Sandman Error Code 7?

[akicks]

My Sandman Auto HC stopped working. After gettting the service warning I get error code 7 when I press the info and power buttons simultaneously. Does anybody know what error code 7 is? Thanks.

[Sleepy Taz]

Akicks,

I pulled this off of Puritan Bennett website:

FAQ ID # 416
Last Update: August 14 2008, 11:50:00 AM
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Question / Issue

What does 'ER 7' mean on a GoodKnight 420 device?

Answer / Solution

For the GoodKnight® 420 CPAP System and GoodKnight® 425 Bi-Level® device, an 'ER 7' (error 7) message indicates the blower will not turn on.

The corrective action is to unplug the device for a few moments then re-apply power. If the 'ER 7' message persists, contact your home care provider from whom the device was purchased. Your home care provider can assist in the replacement of the unit.

[mars]

Hi

From the Sandman CPAP Clinician and Home Care Provider User Manual

Er 07 is a turbine Problem. To correct unplug the device. Check that there is no foreign object or water in the air outlet.
Plug the machine in again and turn it on.

If it still doesn't work, call Technical Support.

Nearly the same as Sleepy Taz posted, but a little extra advice.

I think that somewhere in the threads is the info on how to get the manual.

cheers

Mars

[Guest]

For the GoodKnight® 420 CPAP System and GoodKnight® 425 Bi-Level® device, an 'ER 7' (error 7) message indicates the blower will not turn on.

Thanks, Taz. I have another model but I suspect what you found is accurate since, well, the blower will not turn on. I was hoping the code might indicate a reason.

If anybody has any further information please let me know but otherwise I'll contact my sleep doctor. It is a real pain since I am on vacation and 2,000 miles away from my doctor's office.

[jimbo2]

I've had same problem in Australia - Err code 7 when thousands of km from supplier and only support we could get was a replacement machine that soon developed same problem. Err Code 7 appeared to be permanent so machine will be returned to supplier for refund as it's "not fit for purpose" (Australian consumer laws enfrce mandatory refund in that case).

Supplier had no more info, nor any skill to assist correcting problem.

[mars]

Hi

In my post above you will find instructions on how to deal with Error Code 7.

cheers

Mars

[jimbo2]

When machines failed I was referred to Tyco by the sales organisation in Melbourne. Tyco were unable to tell me anything more than that "7" indicated a turbine problem. They could not suggest any way to reset the error status. They tell me that original machine has been sent back to Covdien in France for problem diagnosis, but I've no further info yet - 6 weeks later. It appears they did no servicing of that machine themselves.

Yes I appreciate that they sent warranty replacement urgently, even on the second and third times, even though one replacement was sent by truck and that took a week to arrive. They didn't quibble about replacing machine under warranty - even on the second occasion.

Powering off and on, removing power completely did'nt have any effect. There were no signs of foreign materials or moisture in machine and it had been transported carefully with water tank emptied and separated from the machine it has never been dropped or handled roughly.

After 6 weeks further travel, machine decided to start again when I tested it yesterday - I am now thoroughly pessimistic that machine can be relied on at all, which is a shame as it is nice compact unit with good carry bag and works well on 12V.

I have contended that if machine is not reliable, as indicated by multiple failures that cannot be corrected by user or even by Tyco, it is not fit for the purpose of ongoing clinical treatment. That would satisfy requirements for full refund under our consumer protection laws.

[dsm]

I'll chime in here to add, that Tyco do have a support org in Australia and that their machines 'generally' are very good products (my all time favorite bilevel is the GoodKnight 330 - an amazing bit of advanced technology that set new standards when it first appeared) but, they did have problems with some Mexican manufactured machines & also some on-line suppliers in the US dropped the line due to some quality issues.

Coviden are a very substantial org in the US & I doubt they would tolerate any quality issues for long.

I guess this is a case of some are fine but the odd failure does show up. The design is outstanding.

Hope it all comes out right.

DSM

[jimbo2]

"some are fine but the odd failure does show up"

Well I've experienced failures error 7 with three machines over last 4 months. SInce we were travelling in VERY remote areas, that was not convenient,, to say the least. At times we were 100 km from nearest phone, let alone an airport where package could be sent - with mailplanes once a week at nearest settlements or cattle stations, the reliability of the CPAP was important. Since it was brand new machine, I was and am unhappy with reliability we've experienced.

[mars]

Hi Jimbo2

I am really sorry you have had such problems.

I now have nightmares where my Sandman Auto has an error 7, and I keep on returning it, only to find the replacement immediately develops an error 7. The good thing is I no longer have sleep apnea as I am too frightened to go to sleep, the bad thing is I no longer sleep

I wish you all the best and hope your next trip will work out much better for you.

cheers

Mars

[jimbo2]

"some are fine but the odd failure does show up"

Well I've experienced failures error 7 with three machines over last 4 months. Since we were traveling in VERY remote areas, that was not convenient,, to say the least. At times we were 100 km from nearest phone, let alone an airport where package could be sent - with mailplanes once a week at nearest settlements or cattle stations, the reliability of the CPAP was important. Since it was brand new machine, I was and am unhappy with reliability we've experienced.

Covidien (previously known as Tyco Healthcare) have suggested that Error Code 7 failures are frequently caused by water spillage from the humidifier into the machine, and/or instances where machine has been dropped. They have replaced the humidifier with one clearly marked to assist the user to assembling it correctly and supplied a well presented brochure showing the steps to disconnect, fill and reconnect the humidifier, and report that this has significantly reduced the number of problems reported.

I know that in my case machines were not dropped, and were not transported with the humidifier attached to the machines. It was always emptied and stored separately when traveling. To my knowledge there was no opportunity for water to be spilled into the turbine of the machines.

To date, the current machine has given no trouble, so I hope that continues as it suits our needs well. It is small, uses little power on 12 Volt supply (for the CPAP, but obviously not including heating facility for the humidifier), and the travel bag is compact and effective.