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Old 11-19-2014, 01:05 PM   #81
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I know this is not related to the current project, but it is a 6.7 cu ft tinkering topic. Does anyone here really know what goes on with the control system? I mean, not how things typically work, or what someone knows about control theory, but how the Dometic fridge control system works? The reason I ask is that a month or so ago I actually paid for an hour of consultation with Ford RV, maker of fridge repair training videos. The first thing they suggest is a bypass test to determine how well the fridge cools with 120V applied directly to the 120V element. If the fridge cools sufficiently while bypassing the control system, then the first thing they recommend is moving the thermistor up and to the right on the fins to a warmer area. This is where I start to have trouble understanding what's going on. They say the fridge will cool better because it will cycle longer if the thermistor is in a warmer area (Alf.....please try to contain yourself). It seems to me that moving the thermistor to a warmer area is no different than what happens when the fridge warms up (as it does above 85F ambient temps). The thermistor resistance should be calling for more cooling, either way. Could it be that moving the thermistor to a warmer area helps because it extends the cooling cycle, particularly overnight, and sort of supercools the contents, helping them to get through the next hot day? Other than that, I just don't see what's going on here. I know old Dometics used to move the thermistor to regulate cooling, but that was for a more primitive control system. Anyone here really know these systems?
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Old 11-19-2014, 01:05 PM   #82
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It was starting to get a little crazy .
And it will again.
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Old 11-19-2014, 01:10 PM   #83
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Thankyou Reace for responding and clearing up things . Puts my mind at ease as I am sure others . It was starting to get a little crazy .
^+1

Cheers Doug
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Old 11-19-2014, 01:24 PM   #84
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Hi: Parker... If I could "Contain myself" in a thimble... there'd be enough room for all I know about RV fridges as well.
Just to prove my point, I moved the thermistor sensor down and to the right just off the fins. It isn't a permanent location. It's just so cold up here I have to wait till Feb. in Florida to try it again. Alf
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Old 11-19-2014, 02:57 PM   #85
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Glad you addressed this Reace. The fault is not with the install, as you mentioned when I visited.
Which install procedure ?
The install with or without the baffle and the Texas fan ?
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Old 11-19-2014, 03:36 PM   #86
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It's just so cold up here I have to wait till Feb. in Florida to try it again. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie
Hi Alf! Maybe we'll see you down there! We hope to be on Big Pine Key then.
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Old 11-19-2014, 05:39 PM   #87
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Hi Alf! Maybe we'll see you down there! We hope to be on Big Pine Key then.
Hi: Parker... We plan on being all over the State and heading for Tenn. mid Apr. See you in Tremont? Alf
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Old 11-19-2014, 05:54 PM   #88
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Hope so.
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Old 11-19-2014, 06:28 PM   #89
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Fridge Status update

Reace,

Thanks for the information on the installation. I know that you have been talking to Dometic, so I was pretty sure it wasn't an installation problem.

Some folks have alluded to the fridge problem being "solved", but I don't think we have heard anything from you. Could you give us an update on the status and where this stands currently? Is the fix a new fridge (with two doors), or some modification to our existing fridges?

Thanks again.

Leon
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Old 11-19-2014, 07:46 PM   #90
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Leon,
You may want to send that question, which is a valid one, to Reace direct at ETI, he isn't here always..........
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Old 11-19-2014, 07:56 PM   #91
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Leon,
You may want to send that question, which is a valid one, to Reace direct at ETI, he isn't here always..........
Sent Monday - awaiting a reply.
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Old 11-19-2014, 09:18 PM   #92
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I think on many trailer designs, the air gets disrupted long before it hits either the top or side vents, and prevents the negative pressure. The vent design from Dometic may be counting on that. Escape trailers may be different in this respect, and not disrupt the airflow prior to the vents. I think something to disrupt the air aft of the vents would help to create a stagnation point at the vent opening. Its possible that doing this for only the side vent would help ensure the air is flowing properly when the trailer is underway.
NJ Joe,
Thanks for the suggestion. I took a picture of the side with some measurements. Curious what shape, size and location you are suggesting aft of the vent? (it's about 20'Lx6.5'H, projects 3/4"- and located 9' back)

Mel
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Old 11-19-2014, 11:02 PM   #93
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Mel,

I think taking some measurements to determine what is actually happening would be a good first step. taping some yarn to the side of the trailer near the vent may give you an indication of whether the airflow has been disrupted prior to reaching the vent. Also, Eagle Tree Systems makes a data logger for RC airplanes that could be used to capture some data. They have both an airspeed and altimeter sensor, which would allow you to log both static and dynamic pressure. They also have several types of temperature sensors that would be useful as well. Total cost would be in the $150 - $200 range.

As far as disrupting the airflow aft of the side vent, my initial thought was that a piece of angle aluminium attached to the rear of the vent would work. However, i don't really have any solid experience or data to base this on so I have sent your picture off to someone who does. It may be a week or so before that person is able to look at this.
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Old 11-19-2014, 11:43 PM   #94
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Mel,

I think taking some measurements to determine what is actually happening would be a good first step. taping some yarn to the side of the trailer near the vent may give you an indication of whether the airflow has been disrupted prior to reaching the vent. Also, Eagle Tree Systems makes a data logger for RC airplanes that could be used to capture some data. They have both an airspeed and altimeter sensor, which would allow you to log both static and dynamic pressure. They also have several types of temperature sensors that would be useful as well. Total cost would be in the $150 - $200 range.

As far as disrupting the airflow aft of the side vent, my initial thought was that a piece of angle aluminium attached to the rear of the vent would work. However, i don't really have any solid experience or data to base this on so I have sent your picture off to someone who does. It may be a week or so before that person is able to look at this.
Hi Joe,
Great idea, I can hang the yarn on plastic suction cups just like I did on our sail boats, that will bring back fond memories!

Amazing you can get the data logger that inexpensively, I hadn't thought of the RC aircraft suppliers. Maybe I can find turbo charger(s) to install in my new air box and duct

Thanks for sending off the picture, I've got til late January when the weather is good enough for our I-5 boogey to south Cali and then head east : )

Thanks! Mel
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Old 11-20-2014, 10:03 AM   #95
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I've mentioned this before, but it might be worth bringing it up again. I had problems with my 5 cu ft fridge shutting down while driving (when on propane). I tried a number of things - what seemed to fix the problem was completely sealing the top & sides of the rear of the refrigerator from the opening, and adding a mesh furnace filter to the lower vent.

I still have a problem keeping the refrigerator under 40°F when the outside temperature is over 100°F; I may try adding the heater chimney...
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Old 11-20-2014, 11:02 AM   #96
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I've mentioned this before, but it might be worth bringing it up again. I had problems with my 5 cu ft fridge shutting down while driving (when on propane). I tried a number of things - what seemed to fix the problem was completely sealing the top & sides of the rear of the refrigerator from the opening, and adding a mesh furnace filter to the lower vent.

I still have a problem keeping the refrigerator under 40°F when the outside temperature is over 100°F; I may try adding the heater chimney...
Thanks for the reminder, that seems to be 'proof' the side vent can draw out and/or create turbulence that degraded refrig cooling? Using a furnace filter is clever as they come in various thickness. I'll jot that down on my list.

Would be nice to have your frig performance .... my 6.7 was in the mid 40's when temps were in the high 80's. I'm sure it will be better after these mods, hope it's worth the work but the 6.7 is a wimpy unit out of the box.

Mel
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Old 11-20-2014, 12:18 PM   #97
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Sent Monday - awaiting a reply.
FYI - I asked Reace a couple questions and received a reply last Friday (11/14/2014) (I really appreciate the replies I receive from Reace and ETI, awesome customer service compared with the robots and polite but uninformed reps at other firms ...)

My question "Status of Refrigerator ‘improvements’. Have you switched to a different model? Where are we at?"


Reply from Reace
"The latest I have heard is the tooling for the new door is scheduled to be ready in ‘week 42’ and we should see parts shortly after that.

We are now installing the RMD8555 fridge.
Reace"


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Old 11-20-2014, 01:30 PM   #98
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We are now installing the RMD8555 fridge
Interesting. Hopefully this one performs better. A quick search shows in mostly in Europe and Australia.
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Old 11-20-2014, 01:54 PM   #99
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Yes, very interesting...
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Old 11-20-2014, 02:02 PM   #100
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I want one, can we exchange our present models?? I wonder if Dometic will allow some sort of credit?
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