Water Pump Variable Speed Controller for a 22M

[Eagle5]

After jwiebe posted his Thread:
IRVWPC Water Pump Controller
I was intrigued to try this out for myself. I ordered the Intelligent Recreational Vehicle Water Pump Controller (IRVWPC) from the Canadian company:
https://www.irvwpc.com/
Total cost here in the States was $220.71, and it took ten days to arrive. The IRVWPC maintains a constant pressure for your plumbing by varying the water pump speed.

Here are the components supplied:


I did not need these components for my particular installation:


Here is the stock water pump on a 22M before installation of the IRVWPC:


I used eight Command Strips with the velcro-like head-lock surface. This allows you to remove the controller if need be:


The first ten pages of the provided instruction manual are straightforward. I have the wires hanging loosely so that you can see things a little better:


In this picture, I have used two zip-ties to secure the wiring a little more neatly:


Adjustments:
The unit comes pre-programmed for an on-demand water heater. As the 22M uses a 6-gallon tank heater, I needed to reprogram the unit for Tank Mode. I have enumerated the steps outlined in the programming video below:
Switch-on 12 VDC.
Remove controller cover.
Move Rotary Selector to <1>.
Flip all Dip Switches to <On>.
Hold down the Program Button <SW1> until <Run> & <Press> flash alternatingly.
When only <Run> is blinking quickly, a simple press of the Program Button <SW1> will set it to Tank Mode. <Fault> & <Press> will flash too, and then only <Run> will continue flashing.
Shut-off 12 VDC.
Move Rotary Selector back to <2>.
Flip Dip Switches 3, 4, & 5 to the <Off> position.
Switch-on 12 VDC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlnkZC2J8Ak

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If you wish to confirm that you are in Tank Mode:
Shut-off 12 VDC.
Flip Dip Switch 1 to <Off>.
Switch-on 12 VDC.
LEDs flash from <Max> to <Fault>.
Shut-off 12 VDC.
Flip Dip Switch 1 to <On>.
Replace controller cover.
Switch-on 12 VDC.
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I was still getting some pump on/off pulsation with low water flow. This was because the stock pump's original pressure controller was set for too low a pressure, which was very close to the 30 psi the IRVWPC tries to maintain. To fix this, I increased the pump's built-in pressure regulator with a 1/16" Allen Wrench and two full turns tighter.
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I am very happy with the performance of this water pressure regulator, and I highly recommend it.
Eagle5

[Tony65]

What would be the advantage over the usual system?

Regards!

[Eagle5]

Hi Tony,
Here are the advantages:
1.) The pressure in your system remains constant, so faucets and shower-heads behave like those in your home; without pulsation.
2.) It is quieter, with a drop of approximately 10 dB for typical water flows. (see jwiebe's post)
3.) The fully-off / fully-on "hammering" of the pump is eliminated, as the pump gently ramps up and down in speed.
4.) It saves water, as many folks will subconsciously fully crack open a faucet with more stream than they might have otherwise needed, just to stop the hammering.
Thanks, Eagle5

hammer time

[Eagle5]

In a further review of the Operator's Manual, and also after an on-line chat with the folks at:
https://www.irvwpc.com/
I have found out that the only safety feature activated by the factory is the Dry Run Timer (Dip #6.) This is a feature everyone should want, as it shuts the pump down after 30 seconds of running dry.
Consistent with my instructions above, here are what the six Dip Switches control:
#1 = <Off> on power-up shows the current Mode (Tank Mode or On-demand Mode; set to <On> for normal operation.
#2 = no function; not used.
#3 = Run Watchdog Timer; when <On> will shut-down the pump after 5 minutes of steady-state use; default is <Off>.
#4 = Low Flow Cycling Counter; when <On> will shut the pump off due to a dripping faucet; default is <Off>.
#5 = Long Run Timer; when <On> will cut power to the pump after 60 minutes of non-use; default is <Off>.
#6 = Dry Run Timer; when <On> will shut-down the pump after 30 seconds of pumping air; default is <On>.

[Tony65]

Very interesting, I'll give it a thought. I hope it is not difficult to do the installation.

[Eagle5]

Hi Tony,
Regarding the installation, I don't think of it as being difficult, but rather, I think of it as being fun. A little plumbing and a little computer work; who could ask for anything more?
James from The Fit RV has a good video here, which shows the reason for the IRVWPC and its installation. Hopefully, my notes will be of use too.
Eagle5

james from the fit rv

[Tony65]

I will put this job on my agenda. Thanks so much!

[edju]

Thanks, I'll have to check it out.
Ed