MICROFAN BV
Mist-Time
Manual
Version 1.04
Dec. 4, 2017
Mist-Time manual Page 1
Dear Customer,
Thank you for your purchase of the ARGOS Mist-Time!
This manual contains all the information necessary for the installation and use of the ARGOS MistTime.
Please, read the manual carefully and consult the safety instructions before installing and using this
device. Make sure to keep this manual in a safe and handy place because you may need it for future
reference.
No rights can be derived from this manual. In view of constant development and improvement,
Microfan reserves the right to change or revise the manual and the product without prior notice. Total
or partial reproduction of this manual is not allowed without prior permission in writing from Microfan
B.V.
Microfan has taken great care to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate, complete and
clear. Should any errors have crept into it in spite of this, Microfan will appreciate it if is informed of
this.
For any questions and support, you can contact your Microfan dealer at all times.
Safety instructions and Warnings
After installation, always check all settings to ensure that they have been set
correctly.
Preferably, maintain the voltage of the computer as much as possible. Preferably, do not switch off the
computer when a house or room is empty in order to prevent condensation by cooling.
Do not use running water to clean your computer. The computer is splash proof, not waterproof.
Always use shielded cable for weak current wiring and connect the shielding as shown in the wiring
diagrams.
Always keep the weak current wiring as far as possible away from the high current wiring.
A damaged computer is unsafe and must be checked by your installer.
It is of the utmost importance that the installation is equipped with a solid alarm system.
Microfan advises to regularly test the alarm system for correct operation at least once a day.
Mist-Time manual Page 2
Table of contents
User manual ................................................................................................................................. 3
Overview Mist-Time ................................................................................................................... 4
Operating the Argos Mist-Time ................................................................................................... 4
Enter and change settings ...................................................................................................... 4
Main overview screen ............................................................................................................. 5
Alarm view ............................................................................................................................ 6
General menu ........................................................................................................................ 6
Valve 1-10 menu .................................................................................................................... 8
Start menu ............................................................................................................................ 9
Installer manual ...........................................................................................................................10
Starting up the installer program ...............................................................................................11
Installer general settings .......................................................................................................11
Installer test program ............................................................................................................13
Updating the Argos Mist-Time software ......................................................................................15
Restore default settings ............................................................................................................15
Wiring diagrams .......................................................................................................................16
Wiring diagram power supply.................................................................................................16
Wiring diagram valve with internal 24Vac supply. ....................................................................17
Wiring diagram valves with external power supply ..................................................................18
Wiring diagram pump 115V/230V ...........................................................................................19
Wiring diagram temperature sensor .......................................................................................20
Wiring diagram alarm relay ....................................................................................................21
Technical specifications .............................................................................................................22
Mist-Time manual Page 3
User manual
Mist-Time manual Page 4
Overview Mist-Time
The Argos Mist-Time controller is specially developed for climate conditioning in a section.
Specification Argos Mist-Time:
- Controlling up to 10 misting valves. (24Vac 2VA per valve)
- Controlling a water pump.
- Misting valves starting on time or temperature.
- Max 6 start-stop times each day per valve with their own cycle time.
- Automatically adjustment of the misting cycle by temperature.
- Alarm when temperature sensor is faulty.
- Alarm when programming is not correct.
- Alarm when power goes down.
- Temperature reading in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
- Possibility to give each valve a name.
Operating the Argos Mist-Time
Enter and change settings
The user settings can be changed via the button. When pressing this button the users menu is
display on the screen. Using the cursor keys and , you can scroll through the menu items.
A menu can be selected by pressing the button. When pressing this button the corresponding
measurements and setting of this menu are displayed. Using the cursor keys and , you can
scroll through all functions of this menu. A function can be adjusted by pressing the button. The
function in question will then be shown in a separate screen and a new value can be entered.
Then press again to store the new value in the memory. From now on, the ARGOS Mist-Time
will control on the basis of this new value.
Remark 1: Functions showing readings, such as actual temperature, cannot be selected and,
consequently, cannot be adjusted.
Remark 2: Depending on the selected controls and/or functions in the installer program, some of the
menus and/or functions may not be visible.
Press to return to the previous menu or press to leave this menu and return to the main
overview screen.
Mist-Time manual Page 5
Main overview screen
The main overview screen of the ARGOS Mist-Time show the most important measurements in a clear
and structured way. This way you will have a quick overview of the actual situation. Depending on the
configuration made in the installer program, it may occur that one or more measurements are not
shown.
Remark: In the main overview screens settings cannot be changed.
Remark: If another screen than the main overview screen is visible, pressing several times the
key will always bring you back to the main overview screen.
The main overview screen looks like this:
In the top line the actual time is displayed. As soon as an alarm is detected a flashing alarm sign is
displayed in the top right corner of the screen.
The next line shows the actual temperature.
Remark: This line is only visible when the temperature
control is activated in the installers program.
The next line shows the state of the ARGOS Mist-Time.
Waiting…. No valve is activated and the ARGOS Mist-Time is waiting.
Pump pre-run The pump is activated before a valve is switched on.
Valve xx on Valve xx is activated in the manual mode.
Valve xx on (Time) Valve xx is activated in the time mode.
Valve xx on (Temp) Valve xx is activated in the temperature mode.
Valve xx on (Ti+Te) Valve xx is activated in the time + temperature mode.
Remark: instead of xx the name of the valve is shown (4 characters)
On the lower line the actual position of the valves are displayed. Underneath every valve number a
‘light’ is visible which is flashing when the concerning valve is active.
Remark: up to 10 valves can be
shown in this line. This depends on the number of connected valves set by the installer settings.
15:10
Temperature 27,6°C
Waiting….
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
o o o o o o o o o o
Mist-Time manual Page 6
Alarm view
Select this menu by pressing the key when you are in the main overview screen. Then select
the ‘Alarm view’ menu item and press the key. When there is no alarm, the screen shows ‘No
alarms’. When there are alarms, the screen shows what kind of alarm it is. You can select an alarm by
pressing the or key. Then press the key and a screen is shown which asks you
whether you want to suppress this alarm or not. When the alarm is suppressed the alarm relay(s) will
be activated again. (= no alarm) If this alarm is still present after a few minutes the alarm is released
again.
Remark: you can also select the alarm view screen by pressing the period key when you are in the
main overview screen.
Possible alarms:
T-sensor defect This means the temperature sensor is faulty. (or the wiring of the sensor)
Programming! This programming alarm is working as follows: when a valve should be
activated either by temperature, time or manual, the valve is put into a
queue. The control is processing the valve according this queue one by one,
because only one valve can by switched on at the same time. When you have
programmed many valves (with a short cycle time and/or a long active time)
the controller cannot handle the queue. (queue overflow) Now a
programming alarm/warning is given. You should program longer cycle times
or shorter active times to prevent this alarm.
General menu
Select this menu by pressing the key when you are in the main overview screen. Then select
item ‘General’ and press the key. The next readings/settings are shown:
Valve activated. (0 till 10)
This reading shows the valve that is activated at this moment. 0 means no valve is activated.
Temperature. (-70,0C till +130C)
This is the actual temperature measured by the temperature sensor.
Remark: When no temperature
control is activated in the installers program this reading is not visible. When in Temp Mode the Low
and High temperature readings are recorded daily in the MIN.MAX Registry. You can select the
Temperature min/max registry by pressing the
or
key. Each day it is recommend that this
Mist-Time manual Page 7
Min/Max be reset to the actual temperature for the next day. Please see function RESET TIME to
make these changes.
Pband. (1,0 till 10,0C)
This is the number of degrees between the maximum cycle time and the minimum cycle time of the
temperature control.
Remark: this function is only visible when you have a temperature control
activated in the MistTime.
Example:
Mode valve = Temp (on temperature base)
On-time valve = 30 sec.
Maximum cycle time = 10 minutes.
Minimum cycle time = 2 minutes.
Set temperature = 20,0°C (68,0°F)
P-band = 10,0°C (18,0°F
When the actual temperature is below the set-temperature (< 20°C) the valve is always switched off.
As soon as the actual temperature reaches the set-temperature (= 20°C) the valve is pulsed on and
off. The on-time is 30 seconds and the total cycle time is 10 minutes. (= maximum cycle time). So the
valve is switched on for 30 seconds every 10 minutes. When the temperature is rising, the cycle time
decreases and the valve will be switched on more often. The maximum pulse frequency will be
reached as soon as the actual temperature reaches 30°C (set-temperature + P-band). The valve then
is switched on for 30 seconds every 2 minutes. See table below.
Actual temperature
On-time valve
Cycle time
Below 20°C (68,0°F)
Valve off
Valve off
20,0°C (68,0F)
30 sec
10 minutes
22,5°C (72,5°F)
30 sec
8 minutes
25,0°C (77,0°F)
30 sec
6 minutes
27,5°C (81,5°F)
30 sec
4 minutes
30,0°C (86,0°F)
30 sec
2 minutes
Higher then 30,0°C
30 sec
2 minutes
Example table
Time. (00:00 till 23:59 H.M)
This is the actual time. The Argos Mist-Time is equipped with a real time clock and a backup system.
After shutting down the power this real time clock still runs for 3 – 5 days.
Resettime. (00:00 till 23:59 HM)
Clearing the minimum and maximum reading can be done automatically by setting this reset time.
When the clock of the Argos Mist-Time has reached this reset time the minimum and maximum
readings are cleared.
Remark: when this function is set to 00:00 HM there will be no automatically clearing of the
minimum and maximum reading.
Remark: this function is only visible when you have a temperature control activated in the MistTime.
Date. (01-01 till 31-12)
Here the actual date is shown. (day-month)
Mist-Time manual Page 8
Year. (2000 till 3000)
This function shows the actual year.
You can leave this general menu by pressing the to go back to the previous menu or press
to go back to the main overview screen.
Valve 1-10 menu
Select this menu by pressing the key when you are in the main overview screen. Then select
one of the valve menu items and press the key.
Remark: you can also select the valve screen by pressing the minus key when you are in the main
overview screen. Then select the desired valve number.
The next readings/settings are shown:
Mode. (off, on, Time, Temp, Ti+Te, Cont.)
This function determines how this valve is working.
Off This valve is switched off.
On This valve is activated according the active time and the maximum cycle time of start time
1.
Time The valve is activated if the actual time is between a start and a stop time. There are 6
start and stop times. Each set of start and stop times has its own cycle time. The
maximum cycle time is used for this.
Temp The valve is activated as soon as the actual temperature is rising above the set
temperature. The cycle time is calculated between the maximum and minimum cycle time
depending on the p-band. The maximum and minimum cycle time of start 1 is used for
this.
Remark: this function is only visible when you have a temperature control activated
in the MistTime.
Ti+Te The valve is activated on temperature base as described in the mode ‘Temp’ but only when
the actual time is between a start an d stop time. There are 6 start-stop times possible.
Remark: the installer can select how many start-stop times are used.
Remark: this function is only visible when you have a temperature control activated in the
MistTime.
Manual The valve is activated immediately for one cycle. After this one cycle the valve mode is put
back to the previous mode.
Remark: When there are other valves in the queue, these
valves will be processed first.
Set temp. (0,0 till 50,0C)
When the valve is in de ‘Temp’ or ‘Ti+Te’ mode and the actual temperature is rising above this set
temperature, the valve is activated. The cycle time is calculated between the maximum and minimum
cycle time and depending of the p-band. When the valve is in the ‘Temp’ mode, the maximum and
minimum cycle setting of start 1 is used. In the ‘Ti+Te’ mode each start has its own maximum and
Mist-Time manual Page 9
minimum cycle setting.
Remark: this function is only visible when you have a temperature control
activated in the MistTime.
Active time. (0:01 till 60:00 min.sec)
This is the active time when a valve is switched on.
Start menu
Select this menu by pressing the key when you are in the main overview screen. Then select
one of the valve menu items and press the key.
Remark: you can also select the valve screen by pressing the minus key when you are in the main
overview screen.
Now you are in the valve menu. By pressing the or key you can select one of the start
menus of the concerning valve. Max 6 start menus are possible. This depends on the installers
settings.
The next readings/settings are shown:
Start time. (00:00 till 23:59 H.M)
The valve is activated when the actual time is between the start and stop time. There are max 6 startstop times possible. When you don’t want to use a start-stop time, you have to set the start and stop
both to 00:00.
Stop time. (00:00 till 23:59 H.M)
See previous function.
Max.cycle. (00:01 till 12:00 H.M)
This is the maximum cycle time belonging to this start. When the valve is not in a temperature mode,
this cycle time is used. When the valve is in the on-mode, the maximum cycle time of start 1 is used.
Min.cycle. (00:01 till 12:00 H.M)
This is the minimum cycle time. Only when a valve is in a temperature mode, this setting is used. In a
temperature mode the cycle time is calculated between the maximum and minimum cycle time
depending on the actual temperature, set temperature and p-band.
Remark: when the valve mode is
not in the TEMP or TE+TI mode, this function is not visible.
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Installer manual
Mist-Time manual Page 11
Starting up the installer program
The installer program is used to adapt the Argos Mist-Time to the user requirements. Various
assignments can be made. For the user, this means that only the relevant readings and settings will
be visible. Unused functions or controls are not displayed to the user.
Press the key when the main overview screen is visible. You will be asked for a PIN. Enter the
right PIN code and press the key. The installer menu opens.
Factory setting PIN code: 2826
Using the cursor keys and , you can select from the different menus. Select the required
menu and press . The menu in question now opens.
Next, using the cursor keys and , you can scroll through all functions of a particular menu.
Press to select and adapt the required function. See next figure for the installer screens.
Installer general settings
Select in the installer menu item ‘General install.’ and press the key. The general installer
settings are shown. Select an item and press the key to change this setting.
Installer functions:
Language. (English, Dutch)
This function let you select between the different languages. At this moment you can select between
Dutch and English. Other languages will follow.
Nbr.valves. (1 till 10)
This function determines how many valves are connected to the ARGOS Mist-Time. Unused
valves are not visible for the user.
Fahrenheit. (off – on)
Select the desired temperature scale. If this setting is set to ON, every temperature is shown in
Fahrenheit. Otherwise all the temperature readings are in Celsius.
Pump. (off – on)
If a pump is connected to the ARGOS Mist-Time you’ll have to set this function to ON.
Mist-Time manual Page 12
Pre running. (0:00 till 2:00 min.sec)
Before a valve is activated the pump is started during this pre-run time.
Temp.cntrl. (off – on)
If the temperature control is used, set this function to ON. The ARGOS Mist-Time is now
measuring the temperature. Also an alarm is generated when the sensor is faulty.
Nbr.starts. (1 till 6)
This function determines how many starts are used. Not used starts are not visible for the
user.
Tsens.alarm. (off – on)
When a sensor alarm is generated a warning is shown in the display. When this function is
set to ON also the alarm relay is switched off. This way an external alarm device can be
activated. When this function is set to OFF only a warning is shown.
Prog.alarm. (off – on)
See previous function, but now for the programming alarm. The programming alarm is
working as follows: when a valve should be activated either by temperature, time or manual,
the valve is put into a queue. The control is processing the valve according this queue one
by one, because only one valve can by switched on at the same time. When you have
programmed many valves (with a short cycle time and a long active time) the controller
cannot handle the queue. (queue overflow) Now a programming alarm/warning is given. You
should program longer cycle times or shorter active times to prevent this alarm.
Name val.01 (name)
You can give every valve a unique name. This name will be shown in the user’s program.
To change this name, just press the key. Now the name is shown in the display. With the
and key you can select one of the 4 characters. With the and key you can change
this character. To close this window just press the key.
Remark: with the next functions you can change the names of valve 2 till 10 in the same way as
described above.
Mist-Time manual Page 13
Installer test program
The ARGOS Mist-Time is provided with a test program. With this program you can check all the inand outputs of the ARGOS Mist-Time.
Select in the installer menu item ‘Test program’ and press the key. The test program
settings/readings are shown. Select an item and press the key to change this setting.
Test functions:
Sensor 1. (-70,0C till +130,0C)
This is the actual reading of sensor input 1.
Remark: the temperature sensor can not be calibrated.
Sensor 2. (-70,0C till +130,0C)
This is the actual reading of sensor input 2.
Remark: This input is not used by the ARGOS Mist-Time.
Dig.input 1. (off – on)
This is the position of the digital input 1. This input is not used by the ARGOS Mist-Time.
Off = input is open.
ON = input is connected to GND.
Dig.input 2. (off – on)
See previous function.
Dig.input 3. (off – on)
See previous function.
Dig.input 4. (off – on)
See previous function.
Valve. (0 – 10)
With this setting you can switch on a valve manually to check its functioning.
0 = No valve activated.
1-10 = valve xx is activated.
Alarm relay. (off – on)
This function let you check the alarm relay.
Off = alarm relay is switched off.
Remark: there is a delay of 10-20 sec before the alarm relay is switched off (watchdog)
On = alarm relay is switched on (= no alarm)
Pump relay. (off – on)
This function lets you check the pump relay.
Off = pump relay is switched off.
On = pump relay is switched on.
Mist-Time manual Page 14
Pulse relay. (off – on)
With this function you can check the pulse relay. (this pulse relay is not used by the ARGOS MistTime)
Off = pulse relay switched off.
On = pulse relay is switched on.
To quit the test program, just press the key. The main overview screen is now shown.
Mist-Time manual Page 15
Updating the Argos Mist-Time software
For a software update, you need a micro sd-card. The micro sd-card must be FAT16 or FAT32
formatted. Capacity: 1GB – 32GB. The micro sd-card can also be used for logging purposes.
Update the ARGOS Mist-Time goes as follows:
1) Insert the micro sd-card with the update file into the
connector. The update file must be in the root of the sd-card.
Not n a directory. The sd-card must not contain any backup
files. (with .BCK or .USED extensions)
2) Press the SW1 key on the bottom board.
3) The ARGOS Mist-Time is now saving a backup of all the
setting onto the sd-card. (flashing run-led)
4) After finishing the backup the bootloader of the ARGOS Mist-
Time is started automatically.
5) The software update is being programming into the ARGOS
Mist-Time. (flashing run + addr led)
6) The new user software is starting up after the update.
7) The settings, saved on the sd-card, are restored into the
ARGOS Mist-Time. (flashing run-led + addr led continuously
on)
8) The new software is now ready for use. (run-led flashing in 1
sec rhythm)
Restore default settings
When needed you can restore the default settings of the ARGOS Mist-Time.
1 Switch off the power.
2 Press the SW1 key and keep it pressed while the
power supply is switched on again.
3 Keep the SW1 key pressed (at least 30 seconds) untill
the run-led is flashing in a 1 second rhythm.
4 Now all settings are restored to the default values.
SW1 key
Mist-Time manual Page 16
Wiring diagrams
Wiring diagram power supply
65 = Line power supply
66 = Neutral power supply
Remark: it is possible to use a power supply of 115Vac or 230Vac. Put the power switch in the right
position.
Warning! If this switch is put in the wrong position the ARGOS Mist-Time can be
damaged!
Remark: connect the PE wire to the PE connection block.
Mist-Time manual Page 17
Wiring diagram valve with internal 24Vac supply.
39 + 40 = valve 1.
41 + 42 = valve 2.
43 + 44 = valve 3.
45 + 46 = valve 4.
47 + 48 = valve 5.
49 + 50 = valve 6.
51 + 52 = valve 7.
53 + 54 = valve 8.
55 + 56 = valve 9.
57 + 58 = valve 10.
Remark: the valves must be 24Vac max. 6VA.
Important: the jumpers (4x) with the text ‘24Vac’ must be all in the position ‘INT’. See
arrow in wiring diagram.
Remark: the connections 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 and 58 are connected on the pcb. When
a multicable is used only one of these connections is needed.
Mist-Time manual Page 18
Wiring diagram valves with external power supply
39 + 40 = valve 1.
41 + 42 = valve 2.
43 + 44 = valve 3.
45 + 46 = valve 4.
47 + 48 = valve 5.
49 + 50 = valve 6.
51 + 52 = valve 7.
53 + 54 = valve 8.
55 + 56 = valve 9.
57 + 58 = valve 10.
24 + 38 = input for external power supply. Max. 24Vac.
Important: The jumpers (4x) with the text ‘24Vac’ must be all in the position ‘Ext’.
Remark: a reason for an external power supply can be the max current or a different voltage.
Remark: the relay are max. 24Vac, max. 2Amp.
Remark: the external power supply can be max. 24Vac.
Remark: the connections 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 and 58 are connected on the pcb. When
a multicable is used only one of these connections is needed.
Mist-Time manual Page 19
Wiring diagram pump 115V/230V
63 + 64 = relay pump.
Potentiaal vrij max. 230Vac/2Amp.
Remark: the relay is potential free.
Remark: The relay is max. 230V, max. 2 Amp.
Mist-Time manual Page 20
Wiring diagram temperature sensor
19 + 33 = Temperature sensor.
33 = GND
Important: the jumper associated jumper must be in the position ‘Temp’. See diagram.
Remark: the temperature sensor can not be calibrated.
Remark: always use shielded cable with a minimal diameter of 0,8 mm2 and connect the shielding to
the GND connection.
Remark: always keep the weak current wiring as far as possible away from high current wiring!
Mist-Time manual Page 21
Wiring diagram alarm relay
59 + 60 = Alarm relay
59 = P-contact.
60 = NO-contact.
Potential free, max. 24Vac/dc 2Amp.
Remark: connection 59 & 60 are closed when there is no alarm. (relay on) 59 & 60 are disconnected
when an alarm is activated. (relay off)
Remark: the alarm relay is equipped with a watchdog function. This means the relay is also switched
of when the unit is not working correctly. Also when the power supply is switched off an alarm is
released.
Mist-Time manual Page 22
Technical specifications
Size (extern) : 120x230x205mm (d x w x h)
housing : Plastic IP54
Connections : Via connectors
Ambiant temperature : 0 – 45˚C nor direct sunlight or heating.
Power supply : 115 or 230Vac
Frequency : 50/60Hz
Power : max. 30 VA
Fuse primair : T2A
Temperature input : 1
Range temperature input : -70.0˚C tot 130.0˚C
Remark: the temperature sensor can not be
calibrated.
Alarm relay (with ‘watchdog’) : max. 24Vac/dc 2 Amp. potential free
Relay pump : max. 230Vac 2 Amp. potential free
Valves : 24Vac max. 6VA (with internal supply)
: max. 24Vac 2 Amp. (with external supply)
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