Frequently asked questions

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AKOCONTROL

Can I network any device in the Darwin range?

Only those with integrated communication.

Only devices with integrated communication may be networked. You can identify them as the units with a C in their product name nomenclature (AKO-D14023-C, AKO-D14412-RC, etc.).

If my device does not have communication capabilities, can I network it via the AKO-14917 converter?

The AKO-14917 module is not compatible with the Darwin units.

The AKO-14917 converter module is not compatible with the new Darwin range.

The Darwin range equipment with integrated communications require no external converter.

Can I use the AKO-14918 parameter server with Darwin equipment?

There is a new specific parameter server for the Darwin range which is the AKO-D14918.

There is a new specific parameter server for the Darwin range, the AKO-D14918. The AKO-14918 model is not compatible with the Darwin range equipment.

Is the AKO-D14918 parameter server compatible with the full range of Darwin controllers?

Yes, but parameters may be exchanged only between compatible models.

Yes, but parameters may be exchanged only between compatible models, i.e., the parameters of a 3-relay controller cannot be dumped to a 2-relay controller and vice versa.
In these cases, the red light (COM) will start flashing slowly (compatibility error), indicating that the data contained in the memory of the key are not compatible with the controller model it is plugged into.

When I connect the controller for the first time, the screen alternately displays "P3" and " 1".

This is the parameter setup wizard.

The parameter setup wizard appears the first time that the unit is powered up. It makes it easier to configure the controller installation.
The wizard will automatically configure all device parameters depending on the type of application selected from the following options:

  1. Miscellaneous products
  2. Frozen foods
  3. Fruits and vegetables
  4. Fresh fish
  5. Drinks
  6. Bottle rack
  7. Aircon
  8. Heat / incubators

Select the desired value using the "" and "" buttons and accept the value by pressing "SET".

For more information, see the user manual.

After configuring the unit, how I can access the wizard again?

You may launch the wizard again via the programming menu.

You can access the setup wizard at any time through the programming menu.

Are the Darwin controllers and thermometers compatible with the AKO-5004 software and the AKO-5005 server?

Yes, from version 1.8.0. onwards

Yes, from version 1.8.0. onwards However, note that not all Darwin controllers can be connected. Only models with communication functionality can be connected (AKO-D14xxx-C or -RC).

When I try to activate any function from the keyboard, the display shows "L5" and "0" alternately.

The device has the access code enabled.

The device has the access code enabled. For accessing certain functions and/or programming, you must know this code.

The L5 parameter defines the code value (0 to 99) and the P2 parameter defines the function of the same (0 = off, 1 = Lock programming, 2 = Lock the keyboard).

One of the relay lights is flashing.

This means that the relay in question should be active but it is not because it is prevented by another parameter.


The relay in question should be active but it is not because it is prevented by another parameter.
For example, the probe control temperature would require the compressor to be running, but the C4 and C5 parameters specify that it should not start up until after 3 minutes. In this case, the COOL relay indicator lights will flash until 3 minutes have passed.

In what circumstances is the ECO mode activated?

It is activated after a certain time of inactivity in the door contact.

The ECO mode is activated after a certain time of inactivity (defined by parameter C11) at the door contact. So one of the digital inputs must be configured as a door contact (P10 or P11 = 1).
The controller will exit ECO mode when it detects two door openings in less time than defined in C11, or if the door stays open more than 15 seconds.

Otherwise, it can be enabled or disabled at will via an external button by setting up one of the digital input as "ECO mode on" (parameters P10 or P11 = 5).

What should I do to run my controller in the ECO energy-saving mode?

Not all Darwin series controllers have an ECO mode. Make sure your device has this feature.

Not all Darwin series controllers have an ECO mode. Make sure your device has this feature.
To activate the ECO mode, one of the digital inputs must be configured as a door contact (P10 or P11 = 1). The C11 parameter is used to define the door idle time that must elapse for the ECO mode to start up.

Controllers with ECO mode: AKO-D14112, AKO-D14123-2, AKO-D14123-2-RC, AKO-D14212, AKO-D14223, AKO-D14312, AKO-D14323, AKO-D14323-C, AKO-D14412-RC, AKO-D14423-RC.

Controllers without ECO mode: AKO-D14012, AKO-D14023, AKO-D14023-C, AKO-D14024, AKO-D14120, AKO-D14123, AKO-D14124, AKO-D14125.

Can I connect a PTC probe to Darwin range devices?

Only thermometers and 1-relay controllers support this type of probe.

Only thermometers and 1-relay controllers support this type of probe. 2-, 3- and 4-relay controllers only support NTC probes.

Can I connect a Darwin device anywhere in the world without having to worry about the type of power supply there is?

Depends on the model

Depends on the model, consult the specifications of your device.
The Darwin devices can have a wide variety of power supplies: 120 V, 220 V, 12/24 V and even universal power supply (90-240 V).

I do not always have enough depth to be able to position a thermostat with STANDARD format. Are there any smaller formats that allow this?

Yes, the SLIM format of the Darwin platform

Yes, the SLIM format of the Darwin platform.
It is less deep, 43 mm compared to 63 mm of the STANDARD format, which allows it to be installed in less deep places.

The SLIM thermostat range will allow you to cover your needs in basic applications of a single relay.

Can I adapt a Darwin to any facility?

Yes, there is a wide variety of possible configurations

Yes, there is a big variety of possible configurations: 6 A, 8 A, 16 A and 2 CV relays, combinations that allow up to 4 relays, single circuit or switched relays, voltage-free or with a common, etc

How can I quickly configure a Darwin device?

Using the programming wizard included in the Darwin range.

All the Darwin devices include a programming wizard that facilitates the initial configuration of the device and is started when started up the first time.
You only have to indicate the type of application it is used for and the device will be configured.

Consult the installation manual of your device to see the available options.

Can I start up and stop my facility from the Darwin device itself?

Yes, it has a specific key for it.

Yes, it has a specific key for it, the Stand-by key.

How can I start a defrost or fast freezing cycle in a Darwin device?

The Darwin devices have direct access keys to certain functions

All Darwin thermostat and controller include direct access keys to functions such as defrost, the continuous cycle, fast freezing or the Stand-by function.

These functions are clearly indicated on the keypad.

I have several Darwin devices that I want to programme in exactly the same way, what is the quickest way to do this?

With the AKO-D14918 programming key

The AKO-D14918 programming key allows you to transfer the programming of a device to the rest just pressing a button, and it does not require powering the device, as it is powered from the key itself, using a power source.

One of my device's function indicators is flashing, why?

Indicates a delay in the activation

Indicates that that function ought to be active (by temperature) but a timing or delay is preventing it temporarily.

This is completely normal, the function ought to activate soon, if not, check the programming of your machine, particularly timings or delays.

The defrost never activates, what is wrong?

The defrost parameters must be checked.

The defrost does not activate, which may be due to several reasons.

  1. The d1 parameter (defrost duration) is configured at 0, therefore, it never starts.
  2. The d0 parameter (defrost duration) is configured at 0, therefore, it never starts.
  3. If you have a second probe in the evaporator, check the d4 parameter (Defrost end temperature), if you have a too low temperature configured, defrost does not start. The default value is 8 degrees centigrade.

Can I control all of my facility remotely with the help of the Darwin devices?

Yes, using AKONet or the AKO-5011 web server.

Yes, the AKONet software allows remote control via Internet and totally safely of most AKO devices with communication. You only have to install the software in a PC that operates as a server.
If you prefer, you can acquire the AKO-5011 web server, that is preconfigured to work as a server and includes AKONet.

If I want to have devices with communications do I have to connect any complement/interface?

No, Darwin models with communication have the interface included.

No, Darwin models with communication have the interface included and do not require external elements.