• Remove drum cover
• Confirm unit top is clear of debris
• Unlatch gray drum ring and reposition lid to access inside of drum
• Strain floating residue if needed
• Inspect and clean intake filter
• Inspect and clean inline nozzle circuit filter
• Use a yardstick to measure inches remaining of insecticide and note it.
• Replace lid on top of drum and latch gray ring.

2. Note Controller Info:

• Confirm clock day and time is correct.
• Note indicated insecticide level (bars) and compare to actual level
• Note AUTO Cycle times and durations
• Note Remote Mist Duration

3. Note and Reset info in DATA Menu

• TMC (total mist cycles) – reset by pressing and holding Green ► until 0 is displayed
• TMM (total mist minutes) – reset by pressing and holding Green ► until 0 is displayed
• RMC (remote mist cycles) – reset by pressing and holding Green ►  until 0 is displayed
• If Leak Detection is installed, check and note AFR (average nozzle flow rate).  If a Zone Kit is installed, check and note AFR1 and AFR2
• Target AFR is 40 ml/min.  Acceptable range is 32 – 50 ml/min.
• NFR (target per nozzle flow rate)
• TOL (flow rate error tolerance)  See Gen 1.3 Setup:  Leak Detection and TOLerance

4. Replenish drum with water and concentrate.

• Remove cap from drum bung
• Fill the drum half full with water from a garden hose, being careful to maintain an air gap of 6” between the tip of hose and the fluid in the drum.
• Using inches remaining noted in Step 1, calculate required volume of concentrate using the Dosing and Days to Empty Calculator
• Measure concentrate and use a funnel to add it through the bung.
• Record type and volume of concentrate added.
• Continue filling drum with water – maintaining the 6″ air gap.  Stop filling when the fluid level is 4” from the top.
• Replace cap on drum bung.
• Ensure concentrate label in waterproof envelope is affixed to the side of the drum and visible
• Dispose of the empty bottle, strictly following label instructions or regulations regarding disposal.

5. Reset level indicator in the controller to Full (8 bars)

• Navigate to MAINTENANCE Menu, scroll to LEVEL.  Depress Green ► button 5 seconds to enter routine.
• Use ▲ ▼ buttons to set level to full (8 bars)

7.  Check Nozzle Circuit and Treated Area

• No plant burn
• No staining fence, decks or siding
• Tubing and transition protection is in good shape
• Inspect and adjust tree clamps and nozzles
• Inspect for conducive breeding conditions

8.  Prepare Unit for Operation

• Confirm AUTO Cycle times and durations
• Confirm Remote Mist duration
• Ensure System Mode is set as desired.  AUTO Everyday is the most common mode.
• Close lid and secure waterproof cover

The post Gen 1.3: Routine Service Checklist appeared first on TechSelfHelp.

1. Calculate required volume of concentrate.

• Select a concentrate from the list of Gen 1.3:  Approved Insecticides
• Remove drum cover
• Remove cap from drum bung
• Use a yardstick to measure inches of remaining insecticide solution and note it.
• Calculate required volume of concentrate and water (in inches from the bottom of the drum) using the Dosing and Days to Empty Calculator.
• If you are using an approved concentrate other than ones presented in the calculator, you can find the information required by the calculator – the concentration of active ingredients in the formulation and target concentration in the mist – at Gen 1.3:  Approved Insecticides.

2. Replenish drum with water and concentrate.

• Fill the drum with a few inches of water from a garden hose, being careful to maintain an air gap of 6” between the tip of hose and the fluid in the drum.
• Measure concentrate and use a funnel to add it through the bung.
• Continue filling drum with water to the desired level – maintaining the 6″ air gap.  To avoid foaming and possible equipment damage, stop filling when the fluid level is 4” from the top.
• Replace cap on drum bung.
• Ensure concentrate label in waterproof envelope is affixed to the side of the drum and visible
• Dispose of the empty bottle, strictly following label instructions or regulations regarding disposal
• Record type and volume of concentrate added

3. Reset level indicator in the controller to Full (8 bars)

• Navigate to MAINTENANCE Menu, scroll to LEVEL.  Depress Green ► button 5 seconds to enter routine.
• Use ▲ ▼ buttons to set level to full (8 bars)

4.  Prepare Unit for Operation

• Confirm AUTO Cycle times and durations
• Confirm Remote Mist duration
• Confirm operating mode – usually AUTO Everyday
• Close plastic lid and secure waterproof cover

The post Gen 1.3: Refill Checklist appeared first on TechSelfHelp.

• Plug unit into GFCI outlet

2.  Confirm clean drum and run INSpection cycle.  Confirm pump pressure.

• Check drum and clean if needed.
• Check and clean pump intake filter if needed.
• If tank is empty, fill 1/2 full with fresh water only (no insecticide).
• Update controller with level:  MAINTENANCE Menu, LEVEL.  Push and hold Green ► for 5 seconds, then use ▲ arrow to set level to half-full (4 bars).
• Run INSpect cycle:  Maintenance Menu, INS; Push and hold Green ► for 5 seconds; Unit will fill and mist for 5 minutes or until stopped.
• Confirm pump pressure is 250 psi (on smallest zone).  If necessary, adjust pump pressure at screw in port located at left rear corner of unit.  Use a flathead screwdriver, turning clockwise to increase pressure and counter clockwise to reduce pressure.
• Stop INSpect.

3.  Inspect element in nozzle circuit filter and replace if necessary.

• See Replacing Nozzle Circuit Filter Element

4.  Inspect nozzle circuit for max flow and leaks<

• Run Inspect (INS from Maintenance Menu)
• Confirm all nozzles spraying properly and that mist is clear of landscaping.
• Replace tips on nozzles that are not spraying properly.  (Target is 40 ml/min)
• Press red MENU/STOP button to stop INSpect routine.
• If system is zoned, perform for both zones.

5.  Check Nozzle Circuit and Treated Area

• No plant burn
• No staining fence, decks or siding
• Tubing and transition protection is in good shape
• Inspect and adjust tree clamps and nozzles
• Inspect for conducive breeding conditions

6.  Add Insecticide, Top Off Drum, Reset Level to Full

• Calculate required volume of insecticide using the Dosing and Days to Empty Calculator
• Add insecticide through large bung with a funnel
• Top off drum with water.  Maintain air gap of 6″ between hose and fluid level.
• Do not overfill.  Stop filling when level is 4″ from top.
• MAINTENANCE Menu, LEVEL
• Press and hold Green ► button for 5 secs, then use arrow keys to set level to full (8 bars)

7.  Confirm Day/Time and Mist Cycles

• DAY/TIME Menu; Set Day and Time. (note AM and PM); Exit by pressing Menu button.
• CYCLES Menu; Blinking C# identifies each automatic mist cycle with current mist duration and mist time; Set mist duration and time (note AM/PM)

8.  Set System Mode

• With the display showing day, time and level, press Green ► button to position the ▲ at top of display pointing to active System Mode.
• OFF – daily agitation cycle only
• ON – remote and manual, but no programmed mist
• AUTO Everyday – mist schedule runs daily.  This is the most common System Mode.
• AUTO Custom – mist program run on days configured in CUSTOM PGM

9.  Cover Unit

• Confirm System Mode is set as desired.  AUTO Everyday is the most common mode.
• Fit elastic of waterproof cover bottom under lip along edge of drum.

The post Gen 1.3: Spring Startup Checklist appeared first on TechSelfHelp.

​ System with Gen 1.3 Drum unit:

• Formulation name (or % concentration of active ingredients in concentrate)
• Target concentration % of active ingredients in the mist
• Capacity of the drum (in gallons)
• Solution remaining in drum (in inches from the bottom)
• Number of nozzles installed on the system
• Flow rate of the nozzles
• Minutes of scheduled and remote misting per day

​System with Gen 3 Tankless unit:

• Formulation name (or % concentration of active ingredients in concentrate)
• Target concentration % of active ingredients in the mist
• Concentrate fill volume (in gallons)
• Number of nozzles installed
• Minutes of scheduled and remote misting per day

The post Dosing and Days to Empty Calculator appeared first on TechSelfHelp.

WARNING!

AIR TRAPPED IN THE FILTER DUE TO IMPROPER INSTALLATION AND SYSTEM STARTUP COULD CAUSE VIOLENT RUPTURE OF THE FILTER HOUSING RESULTING IN SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY!

FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.

• Before installing filter or replacing element, ensure nozzles are misting, there are no kinks or blocks in the nozzle circuit and the pump pressure does not exceed 250 psi.
• Fill filter housing completely with water.
• If necessary, adjust pump pressure to a maximum of 250 psi.

Gen 1.3 55 Gal Kit – (PN #29013)

Check the element with each service visit and replace when the entire filter wall is dirty.  Plan on replacing the element at least annually, and potentially more often for large nozzle circuits.
 

Time:  5 minutes
Tools:  Flathead screwdriver to adjust pump pressure
Parts:  Replacement nozzle circuit filter element (#16020 – 5 pack)

1.  Before replacing element, ensure nozzles are misting, there are no kinks or blocks in the nozzle circuit and the PUMP PRESSURE DOES NOT EXCEED 250 PSI!

2.  Unscrew housing from filter head and discard used filter element.

• Support filter head and bracket with one hand and turn housing clockwise with the other.
• If necessary, relieve pressure by removing tubing from port on unit.

2.  Ensure o-ring is in good condition and is seated in groove at top of housing.* 

*If o-ring is swollen (and you don’t have a new o-ring), seat as much as you can in the groove before screwing the housing back onto the filter head.

3.  Ensure filter housing is completely filled with fluid!

4.  Position new filter element in the center of the housing and screw housing back onto filter head.

5.  Execute a MIST and if necessary, adjust pump pressure to a MAXIMUM of 250 PSI! 

The post Replacing Nozzle Circuit Filter Element appeared first on TechSelfHelp.

Usually the problem is that the filters inside the nozzles tips are fouled, although in some cases the orifice of the nozzle is clogged by scale from hard water. The dirt you’ll frequently see on the outside of the tip of a clogged nozzle is cosmetic and results from dirt and dust sticking to the tip after poor projection of mist.

This article discusses how to clean the slimline nozzle tips and rebuild them to restore healthy flow and performance to a system.

Cleaning Slimline Nozzle Tips

Tools:

Slimline Nozzle Wrench Set (MistAway Part # 25070)

Shaker bottle or Vibrating bowl (if you plan to clean a lot of nozzle tips)

Detergent like Simple Green or a descaling agent like CLR

Strainer and Toothbrush

A.  Use the slimline nozzle wrenches to disassemble the nozzle tips.  Retain the metal tip, vortex pin and chambers and discard the filter and ball-spring check valve.

B.  In the shaker bottle or vibrating bowl, make up a solution of 50% water and 50% detergent or descaling agent (if hard water is a problem). Soak the metal components for about 2 hours, shaking occasionally.  Do not let the components soak for much longer than that or you may risk damage to the red o-rings that seal the nozzle when it is reassembled.

C.  Use the toothbrush to remove any remaining dirt/residue from the ridges on the outside of the tip and use the strainer to rinse the components in water. Then, let them air dry.

Rebuilding Slimline Nozzle Tips

Parts:

Slimline Ball-Spring Check Valve (MistAway Part #10197)

For single chamber nozzle tips only, Slimline Nozzle Filters (MistAway Part #10196)

We recommend rebuilding the two-chamber nozzle tips with just a new ball-spring check valve and without the internal nozzle filter. Leave that chamber empty.

For the older-style single chamber slimline tips, you’ll need to include the nozzle filter because it is integral to the proper function of the check valve.

As part of restoring flow to your nozzle circuit, and to significantly increase the useful life of your newly rebuilt nozzle tips, we highly recommend installing a cartridge-style nozzle circuit filter with a replaceable element that mounts to the misting unit.  For a Gen 3, it is MistAway Part #29040 for a Gen 1.3, it is MistAway Part #29013.

The filter element has many magnitudes more filtration capacity than the filters downstream in the slimline nozzle tips.  While we can’t guarantee that you’ll never have to rebuild and replace the odd fouled nozzle tip again, the nozzles will perform like new ones for much longer than they would otherwise.

The post Cleaning and Rebuilding Slimline Nozzle Tips appeared first on TechSelfHelp.

* Please Note: Using any non-MistAway approved concentrate with a Gen 1.3 Drum System will void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Click on links for labels, MSDS and misting-specific language.

Conventional Formulations in Gen 1.3 systems – with Label Recommended Rates

• Sector – Synthetic Permethrin (10%), PBO (10%)
  • RECOMMENDED
  • Dilute 1oz concentrate with 109 oz water to yield 0.09% permethrin in mist
  • 55 Gal:  64 oz
  • 125 Gal:  145 oz
  • Manufacturer:  MGK
  • Label, MSDS, Misting Instructions, Technical Bulletin
• Riptide – Natural Pyrethrins (5%), PBO (25%)
  • RECOMMENDED
  • Dilute 1 oz concentrate with 109 oz water to yield 0.045% pyrethrin in mist
  • 55 Gal:  64 oz
  • 125 Gal:  145 oz
  • Manufacturer:  MGK
  • Label, MSDS, Misting Instructions, Technical Bulletin

• Aqua Kontrol 30-30 – Synthetic Permethrin (30%), PBO (30%)
  • APPROVED
  • Dilute 1 oz concentrate in 219 oz water to yield 0.136% permethrin in mist (Label Rate)
  • 55 Gal:  32 oz (Note : use 21 oz to yield 0.09% permethrin in mist)
  • 125 Gal:  73 oz (Note : use 47 oz to yield 0.09% permethrin in mist)
  • Manufacturer:  Masterline/Univar
  • Label, MSDS, Misting Language
• 1-10 HP – Natural Pyrethrins (0.55%), Synthetic Permethrin (1.1%), PBO (5.5%)
  • APPROVED
  • Dilute 1 oz concentrate in 43 oz water to yield 0.0375% combined pyrethrin and permethrin in mist
  • 55 Gal: 164 oz
  • 125 Gal:  373 oz
  • Manufacturer:  Pyranha
  • Label, MSDS, Other Info
• Bug Armor/1-10 PX – Synthetic Permethrin (10%), PBO (10%)
  • APPROVED
  • Dilute 1oz concentrate with 109 oz water to yield 0.09% permethrin in mist
  • 55 Gal:  64 oz
  • 125 Gal:  145 oz
  • Manufacturer:  Pyranha
  • Label, MSDS, Misting Instructions
• Hyperion – Synthetic Sumithrin (10%), PBO (10%)
  • APPROVED
  • Dilute 1oz concentrate with 219 oz water to yield 0.046% sumithrin in mist
  • 55 Gal:  32 oz
  • 125 Gal:  73 oz
  • Manufacturer:  MGK
  • Label, MSDS, Misting Instructions, Technical Bulletin
• Mosquito Mist Ultra – Synthetic Permethrin (20.6%), PBO (20.6%)
  • APPROVED
  • Dilute 1oz concentrate with 219 oz water to yield 0.09% permethrin in mist
  • 55 Gal:  32 oz
  • 125 Gal:  73 oz
  • Manufacturer:  Control Solutions
  • Label, MSDS, Misting Instructions, Mosquito Misting Technical Bulletin
• Pystol – Natural Pyrethrins (0.55%), Synthetic Permethrin (1.1%), PBO (5.5%)
  • APPROVED
  • Dilute 1 oz concentrate in 21 oz water to yield 0.072% combined pyrethrin and permethrin in mist
  • 55 Gal: 320 oz
  • 125 Gal:  727 oz
  • Manufacturer: Control Solutions
  • Label, MSDS, Misting Instructions, Mosquito Misting Technical Bulletin
• Stryker 5/25 – Natural Pyrethrins (5%), PBO (25%)
  • APPROVED
  • Dilute 1 oz concentrate with 109 oz water to yield 0.045% pyrethrin in mist
  • 55 Gal:  64 oz
  • 125 Gal:  145 oz
  • Manufacturer: Control Solutions
  • Label, MSDS, Misting Instructions, Mosquito Misting Technical Bulletin
• Troika – Natural Pyrethrins (2.75%), Synthetic Permethrin (6.25%), PBO (27.5%)
  • APPROVED
  • Dilute 1 oz concentrate with 109 oz water to yield 0.082% combined pyrethrin and permethrin in mist
  • 55 Gal:  64 oz
  • 125 Gal:  145 oz
  • Manufacturer:  MGK
  • Label, MSDS, Technical Bulletin
• Vampyre – Natural Pyrethrins (3%), PBO (30%)
  • APPROVED
  • Dilute 1 oz concentrate with 67 oz water to yield 0.044% pyrethrin in mist
  • 55 Gal:  103 oz
  • 125 Gal:  235 oz
  • Manufacturer:  MGK
  • Label, MSDS, Misting Instructions, Technical Bulletin
• Vector Ban Plus – Synthetic Permethrin (10%), PBO (10%)
  • APPROVED
  • Dilute 1oz concentrate with 109 oz water to yield 0.09% permethrin in mist
  • 55 Gal:  64 oz
  • 125 Gal:  145 oz
  • Manufacturer: Control Solutions
  • Label, MSDS, Misting Instructions, Mosquito Misting Technical Bulletin
• Flex 10-10 – Synthetic Permethrin (10%), PBO (10%)
  • NOT APPROVED
  • Dilute 1oz concentrate with 109 oz water to yield 0.09% permethrin in mist
  • 55 Gal:  64 oz
  • 125 Gal:  145 oz
  • Manufacturer: Solutions Pest & Lawn
  • Label, MSDS, Misting Instructions

Exempt (Green) Formulations in Gen 1.3 systems – with Label Recommended Rates

• Stop the Bites! – Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (1%), Lemongrass Oil (5%), Geraniol (4.5%), Castor Oil (6%), Cedarwood Oil (3%), Corn Oil (0.5%)
  • RECOMMENDED
  • Dilute 1oz concentrate with 109 oz water to yield 0.18% combined active ingredients in mist
  • 55 Gal:  64 oz
  • 125 Gal:  145 oz
  • Manufacturer:  Arkion Life Sciences LLC
  • Label, MSDS, Tank SDS
• Naprovit Pro Plus – Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (8%), Soybean Oil (2%), Corn Oil (1%)
  • APPROVED
  • Dilute 1oz concentrate with 109 oz water to yield 0.10% combined active ingredients in mist
  • 55 Gal:  64 oz
  • 125 Gal:  145 oz
  • Manufacturer:  Natural Misting Solutions
  • Label p1, Label p2, MSDS p1, MSDS p2
• Zero Bite – Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (3.84%), Geraniol (1%), Clove Oil (0.5%), Peppermint Oil (0.25%)
  • APPROVED
  • Dilute 1oz concentrate with 54 oz water to yield 0.23% combined active ingredients in mist
  • 55 Gal:  128 oz
  • 125 Gal:  291 oz
  • Manufacturer: Pyranha
  • Label, MSDS
• Essentria IC-3 – Rosemary Oil (10%), Geraniol (5%), Peppermint Oil (2%)
  • NOT APPROVED
  • incompatible with check valves in nozzles, does not stay mixed in drum
  • Manufacturer:  Zoecon
  • Label, MSDS
• Eco Via EC – Thyme Oil (20%), 2-Phenethyl Propionate (14%), Rosemary Oil (8%)
  • NOT APPROVED
  • incompatible with nozzle circuit tubing
  • Manufacturer:  Rockwell Labs
  • Label, MSDS, Product Sheet

The post Gen 1.3: Approved Insecticides appeared first on TechSelfHelp.

1. Flush misting unit components and nozzle circuit with fresh water using a 5 gallon bucket. 

• If unit has a nozzle circuit filter, bypass it by connecting nozzle circuit tubing directly to misting unit.  Set filter aside until Step 4.
• Loosen locking ring and move lid/assembly to access pump intake filter.  Remove, clean and replace filter.
• Fill 5 gallon bucket with fresh water and position next to unit.
• Lift drum lid/assembly up and out of drum and carefully rest it on the edge of the drum so that pump intake line and agitation j-tube are submerged in 5 gallon bucket.
• Program a 180 second (3 minute) manual mist – SET-UP/MAN.  If unit has agitation, program a 20 second agitation cycle – SET-UP/AGT.  If unit has zone kit, program to manual mist in both zones – SET-UP/MNZ 1-2.
• Run a manual mist (3 minutes on each zone), flushing the pump, agitation valve, leak detection flow meter and nozzle circuit with fresh water.

2. Run a dry manual mist and lift left side of unit to clear remaining water. 

• Disconnect nozzle circuit from unit.
• Remove intake line and agitation j-tube from 5 gallon bucket.
• Run a dry (suction line not in any fluid) manual mist for one minute.
• IMPORTANT!!  While unit is running dry, lift left side of unit about 6 inches to clear water from agitation valve.
• Reposition drum lid and assembly back on drum.

If the unit has a zone kit, clear captive water with air compressor.  Use compressor adapter (Part# 20052)

• Disconnect all tubing from zone kit.
• Insert a short length of 1/4″ tubing connected to compressor adapter into port on zone valve marked “IN.”
• Connect adapter to compressor hose and clear Zone 1.  Leave tubing and adapter in “IN” port.
• Disconnect motor cable from back of controller so you can run the system without pumping fluid.
• Run Inspect for Zone 2 to open valve (without pumping) – MAINTENANCE/INS2
• After INS2 starts, connect adapter to compressor hose and clear Zone 2.  Press STOP button.
• Reconnect motor cable to controller.

3. Clear water from pressure gauge and leak detection flow meter (if equipped).  

• For access to gauge and flow meter, remove plastic shell that covers assembly, feeding the controller through the well in the shell.  Leave wiring harness connected.
• Disconnect tubing from pressure gauge and allow water to drain from gauge.  Reconnect tubing and ensure connection is secure.
• Disconnect tubing from both sides of the leak detection flow meter then invert flow meter to let water drain.  Reconnect tubing, ensuring direction of flow arrow is pointed toward nozzle circuit bulkhead.
• Replace plastic shell and controller.

4. Clear fluid from nozzle circuit filter (if equipped).

• Disconnect pressure relief valve from filter head and invert to clear water.  Reconnect valve.
• Unscrew filter head from housing, discard element and pour out fluid remaining in housing.  Remember to replace the filter element at spring startup.
• Put filter head back onto housing.  Reattach filter to edge of drum lid and reconnect tubing to unit and nozzle circuit.

5. Replace drum cover and store for winter.

• Unplug unit and wrap power cord around assembly.
• Cover with waterproof cover.

6. Purge water remaining in nozzle circuit with compressed air.

• Remove tip from the last nozzle on the end of each run.
• Use portable air compressor with adapter (MistAway Part# 20052) to purge fluid from nozzle circuit.

Download Gen 1.3 Winterization instructions for printing.

The post Gen 1.3: Winterization Video and Checklist appeared first on TechSelfHelp.