strange problem with remstar auto cflex

[air]

Hi dear friends,
I wonder if anyone is familiar with this kind of problem on a remstar:

I plugged in my machine yesterday night and noticed that the pressure was unstable. at random intervals (about twice a minute) it would lower the fan rpm and produce much less pressure for a few seconds.

The machine had been off duty for a few days and stored in the carrying case (front facing down, air intake facing up)

It was also the 1st time i tried to use it without the HH (I left it on the HH base, but removed the water chamber).

I rebooted several times and i gently shook the machine, i re-attached the HH water chamber, but it didnt get better.
At some point it also started by itself (auto start was off).

after letting it run by itself for a few hours (mask off), it seems to have returned to the normal behaviour.

It is 6 months old, so its inside warranty period, but it will be some considerable trouble, cost and delay to ship it from europe and back, so i am tempted to believe it could be a non permanent problem ...

anyone familiar with such a mulfunction?

- Chris

[offlineon]

Hi air,

No error messages on the display? I would not worry overmuch at this stage. I'd consider having the pressures checked. Europe right? A public hospital near you should have a manometer, maybe even free or subsidised access to an RT. They might be able to arrange to have your machine checked locally.

In any event I'd contact the supplier and get their opinion - if only to get it on record that this concerned you.

-edit-

Just saw that you were in Hellas. This might help:

Santair
41, Agamemnonos Str.
Dafni 172 35
Athens, Greece
Email: info@santair.gr
Phone: +30 10 971 4444

[air]

Thank you offlineon,

news is that things got worse,
now the machine pauses at an error message:
E-87

I had found a document about remstar error messages, but the list ends at E-86

Anyone knows about E-87 or an updated document about remstar error messages?

[Snoredog]

The Remstar has an internal pressure sensor or transducer, it measures the delivery pressure via this sensor and controls the motor RPM which is how maintains the desired pressure dialed in from the LCD display.

When there is a failure to this circuit the machine cannot sense delivery pressure and will demonstrate the problem you describe. It may also display an error message on the LCD and shut off.

First thing you want to do is check for any external leak, hole in the hose, bad silicone coupler connection between the machine delivery port and humidifier tank for example.

Next, if there is no leak there, then you may have broken off the internal barb off the delivery port. This is easier to do then one thinks, if you have a cpap hose with rubber ends that fits snugly on the machine you have a tendency to "twist" the hose while putting it on or removing from the machine. This is not a problem if you always use the integrated humidfier, it only happens when you connect the hose directly to the machine.

But if you happen to twist on the hose the lid of the machine can split or seperate from the case base, it is only held in place with 3ea Torx screws. The back of the machine only has 2 screws, the front only 1. This center screw allows the thinner lid of the machine to lift up as you twist on the hose. Inside the machine there is a 1/8" ID clear hose that routes from this "barb" to the transducer soldered on the main PCB. If that barb is broken the machine will exhibit the very symptoms you describe, however it should display E-25 error on the LCD and shut off a few seconds after turning on.

displays an error, may shut off:

breaks internal barb when twisting hose on machine:

Here is the tiny barb that breaks off:

It can be repaired with a brad nail to align the pieces, some super glue and hot-melt glue to reinforce, or you can replace the part from a salvaged machine:

here it is with repair made:

[air]

Hi snoredog,
very interesting information, but i will not open the case now, since it is still on warranty and i guess i dont have the "right" to open it.
also there is that error message 87 - i can not find any info about it.

i just had some good news.. a friend is going to lent me a remstar until mine returns from repair
still, the shipping cost can not be avoided.

anyway, i am still curious about E-87, anyone has a related document to point me to?

[Wulfman]

air,

Does your machine have C-Flex?
In the newer machines with C-Flex, the E codes stop with 86. However, in the machines prior to that, they go up quite a bit higher.

The E-87 code is:
ERR_BRMODEL_MAX_ AMPLITUDE.....Defective RAM chip......Replace main PCA

Good luck.

Den

[air]

Yes, the machine is remstar auto with c-flex....

[dsm]

My guess is that water got into the internal pressure line & is moving around in it.

That can easily happen if the machine's H/H is overfilled or if there was still water in the h/h chamber when the machine was put in its bag.

This can judt dry out if this is the cause.

Good luck

DSM

[Guest]

Greece? Where did you get the machine? Return it/.

[air]

It is impossible for water to have passed into the machine, since i have been very carefull with the HH. I am not sure about humidity though.
And I am still very curious about the E-87 which seems to be undocumented for an auto/c-flex.

[roya]

I'd contact the Manufacturer and see if there is a authorized repair facility within traveling distance. Or you might try the local medical facility which perform sleep studies and they should direct you to an authorized repair facility which may be able to cut you a deal on repairs. I'd first have them troubleshoot the problem since the charge would be minimal to at least find out if it really is a problem to have to deal with. Any machine autostarting on it's own would be cause for concern since it could theoretically pose a fire hazard if it took off while you were out for an extended period.
Most sleep study facilities have a repair shop which perform annual tune-ups and the like for little to no charge and, who knows maybe it just needs a little cleaning or a drive belt replacement. If you ever get a chance check out the new ResMed S9. Man it is awesome in size and performance.

[Julie]

My error list also stops at 86 - what frustration!

[Hawthorne]

This thread is 3 years old!