty wiring too and when you popped open the panel, it had s connection again.

First thing to do is shut power down to the unit itself from the breaker. Then inspect wiring.

I think that the problem might be with the HVAC unit, since I haven't changed the filter even once since we moved in a year 17 months ago. I read last night that dirty filters can impact the HVAC's cycling.

New construction, so it's a new HVAC system. I'm just assuming wiring should be in pretty good shape. I have to learn how to understand the wiring, though.

Nathan wrote in post #17866847
I think that the problem might be with the HVAC unit, since I haven't changed the filter even once since we moved in a year 17 months ago. I read last night that dirty filters can impact the HVAC's cycling.

woah, what?

you're supposed to change it every few months!!

but what makes me scratch my head is that even with a dirty filter, that would affect the cycle - there should still be, and always be power to the HVAC unit, whether it is operational or not. Like i said, the wires that go to your older thermostat should have the correct wire that powers your nest too.

unless of a power outage, or something more serious that knocks out power to the HVAC unit... what wires could be "loose" that would cut power off to the hvac unit to show up on your nest screen?

boggles my mind...

True. The filter shouldn't have a direct impact on the power. Cycling doesn't have much to do with the power itself.

This is what Nest looks like underneath the display. The bottom left red "RC" wire was detected as not providing power. I think this wire has two functions: 1) Provides power to Nest and 2) Allows Nest to turn the HVAC system on and off. If Nest detects no power from the red wire, then it can't control the HVAC system and will display an error message. The error is either Nest itself, a fault in the wire, a problem with the HVAC system, or power to the system.

IMAGE LINK: http://i1206.photobuck​et.com …nestwithHPwitha​uxheat.jpg

That's like all things electrical for me. Take it apart, look at it, put it back together, works. Did that with a ballast in my walk in closet - the light wouldn't fire up immediately every time. Took the metal cover off to inspect the ballast... glared at it. Put the cover back on, flipped the switch, works every time now.

Also, I went back to the floor I was on last weekend and dropped off 20 $5 dunks gift cards for the nurses and nursing assistants that were there. They asked me if I wanted to give one to my hospitalist/attending. I laughed. They did too.

That's awesome of you, Bernie.

Nathan wrote in post #17866227
Turning to you guys first... Came home and found that our Nest detected a problem with its power supply... apparently the HVAC was not on, period. I went down and checked the fuses and the power to the HVAC. Couldn't find a problem. No luck. I opened one panel to the HVAC and had no idea what I was looking at. Opened the other panel and there's a bunch of wires. Just as I was looking at it, my imposing presence caused the HVAC to fire up on its own and I now hear the fan on. All's back to normal.

What gives? Any advice? Reminds me... I need to change the filter.

So, I just had similar problems with mine, except I don't have the fancy thermostat.. When I pull the cover on my gas fired hot-air furnace the upper portion is the fan motor and gas chamber and other various items. In the lower part, I have another panel and behind that is the control board. Mine was not running more than 10 minutes (short cycling). Googled things and people were saying that it was somewhat normal. On the backside of the cover, it had the legend for the red LED on the motherboard. Reading the legend there are various things that would cause the furnace to shutdown.

Like you I recalled it had been a few months since I replaced the filter, so I went off to Home Depot and picked up some filters and changed the filter, problem fixed. Basically if you don't get enough cold air which flows through your filter, it causes the air to heat up too much and the high temp cut-out kicks in. It then resets after the temp comes down because the fan is still pulling air in a cool down cycle.

- Ken

It might of overheated since the filter was clogged up. Don't know your system but some system will overheat because of the stress to push that air out with clogged filters.

Filters should be changed every 3-6 months depending on your house size and pets.

Wiring should be right because if your system was working correctly then its not the Nest.

Clogged filters are an issue, as well as poor wiring. A lot of vibration in there so its a good idea to check the wiring to make sure nothing is loose. Also it's good to flush the coolant every 5 years. You don't have to but to keep it efficient, its a good thing to do.

Looking for opinions on this. So I already have a 5D3. I've been wanting a second 5D3 for easy switching. Don't like much fumbling with the focus system on the 5D2. I thought it'd be easier to have two identical bodies to work with. Considering the huge drop in price on the 1D4s... do you think that's a better option for me? Crop factor is a bit different, but I'd benefit from the shutterspeed and apparent reach for sports. I think quality on each of these bodies are all I'll ever need.

It's function for me, right now... 5D2 doesn't cut it. What do you think?

I think you should sell me your 5D2.

I'm tired of you buying my stuff, Andrew.

Nathan, I think this should be the year Canon updates its FF lineup. 5DIII and 6D are both from 2012, it's about time to have those replaced with newer models. I'd sit back and wait for next few month to see if anything comes out...might be going from 5DII to 5DIV

Canon has been offering the same $250/$350 rebates on the 5D3 and Canon Pro-100 since September or so. I know the 6D also had a rebate with a Pro-100 going too. It does look like they're trying to clear out their inventory.

Sounds about right. I'll wait for low priced 5D3s, then.

Changed our HVAC filter. 1st time since we moved into the house. The contractor installed the old filter backwards.