micro-Air ASY-364-X20 EasyStart Soft Starters User Manual
- June 5, 2024
- Micro-Air
Table of Contents
Bluetooth Operation Manual
for
EasyStart™ Soft-Starters
EasyStart Bluetooth Diagnostic Manual
WARNING
Bluetooth operation with EasyStart is designed to provide diagnostic feedback when troubleshooting an A/C system. It should be used only by qualified HVAC technicians and HVAC engineers with a good understanding of the system. Changing fault detection, limits, and values in the Bluetooth application for EasyStart can damage the connected compressor or EasyStart under some circumstances. Please use our EasyStart Knowledge Bank or contact us using the Micro-Air Contact Us Page for more assistance.
Introduction
This document provides instructions on how to operate the Bluetooth interface of Bluetooth EasyStart models. Bluetooth operation is a diagnostic aid to monitor and modify EasyStart and does not control your A/C like a thermostat. Ideally, the Bluetooth interface will not be needed, however, there are some circumstances for its use. It only communicates with a smart device through the official EasyStart App. These instructions are only valid for Bluetooth- capable models. Non-Bluetooth models cannot be upgraded in the field or at the factory to Bluetooth models.
Warning: The Bluetooth interface means there is no need at any point for
any reason to remove the EasyStart lid for these models. Doing so without
instruction may void the warranty.
Is my EasyStart a Bluetooth Model?
There are a few ways to identify if an EasyStart is a Bluetooth model.
- Model numbers with a -BLUE suffix are Bluetooth models, for example ASY-368-X48-BLUE
- Inspect the lid of EasyStart and there should be a Bluetooth sticker as shown below
- Models with opaque lids are not Bluetooth models
- Inspect the long edges of the EasyStart circuit board for the Bluetooth chip as shown below. It may be obscured by the large black start capacitor in the box
Connecting to EasyStart
A smart device with the EasyStart app downloaded to it is required to use EasyStart’s Bluetooth interface. EasyStart itself must be powered to establish a connection. Typically, this is when a cooling or heating cycle is called for by the thermostat. Note: Some A/C systems will shut down if a fault occurs and remove power. You must move the EasyStart black and white wires to the input side of power so that you can connect to EasyStart if needed in these circumstances.
Download the App
The app can be downloaded from the App Store or the Google Play Store. It is
called “EasyStart” by CseaTec LLC. Allow any permissions asked for by the app
so that the app has access to the smart device’s Bluetooth functionality.
Android users
Some versions of Android have Bluetooth permissions as a subset of location
services permissions. These versions of Android mean that location services
must be allowed for the app to function. If you have difficulty connecting,
please verify this permission in: Settings->Apps->EasyStart->Permissions
Permissions should be set for “When using the app”.
Prepare EasyStart for a Connection
EasyStart must be powered to communicate with it. Determine if EasyStart is
powered by looking for the green POWER LED located near the wire entry to the
box. This LED is easily visible through the clear cover when lit.
Open the App and Connect
When the app opens it will start on the Connect tab, as shown in Figure 1.
This page is used to establish the connection to EasyStart. The other tabs
will become available once a successful connection is made.
Enter the full unique Bluetooth ID of your EasyStart into the appropriate
field. You can also scan for the EasyStart by entering “EasyStart_” into the
field. This is shown in Figure 1. Tap the “Connect to EasyStart” button to
attempt a connection. If you are scanning and have more than one EasyStart
then ensure only the one you want to connect to is powered.
A successful connection is shown in Figure 2. “Connected” is shown in the
status box with a green circle and the other tabs along the bottom become
available.
If you used the scanning feature, the Bluetooth ID field will be updated with
the full unique Bluetooth ID for the EasyStart it is connected to. Future
connections can use this ID instead of scanning. The ID should be noted and
used if more than one local EasyStart can be powered at one time. Tap the
“Disconnect from EasyStart” button to terminate the connection and prepare for
a new one. Closing the app will also close the connection. Only one EasyStart
connection at a time. 
Connection Troubleshooting
Is my EasyStart Bluetooth?
See section Is my EasyStart a Bluetooth Model? to verify.
Is the EasyStart Powered?
Ensure that the POWER LED is solid green on the EasyStartcircuit board. If it
is off then EasyStart is not powered. Verify that line voltage is across the
EasyStart white and black wires.
Is the Correct App Installed?
Micro-Air has a few apps for our products. Use the Download the App section
and other app screenshots for reference to ensure you have the correct one.
Is the Bluetooth ID Field Entry Formatted Correctly?
All Bluetooth ID field entries are case-sensitive. When scanning, “EasyStart_”
must be used as shown in Figure 1. When using a unique EasyStart ID, it has a
capitalized 4character suffix. Figure 2 shows the example “EasyStart_CFFA”.
Are the Required Permissions Given to the App? Is Bluetooth Turned-On in
General?
The app requires Bluetooth permissions from the smart device to use Bluetooth.
This is done slightly differently between Android and iOS, then can differ
further across their own versions. This is typically done from the main phone
settings for all downloaded apps. Android users can see the Download the App
section for some additional potential changes. Ensure that Bluetooth is
enabled from the main Bluetooth settings of the smart device. Android users
can the system’s built-in Bluetooth scanner to see if the EasyStart is
broadcasting. If you see the EasyStart’s Bluetooth ID in the list of devices
the scanner can hear, but the EasyStart app does not find it, then it is
likely a permission issue after checking the other recommendations. If it is
not in the list then EasyStart may not be powered. iOS does not natively allow
viewing these connections.
Status Tab
Once connected, tap the status tab along the bottom to switch to the Status & Live Data page, shown in Figure 3. This page will show the current state of EasyStart and some basic diagnostic information.
Status
This shows the current status of EasyStart. These mirror the LED code shown on
the EasyStart circuit board. Visit our easy start Knowledge Bank for the
latest information on what these statuses mean, as well as troubleshooting
steps to take.
Live Current
This is a measurement of the amperage passing throughEasyStart’s white wire,
moment to moment. Measurements below 2 amps are effectively no current.
EasyStart is very accurate in its operating range.
This is the bulk of a system’s current draw but you must use other techniques
if you want to know the total draw of the system, for example, the motor start
winding, fans, and pumps.
Last Start Peak
This is a measurement of the instantaneous peak current seen during the last
start. This can vary over the learning starts and should not be considered
“final” until 5 Learned Starts are completed. You can see this just under the
Last Start Peak measurement.
This is not the measurement to use when attempting to size a generator or
determine generator compatibility. Please visit our EasyStart Knowledge Bank
for the latest information on sizing a generator with EasyStart.
Note: Large variances in Last Start Peak current may indicate that the
system is not equalizing refrigerant pressures between starts. This is a
requirement for low current starts. Try extending the SCPT delay if this is
occurring. See section SCPT Delay for more about SCPT and section SCPT
(minutes) for its modification.
SCPT Delay
SCPT stands for Short-Cycle Prevention Timer. Power to EasyStart and the
compressor will be regularly cycled during normal operation. This delay is
(typically) set to 3 minutes when a cycle terminates and counts down to 0,
where only then is a new cycle allowed to start if called for. The time left
for this delay is shown here. EasyStart does not need to be actively powered
for this logic to operate correctly.
Re-learn Tab
Once connected, tap the Re-learn tab along the bottom to switch to the Re-
learn / Power-Up page, shown in Figure 4. This page allows for modifying
EasyStart behavior for certain situations that call for it. Tap “Refresh Data
from EasyStart” at the top to get the latest settings stored in the connected
EasyStart. If you make a change, tap “Send Settings to EasyStart” at the
bottom to save the new settings to the connected EasyStart.
Normal Operation
This is the switch set to let EasyStart operate as advertised. If not yet
learned (just installed), it will go through its 5 learning starts and use
that information to deliver the most current reduction possible for every
subsequent start.
ReLearn
This switch is used to Re-learn (Factory Reset) the device and erase
previously learned data. See section Re-Learn (Factory Reset) Procedure for
details on how and when to appropriately use this switch.
Use Default Ramp
This switch should only be used as a diagnostic tool, as it bypasses any
learned data and applies fixed settings to start the motor every time. This
could be useful to rule out bad
learned data or just see the compressor start. Even then, it is best to not
use this setting unless otherwise directed by Micro-Air.
No Pwr-Up Delay
This switch is used to bypass EasyStart’s fan delay. See section Setting No
Power Up Delay for details on how and when to appropriately use this switch.
The default setting of off is appropriate for most applications. This switch
is enabled/disabled independently from the other switches.
SCPT (minutes)
This field allows modifying the length of the SCPT. The default time is 3
minutes and ranges are valid between 1 and 10 minutes. See section SCPT Delay
for more information on what SCPT is.
Note: This may be increased in some circumstances as described in the
Status Tab section. It should never be less than 3 minutes unless your
application requires it. See section Setting No Power Up Delay for more
details on appropriate use.
Diagnose Tab
Once connected, tap the Diagnose tab along the bottom to switch to the
Diagnose and Upload page, shown in Figure 5. Using this page will upload data
from memory inside EasyStart to Micro-Air for evaluation. An internet
connection on the smart device is required for this feature. The upload should
be followed up with a report using the Micro-Air Contact Us Page on our
website if you are not already working with a Micro-Air service technician. It
should describe any issues you are having and what you have done so far.
Fill out the fields appropriately to enable sending the data. Wait until the
unit has run (or been stopped on a fault) for a minute or so. Tap the “Refresh
Data from EasyStart” button to put the latest information into the app. Tap
“Send Data to Micro-Air” to upload the data, then follow up as described
above.
Faults Tab
Once connected, tap the Faults tab along the bottom to switch to the Fault
Control page, as shown in Figure 6. A green switch means the fault detection
for that fault is active. These faults should never be disabled unless
expressly directed to by a Micro-Air service technician. Disabling these
faults can damage the connected motor or EasyStart under some circumstances.
Update Tab
Once connected, tap the Update tab along the bottom to switch to the Firmware
Update page, shown in Figure 7. This page is used to get any updates that may
become available over time. Tap the “Check for Updates” button at the top and
follow the prompts to see if your EasyStart is the latest revision or to
update EasyStart.
EasyStart is a mature product so there will not be many updates. Updates that
may become available will likely be small tweaks really intended for newly
produced units. Should any updates be recommended or required they will be
posted to our social media and website pages. Minor updates will not have
public release notes associated with them.
Re-Learn (Factory Reset) Procedure
EasyStart is ready to learn out of the box and is completed on the first 5
successful cycles after installation. The learned data is then locked in for
the life of EasyStart. Typically, there is no reason to re-learn (factory
reset) this data, however, some circumstances will call for it. This section
provides step-by-step instructions on how to perform a re-learn on your
EasyStart.
Mandatory cause for a re-learn
- The compressor run capacitor has been replaced
- EasyStart is going to be connected to a different motor than originally learned on
- EasyStart was at one-point mis-wired, then fixed, and is now throwing faults
- Initial learning was done on a power source that could not provide a good learning environment
- Contact Micro-Air if you are not sure about using the Micro-Air Contact Us Page
Warning: There is no need at any point for any reason to remove the EasyStart lid for Bluetooth models. Doing so without instruction may void the warranty. If your system is non-Bluetooth, then you should navigate to the non-Bluetooth re-learn instructions in our EasyStart Knowledge Bank.
Apply the Re-Learn Setting
First, apply power to EasyStart and connect to it using the app. Use the
section Connecting to EasyStart to do so if you are not familiar with this
process. Heat pump or cooling operation can be used to learn but the same
operation should be used throughout the process.
Next, navigate to the Re-learn Tab. Tap the “ReLearn” switch to green. Tap the
“Send Settings to EasyStart” button. A successful change is shown in Figure 8.
You can then disconnect from EasyStart or close the app.
Complete the 5 Learning Starts
NOTE: We recommend learning to be done on shore or utility power with a
circuit that would normally run the compressor without EasyStart. A generator
or inverter may be used if that is all that is available. Be sure any
generator economy mode is off during learning.
Power down the system after saving the change. The next power cycle will be
the first learning start. Restore power and let the compressor run (not just
the fan!) for at least 30 seconds. This learning cycle is then complete. Power
the unit down and repeat this process four more times to complete the learning
process. EasyStart is then ready for your limited power source. If the first
learning start is successful then very likely the rest will be as well. After
the first start, it is fine to walk away and let the unit cycle on and off
naturally to complete learning. A fault in the first 15 seconds will discard
the learning data for that start and not increment the Learned Starts
Setting No Power Up Delay
EasyStart delays the start for several reasons including faults and pressure
equalization. Some applications however need to have the compressor
immediately start so EasyStart can be integrated into the system. These
systems must manage the start and fault delays if the start delay is disabled.
This section provides step-by-step instructions for bypassing the start delay.
Compressor Monitoring Systems
Some home A/C units may have a compressor monitoring system (CMS). A CMS is
part of the A/C control system and wants to see that the compressor
immediately starts when told to. EasyStart interferes with this operation and
so both EasyStart timers should be bypassed for CMS integration as described
below.
NOTE: Part of CMS operation is that the A/C will shut down as a fault
when it detects the EasyStart delays. This is typically not enough time to
establish an EasyStart connection and make the changes. You will have to
temporarily connect the EasyStart black and white wires to active line voltage
so you can make these changes. This document does not describe other
considerations such as identifying a CMS or special CMS wiring instructions
during installation. These are described in our EasyStart Generic Home
Installation Guide on our EasyStart Knowledge Bank.
Apply the Timer Bypass Settings
Warning: These changes should never be performed unless required to do so
by your application. Removing these delays inappropriately can damage the
motor or EasyStart. Use the EasyStart Generic Home Installation Guide or
Micro-Air Contact Us Page to be sure.
First, apply power to EasyStart and connect to it using the app. Use the
section Connecting to EasyStart to do so if you are not familiar.
Setting to Bypass the Fan Delay
EasyStart will have a 5-second or so delay between when it is powered and when
it starts the compressor to allow a fan to power up first. Navigate to the Re-
learn Tab. Tap the “No-Pwr-Up Delay” switch to green. This will start the
compressor as soon as EasyStart is powered.
Setting to Bypass the Short-Cycle Timer Delay
EasyStart will not allow a new cycle to occur for the entered number of
minutes after a previous cycle has ended. Tap the SCPT (minutes) field and
modify it to the number “1”. This is as short as allowed a delay but is short
enough to prevent interference.
Save the Changes to EasyStart
Tap the “Send Settings to EasyStart” button. A successful change is shown in
Figure 9. EasyStart will use these settings for each new cycle. If you had to
make temporary wiring changes to power EasyStart, return them now to the
appropriate permanent wiring configuration.
Appendix A: Additional Resources
This document references various other Micro-Air resources and are listed
here.
EasyStart Knowledge Bank
Where all EasyStart resources are saved, including FAQs, articles, procedures,
and troubleshooting guides.
http://www.micro-air.com/kb_easystart.cfm
EasyStart Generic Home Installation Guide
A guide for installing in any home system with notes on adapting to a
compressor monitoring system.
http://www.micro-air.com/kb-
easystart/articles_installation/easystart_Home_AC_Wiring_Guide.cfm
Micro-Air Contact Us Page
Use this page for sending specific inquiries about any of our products
https://www.micro-air.com/contact_microair.cfm
Micro-Air Main Website
https://micro-air.com
References
- EasyStart Soft Starters Knowledge Bank - Micro-Air, Inc.
- EasyStart Home AC Wiring Guide - Micro-Air, Inc.
- Micro-Air - Come Chill With Us | Marine and RV AC Controls and Displays - Electronic Soft Starters
- Micro-Air, Inc. - Contact Us