Coastal Climate FX-1s

[MikeP]

Never did get a call back from the CC tech expert re triggers/box failures. I just (a few minutes ago) replaced a bad CC box for the guest stateroom with a new CC box. The old box would not activate the SW pump/compressor, just the air handler. Obviously the circuitry controlling the relays, or the relays themselves in the box failed. In '06 I replaced the old analog controls - which worked perfectly for 25+ years - with the CC boxes. Since that time 2 of them failed, both out of the warranty period, of course.

So that's a failure rate of 50% since installation. I like the fact that the digital boxes provide much better control of temperature than did the oem controls. OTOH, a better control unit isn't better if it doesn't work.

As noted in another thread, I just replaced the oem PWX box with a CC unit in the engine room, moving it from its pervious location in the bow stateroom. That one had failed also last year. I notice, looking at the circuit board, that the new boxes have a few component differences. So maybe CC identified some weakness in the design and corrected it but I don't know that; it's just hopeful thinking.

If I had it to do over I would go with the SMX controls as recommended by SPCoolin and others. THey are more expensive but he, and others who deal with this stuff professionally, seem to feel they are superior units. When I replaced the oems with CC, I don't think there was anybody around with much info so I just bought CC based on their website info. Then, once I had CC I didn't want to replace them all with another new system.

This is just my experience with them; others may have had no issues at all. But I think it's worth doing some research if you are considering swapping the old controls for new ones.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I have had no issues with my 4 CC units, but we don't run the heat/air as much up here, so time will tell.

 

[fissioneng]

I installed one in early 2009. Runs continuously all summer weekends and occasionally in the winter. 3 full boating seasons and no problems. My power module is in the engine room.

There is supposed to be an hour meter function (shown in the manual), but I've never been able to get it to work. That would tell us how many hours are on our units.

This is puzzling as I am considering buying another FX-1 for my other unit.

 

[Boatnut]

Seems like saving a buck rather than following the advice from the experts, leaves something to be desired. LOL

 

[fissioneng]

One other thing, my neighbor had a Cruisair SMX II power module relay go bad after 2 years. He had to replace the whole board. Big $$.

Seems like the 3 dollar relays that do all the work in these units are the weak link costing us 100's of dollars in replacements. Sort of like the old style triggers but at least you could replace those easily.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Seems like saving a buck rather than following the advice from the experts, leaves something to be desired. LOL

Not in this case, Craig. These are good units and easy to install.

 

[Boatnut]

I recall when I met with Steve, we spent the afternoon tech talking about theses units, he explained to me that the CC controls were not as robust as the Cruseairs. I have several units in my shop, I looking to repair the cruiseairs. If anyone has an owners manual with wiring diagrams for various models, I would appreciate a copy.

My thought is to repair these units, and offer them at a good price, on an exchange basis.

As I am semi retired, it will get me into the shop, and out of the admirals hair. lol

Bear in mind I am not an AC guy, but I have troublehot electronics for going on 50 years.