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REMstar Pro 2 BiPap - Error Message

Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 6:31 pm
by OldSeaRock
Twice since buying this machine, it's stopped working.

Both times an error message flashes on the display - "E47".

So I'll take the darned thing back where I got it and get it fixed.

Question: What in the heck can I do to prevent an "E47" from happening again?

The folks at my local medical supplies store are great but they can't tell me what's really making the machine go belly up. The last time I took it in they told me that it was probably "power surges" but they weren't sure.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Is this common with CPAP/BiPAP machines?


Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 6:33 pm
by OldSeaRock
PS: I do use a surge protector for the machine. I always have.

Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 6:52 pm
by Wulfman
OSR,

Sorry to hear about your machine problems. I don't have a service manual for the BiPAP, but according to the service manual for the REMstar Auto, this is what it says:

E-47....ERR_FL12_SENSOR_RAILED
*Occluded or restricted pressure tube..* Replace flow tube
*Defective flow sensor.......................* Replace Main PCA

I would assume it would be pretty much the same.

Best wishes,

Den


Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 6:53 pm
by Handgunner45
Error 47 indicates a "failed flow sensor". This is due to an occluded or restricted flow tube or a bad flow sensor. It also could be from the flow tube coming loose from a fitting. Should it happen again, insist that they provide you with a complete report of repairs. If they are sending it to respironics then they are getting the report and should be happy to provide you a copy.


Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 6:58 pm
by OldSeaRock
Thanks for the help!

I'll definitely request a copy of what was repaired in the machine.

Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 6:58 pm
by Goofproof
I don't have the codes for Bi-PAP but for the APAP, E-047 is ERR_VREF_FAILURE, Def Power Supply, REPL_MAIN_PCA

I repeat this is from the APAP, Chapter 6, troubleshooting & Dia. It may not be like yours, but there's a real good chance.

It sounds like it fried a widgit.

The voltage reference for the powersupply went belly-up on the main motherboard PCA. That would probably be a bad diode on the board.

Jim
On my Pro 2 E-47 is the flow sensor, tube restricted or the PCA board
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): Power, APAP

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): Power, APAP


Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 7:09 pm
by Goofproof
[quote="Wulfman"]OSR,

Sorry to hear about your machine problems. I don't have a service manual for the BiPAP, but according to the service manual for the REMstar Auto, this is what it says:

E-47....ERR_FL12_SENSOR_RAILED
*Occluded or restricted pressure tube..* Replace flow tube
*Defective flow sensor.......................* Replace Main PCA

I would assume it would be pretty much the same.

Best wishes,

Den


This might save you a trip to your local DME..

Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 8:05 pm
by OldSeaRock
OK, I took old Betsy into the DME this morning and related the information to my respiration guru there.

"Oh, you must have taken a trip and gotten water in the machine. E47 means there is moisture in the machine... it's under warranty, no problem".

Yes, I'd been on a trip. With my surge protector and other BiPap necessities.

I got a temporary machine to use (same model Remstar). All is well.

The Point Is....?

I was advised to take the water container off of the machine before traveling and to shove a paper towel into the hole where the water container plugs into the machine. Then, pack the container SEPERATE from the machine just in case.

A tiny drop of water, according to the guru, can make the Remstar go bonkers. She took the water contain apart from the machine and there on the rim of the "orifice" where the container plugs into the machine... you guessed it, a tiny bit of water.

I honestly believe that the air conditioner in the hotel caused condensation because whenever I travel I turn the a/c down as low as possible. You can hang a side of beef without fear of spoilage in my hotel room.

Campers, when you travel with a Remstar - keep the Remstar DRY in transit. I had removed all of the water from the container yet some water still got through, somehow. I learned a valuable lesson today.

.


Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 8:19 pm
by Goofproof
I still think a 50 cent, check valve(spring loaded) would be in order or R.G.'s separate HH would solve the trick. The magic manuel didn't mention water, under that code.

It could just be condensation. When traveling it might be wise to run it 10 min w/o the HH before packing and pack them separate.

Beware of the DME, that carries a Squirt Gun! Jim


Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 10:27 am
by sthnreb
That could have been the problem I had with a bipap pro 2. I sent it in, back to Respironics 3 times and it would still stop at no particular time. I finally had it replaced. Hope you get it squared away ok as therapy is needed.


Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 6:59 am
by gary15
I know this is an old thread. This response is for anyone doing a search and looking for answers as I was, as this is a common problem.

1) The pressure sensors are sensitive to water. They are upstream from the humidifier and should not get any water or water vapor on them during normal use.

2) Water can get into the sensors from dropping the machine off a nightstand and having water spill back from the humidifier into the machine.

3) Water can come from condensation caused by vapor coming from the humidifier when the machine is off and forming condensation in the sensors. Disconnecting (removing) the humidifier when the machine is off (wither for travel or sitting on the nightstand will help).

4) The sensors are on the motherboard and not replaceable separately. The whole motherboard must be replaced. That is why some of the error messages relate to sensors and some relate to the mother board.

5) The idea of a spring-loaded check valve has been implemented (sort of) and you should receive a new humidifier reservoir if your unit is sent back for repair. This does not completely remedy the above issues and the reservoir should still be removed when not in use. It is a poor design as far as water is concerned but otherwise works well. Water may also mess with the Cflex function and the card readings before you get an error message and get shut down.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): humidifier, cflex, Travel


Paper towels!

Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2008 7:33 pm
by Guest
I was just getting the E47 error and found this thread.

On a hunch I pushed the edge of a paper towel in the hole. It cam out wet. I put another corner in and it came out dry this time. I plugged it in and the machine is happy!

Re: REMstar Pro 2 BiPap - Error Message

Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 12:06 am
by Busabear
Guest wrote:I was just getting the E47 error and found this thread.



On a hunch I pushed the edge of a paper towel in the hole. It cam out wet. I put another corner in and it came out dry this time. I plugged it in and the machine is happy!

Thank you so much. This worked for me too. Just saved my night.

Re: REMstar Pro 2 BiPap - Error Message

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 12:52 am
by SpokebusterForAIDS.org
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! I've been using this machine for almost 5 years with no problems. I'm traveling and am already sleep deprived due to not enough time to sllep (only 18 hours in the past 5 days) and FINALLY have a chance to get 8 uninteruppted hours. Then I got the E47 error. CLueless, I searched, found this thread, and tried the paper towel trick. IT WORKED!!!! THANK YOU for saving my full night's rest!!!

Guest wrote:I was just getting the E47 error and found this thread.

On a hunch I pushed the edge of a paper towel in the hole. It cam out wet. I put another corner in and it came out dry this time. I plugged it in and the machine is happy!

Re: REMstar Pro 2 BiPap - Error Message

Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 4:55 am
by Ricardo
I did initially the papertowel think and it didn't work, so... I opened the machine. Nothing dificult. It has 3 little tubes. I pulled the tubes out and dried them with papertowel... and now the machine is happy!!!!