FOCUSTRONIC Alkatronic Alkalinity Controller Instruction Manual
- June 5, 2024
- FOCUSTRONIC
Table of Contents
Instructions for Upgrade to Generation II Firmwares
Things you’ll need:
- A PC with Windows XP or newer or a MAC with Boot Camp or Parallel Desktop
- USB Cable (included in each Alkatronic)
- The update firmware file (5.2.5.exe) or later. Download Link
With this Generation II firmware update, you will see the following improvements but not limited to these:
- Much more silent running concerning the steeper pumps (A and C)
- pH-reading and store, for each test performed by Alkatronic.
- First tests after reboot will be shown as a purple dot, and also shown in LCD as “1-st Test”.
- Improved information in LCD display
- Shorter test duration
- No need of a reboot after setting wifi info
- The minute time tag for the measured value will be exact when the tested water is taken.
- Possible to change Forced Test Interval (1-3h).
- Alkatronic offline notification (if offline for over 30 min).
- If more than 4 retests in the same cycle, Alkatronic shut down and gives you an info-Code
- A number of retests within a cycle is shown in the LCD
- Wider allowed calibration ranges, and also increased ranges for “low ref Val”.
- Cal alerts increased to 8 weeks, and possible to snooze
Attention!!
This update is compatible with all units. However, with batch 1 and 2 units, the user may need to install the “Ultra Silence Kit” to achieve the best results with lower sound. Without the kit, Pump C may produce a higher pitch sound. The user who has an iOS 13 device should make sure your phone’s Bluetooth is turned off completely from the setting page (Left image) and not only from the quick menu (right image) by swiping up from the bottom of the screen. iOS 13 has a tendency to prevent the unit to get back online with your router by not disconnecting the Bluetooth communication even when the app is closed. Before proceeding further, make sure your unit is online and you can check that via the cloud page via a web browser (CHROME preferred. Not from remote access) and the last online should be (1m ago) or (Just now). If your unit is not online, sort that out before proceeding as the upgrade requires an internet connection.
Update Instructions:
This update to Generation II is performed in 3 parts. First, update the MCU,
and after that the SD firmware and finish with recalibration of A and C pumps.
Follow the below steps very carefully and read all steps before you start.
1. Update MCU a) Download Link of the files 5.2.5.exe and the USB Driver
CH340
b) Install the CH340-341 driver on the PC computer
c) Connect the USB cable between Alkatronic and PC
d) Open the 5.2.5.exe file
e) Select COM Port named CH340
f) Unplug Alkatronic from the power
g) Click “Upgrade”
h) Plug back Alkatronic to power.Now the MU Update will start and take around
20 seconds. You will see “COMPLETE” in the PC update window and a full blue
update status bar. Then proceed to step 2 (Update SD firmware).
Note: In LCD, you will now see “Please Wait” after step 1 above as the
unit is waiting for the SD update. You can proceed to Step 2 (Update SD
firmware).
2. Update SD Firmware
a) Confirm internet connection by logging in to cloud page and check for “Last
online” time. It should show “Just Now” or “1m ago.
b) In the Cloud page go to settings and click on “Gen 2 Update” and “Upgrade
Now”.
c) Wait for 10 minutes for the update to be loaded. You will see the LCD
cycles thru the FW versions. Do not interrupt this process under NO
circumstances, and always wait 10 min, even if the update process normally
goes much faster. Now the Update is done! Double-check the firmware version by
opening the App start page. Should be V03.04.01 (or later).
Now the Update is done! Double-check the firmware version by opening the
App start page and it will be V03.04.01 (or later).
3. Recalibrate Pump A and C
Now when Alkatronic is updated, proceed immediately with recalibration of
pumps A and C (as these pumps with the new fwrun more fast and smooth). After
that is done, immediately check the calibration status by performing a “Test
Pump Accuracy” and make sure you get 50.0ml for pump A and 10ml for pump C.
This is the final confirmation that the software was 100% correctly installed.
Troubleshooting:
- The unit is not online or has no internet access.
- Please contact us at [email protected] and we can offer alternative options than going via the cloud.
- Unit not receiving the cloud push even I saved “Gen 2 Update”? Make sure you have the “Auto Update Mode” enabled.
- ERROR Incorrect MCU. Make sure you are using the correct exe file. Refer to page 4 top right corner.
- Unable to calibrate, thus test pump accuracy doesn’t change to 50ml (pump A) and 10 ml (Pump C) despite you have done the calibration:
- Log in to the cloud page and check that your unit is online from the cloud. (“last online” should be “1m ago” or “Just now”)
- Go to settings and click on “Clear Data” and click save. You’ll need to enter the last 4 digits of your SN.
- Wait for 5 min and proceed with calibration of pumps A and C and follow that with a Test
Pump Accuracy and confirm you now get 50ml and 10ml. If not, contact [email protected].