Grounding a Manager

[aimeekat]

Do I need to use an opti-isolator from ADI to help solve my ground loop issue or can I ground another way? If the ADI part is suggested, how much is one of these bad boys? Better yet, anyone got one floating around that I could take off your hands?

[Shane]

Aimee,
Not sure if there is another way, but the opti-isolator is well worth the money. I bought mine years ago, and if I remember correctly it's about $100 or so.

One big benefit of it is for lighting strikes. We had a bad thunderstorm one day and it fried all of the com chips in every timer and bed. I had to change every single one which took the better part of a day. not fun at all. The opto-iso can help prevent this.

[aimeekat]

Thanks Shane. Do I go direct to ADI to order?

Aimee

[Shane]

Nah, they won't sell directly. You'll have to contact your disty. However, many disty's don't have this item. I think I called around and finally got mine from four seasons. They stock just about every tmax part imaginable.

[northtanman]

Shane, i have had one of these for last couple years but afraid to install...any problems doing so? Do i have to re-address everything? Thanks for your suggestions...I'm so gun-shy of the timer system.

[Shane]

No, it's so simple to install. I have mine mounted right next to my manager. You just unplug the daisy chain and plug it into the opti-iso. And then plug the other opti into the manager. In fact, it should be labeled "input" and "output". Input from the manager and output to the beds.

You shouldn't have to re address anything.

[northtanman]

And...it seems they have transformers to plug in too, right? Will install it this weekend. thanks!!!

[northtanman]

One more thing...do you try and get a shorter lenght of cable, so you don't have the 2 long azz pieces right there or did ya just coil them up?

[Shane]

I took the shortest cable I had and then just coiled it up and tied with a zip tie.

The transformers just need to be plugged in...not a big deal. Just have to have enough outlets close by.

[aimeekat]

Where'd you find yours north?

[northtanman]

Ahhhh....good question...think i bought it from Applied Digital thru the trade show a couple years ago...maybe when i was buying from Tanning Supply Outlet out of chicago? But now i order from Lisa @ Four Seasons...if you can't buy direct...try her.

[Bombay Tan]

For around $150 you could also go with a good APC surge protector that provides battery backup. I looked at both and went with the APC (also provides insurance coverage if equiptment is damaged). Since in most cases it is next to your computer you can plug that in as well...

[aimeekat]

Got it through Future Industries. Thanks all for the help.

[northtanman]

Originally Posted by aimeekat

Got it through Future Industries. Thanks all for the help.

aimeekat
I installed mine today after closing and it was totally simple and no problems...no re addressing...it was simple!!!

[aimeekat]

Thanks north!

I was hoping you'd let me know how it went. Mine will be here on Wed and installed next weekend.

[northtanman]

Originally Posted by aimeekat

Thanks north!

I was hoping you'd let me know how it went. Mine will be here on Wed and installed next weekend.

It is so simple you could do it right after you close wednesday...i can't believe i was scared to mess with it. I bet i've had it over 2 years!!

You just unplug the phone looking cable wire from the manager that goes to the first bed...plug that end into the iso deally...then put on a new wire onto it also , and plug it back into the manager...then plug in the 2 transformers...you will need a place to plug in 2 plugs!!

It comes with the wire you will need...so simple!!!!

[Ralph]

If you have a ground loop problem, definitely get the isolator.

BUT, this problem existing probably means you also have the potential for other problems. Make sure all the beds are grounded correctly. The last thing you want is someone getting shocked. I would get an good electrician to check it out.

[solarmeter®]

Manager needs grounding: