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Troubleshooting Guide
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
Defender Model
My defender is stopping (displaying fast flashing red light) after running for only 1 month or less – is it faulty?
Turn off gas, unplug machine, remove side vent from machine (using a Phillips screwdriver) tip machine over to vent side and shake - excess insects will fall out of machine. Machine should restart after emptying.
My defender is dripping water at base of plume tube is this okay?
Yes this is normal the water is the by product from creating CO2.
Other known issues
1. Due to the net size of the Defender we have found that unless there is someone present daily to maintain the machine the volume of insects shuts it down over time. The Defender is highly effective and is recommended for people with a minor insect problem.
2. Before moving the Defender it is crucial that the machine goes through its cooling down cycle to bring the burner temperature back to an acceptable level. If this is not carried out then damage can occur to components.
3. The Defender cannot be run off a car battery without the use of an inverter. Tampering with the power cord voids warranty.
Liberty Plus Model
I have charged my machine for the recommended 24hrs and it will not start?
1. Was a light present during the charging period as it may have been charged in the “ON” position (RHS on rocker switch) – The machine imust be turned to the “OFF” position and charged for a further 24hrs.
2. Check all power to the machine i.e. wall sockets - plug another device in to check for power – you can double-check the power cord by plugging into machine and turning on - the LED will be lit.
3. Check polarity of battery connections (red to red & black to black) uncommon but has occurred.
4. Check connections on battery and machine – are all metal pins in connectors?
5. Double check that battery has been charged for 24hrs – some customers get quite excited about the prospect of catching insects and only charge the machine for 12 hrs or less.
Please be aware that there is not an icon on the Liberty Plus to inform you that the battery is fully charged.
My Liberty is making a loud noise (foghorn, howling etc)?
The machine need to be brought in for repair - please call your machine supplier.
Please note: Some Liberty Plus machine’s will “howl” until the green running LED is on – please double check that machine continues howling in the running condition before sending back.
Please make sure all parts are fitted to the machine – in particular the plume tube, net and trap cover is closed securely.
Other known issues
1. Side vent require to be removed periodically - every week (depending on catch) and cleaned by brushing off excess insects.
2. Depending on type of insect and machine age it may be required to use the net adapter if this is not used the machine will only run for 2/3 days max then shutdown.
3. Check machine condition by removing battery while machine is running – if the machine shuts down then there is a problem on board that will require repair. This method can be used for machine’s that are running for only a few days at a time before showing battery out LED. If the machine shuts down when battery is removed then it requires repair.
Pro Model
I have charged my machine for the recommended 24hrs and it will not start?
Was the machine charged in the OFF position (indicated on the LCD – top left hand corner) during the charging period as it may have been charged in the “ON” position (indicated by “warming icon flashing). – The machine must be turned to the “OFF” position and charged for a further 24hrs.
2. Check all power to the machine i.e. wall sockets - plug another device in to check for power – you can double-check the power cord by plugging into machine and turning on - the LCD will be flash.
3. Check polarity of battery connections (red to red & black to black) uncommon but has occurred.
4. Check connections on battery and machine – are all metal pins in connectors?
5. Double check that battery has been charged for 24hrs – some customers get quite excited about the prospect of catching insects and only charge the machine for 12 hrs or less.
Please be aware that there is not an icon on the Pro to inform you that the battery is fully charged.
I have a large metal plate in the box what is it?
It is the gas tank adapter plate for larger tanks to be fitted to the rear of the machine.
Other known issues
1. Side vent require to be removed periodically - every week (depending on catch) and cleaned by brushing off excess insects.
2. Check machine condition by removing battery while machine is running – if the machine shuts down then there is a problem on board that will require repaired. This method can be used for machine’s that are running for only a few days at a time before showing battery out LED. If the machine shuts down when battery is removed then it will need sent in for repair.
Fault Codes
Defender - Start Sequence:
1. Switch on machine ( rocker switch to LHS)
2. Machine will run for 3.30 mins and you will hear fan speed drop (ignition)
3. Machine will speed back up to normal fan speed
4. Approximately 7 mins later the machine should display solid red light (running)
Fault Code: Fast flashing red light - Possible Causes: Gas out (No gas)
Remedy
Check gas tank is full
Check regulator connection and leak test if necessary
Purge system using CO2 and re test machine
Remove side vent and empty machine
Perform Gas Leak Test
If all of the above fail the machine requires uplift
Liberty Plus - Start Sequence
1. Switch machine on
2. Fan will start at a slow speed
3. After 1 min you will hear igniter clicking
4. After 30 seconds the solenoid can be heard clicking on
5. Igniter circuit will click off
6. Fan will speed up – you will hear an initial howl from the machine while speeding up
7. After 20 mins the machine will go to Green LED - Running
Fault Code: Fast flashing red light - Possible Causes: Thermistor fault
Remedy
Machine requires uplifting
Fault Code: Slow flashing red light- Possible Causes: Gas out fault
Remedy
Check regulator
Check gas tank
Purge system using Co2 and re test machine.
Perform Gas Leak Test
Fault Code: Red and Yellow flashing light - Possible Causes: Battery fault
Remedy
Has battery been charged for 24hrs in OFF position?
Check connections on battery & machine
Has machine been left off for a period of time? –recharge
Uplift machine for repair
TEM/ PCB fault
If possible get machine to running condition (green LED) and remove battery from machine – does it shut down?
Pro – Starting Sequence
1. Switch machine on – indicates “warming” flashing
2. Fan will start at high speed then slow down
3. After 1 min you will hear igniter clicking
4. After 30 seconds the solenoid can be heard clicking on
5. Igniter circuit will click off
6. Fan will speed up – you will hear an initial howl from the machine while speeding up
7. Approximately 25 mins later the “warming” will disappear indicating that the machine is running
Fault Code: Beep followed by high temperature icon on LCD - Possible Causes:Thermistor fault, Poor airflow to machine or Fan not working
Remedy
Machine requires uplifting
Check net – full?
Check side vents?
Check fan is not obstructed and is moving
Fault Code: Beep followed by gas out icon on LCD - Possible Causes: Gas out fault
Remedy
Check regulator
Check gas tank
Purge system using Co2 and re test machine
Perform Gas Leak Test
Gas Leak Test
Gas leak tests can be carried out on regulators by carrying out the following instructions:
Warning: To perform gas leak test the machine must be switched OFF and disconnected from mains and battery.
1. Make a solution of washing up liquid and water (foam mixture) and soak up with a sponge.
2. Apply all around the regulator – if bubbles grow around areas of the regulator then a gas leak is present and regulator will require tightened.
3. If a gas leak is detected turn off gas immediately.
4. Repeat process until leak is repaired.
Cooling and Restarting
1. All machines must be left for a cool down period (min ¾ hr) before attempting to restart.
2. As outlined in the Defender section it is crucial that the machine goes through its cooling down cycle to bring the burner temperature back to an acceptable level. If this is not carried out then damage can occur to components.
3. Never attempt to move a machine while it is running, as this will invalidate the customers warranty - Always cool down machine before attempting to move.
Batteries
1. Liberty plus, Pro and Pro Plus all use the same battery and therefore can be interchanged if required.
2. All of the above machines require a minimum of 5.2v to start the machine anything below this and they will not start.
Note: Dealers receive calls from customers that have returned to find their machine not running indicating gas out fault. It is nearly always the case that the customer has been away for a period of time and the gas is empty. The customer will have purchased another tank of gas and will have tried to restart the machine with the result being that the machine will indicate low battery fault. The machine will need recharged for a further 24 hrs. We would recommend that customers log tank changes and change over tanks prior to running out to save recharging.
Regulators
1. In appearance all of the Mosquito Magnet regulators look exactly the same – this is not the case!
2. All regulators are calibrated to each machine’s specification and therefore cannot be swapped over without invalidating the warranty.
3. All regulators use an O-ring to form a gas tight seal between the regulator and gas tank on the Defender, Liberty Plus, New Pro and New Pro Plus. Please double check that this is present and in good condition with customers. The Liberty 2003’s regulator connection to the Propane gas cylinder has to be tightened with a spanner.
4. All machines sold in the UK do not require the Gas re-set tool (USA only) mentioned in the manual.
Regulator O-ring
Some regulators use an O-ring to form a gas tight seal between the regulator and gas tank. Please double check that this is present and in good condition. Renew if perished.
Gas Hoses
All machine’s gas hoses should be periodically inspected for damage. If a faulty hose is detected the machine must be returned for repair.
CO2
Is this really necessary?
Yes, all bottled propane contains contamination to a certain degree (depending on suppliers) and over a period of time the contamination, sometimes known as waxing, (i.e. heavy oils & rust) builds up to a point that the machine nozzle becomes blocked making the starting /running of the machine more problematic. American BioPhysics recommends that machine’s are quick cleared every 2/3 bottles of gas used. It is also a good practice to clean the machine before winter storage and prior to start up.
Can I use my own CO2 to clear out machine?
No - Only the product that is endorsed by American BioPhysics can be used on the machine. All other products vary in pressure and contamination and are therefore not suitable for use on the Mosquito Magnet range of machines
CO2 discharge only took 20 seconds – is this normal as it states in the manual that it should take up to 3 minutes?
Yes, the CO2 will discharge very quickly (up to 30 seconds) and this is normal.
Purge Procedures
Disconnect Gas
Switch machine on
Screw on Co2 adapter
Wait 2 minutes (Wait 3.5 minutes for Defender Model)
Screw on Co2 cylinder
Back off Co2 cylinder (anticlockwise) ¼ turn
Wait 30 seconds
Unscrew Co2 & adapter from machine
Connect gas to machine
Turn gas on –slowly
Start machine after ONE hour
Repeat if necessary
Some machine’s may require 2/3 purges before the nozzle is cleared – we advise you to quick clear their machine’s on a frequent basis.
Gas
There is only one fuel used to power the Mosquito Magnets in the United Kingdom and that is: Propane (UK).