Fantastic fan rain sensor override?

[LK23]

We have a new 2017 Dutch Star 4369. We had the dealer install Fantastic Vent covers on two fans thinking we could use them in the rain. Today, it rained all day and the rain sensors on all the fans will not allow their use. How can I override the rain sensor?

[steve11669]

I went on the roof and found a sensor strip on the top edge of the fan. I cut the wires which disabled the rain sensor and left the other fan functions normal.

I hand many false alarms with the sensors becore I cut both sensors out.

[lnanne]

On our Bay Star, the sensor override is to hold down the bottom button until the light turns red. Then it will stay open despite moisture!

[dutchstr3884]

You should be able to operate the fan in the "manual" mode. Pull down on the handle in the corner of the fan and turn the handle to manually open the cover and start the fan. This should be explained better in the Fantastic Fan owner's manual.

[Algoma]

Inanne is correct, you push the button in until the LED comes on. But a better option is to add vent covers and then you can keep the vents open in heavy rain.

[LK23]

The fans have vent covers and the rain sensors won't allow the fan to work.

There is no button to push, nor a red light.

[Algoma]

I forgot that you probably have the multiplex system and just have the fan button as one of 6 on a white panel. In that case I have no idea how you override the rain sensor. Give Newmar a call and ask them.

[Algoma]

If you don't have a wall mounted controller you should have a remote control that you can use. Check here and look for a 7300 controller.

[Sidewinder4]

Originally Posted by LK23

The fans have vent covers and the rain sensors won't allow the fan to work.

There is no button to push, nor a red light.

As stated earlier: Grab the black hand knob that rotates when you use your switch to open vent. When you pull the knob down it becomes disengaged from the manual mode gears for closing and opening the event. Your wall switch will still control the speed of fan though. Have to remember to push the knob back up when you want the opening/closing of vent to go back to manual, otherwise you will have to close manually.

[MJFZ]

Originally Posted by Sidewinder4

As stated earlier: Grab the black hand knob that rotates when you use your switch to open vent. When you pull the knob down it becomes disengaged from the manual mode gears for closing and opening the event. Your wall switch will still control the speed of fan though. Have to remember to push the knob back up when you want the opening/closing of vent to go back to manual, otherwise you will have to close manually.

Yes, that is the work around Newmar told us to use during our factory pick up a few months ago. Newmar and Fantastic Fan need to find a real solution to the issue, so the fan can be used as designed. Unfortunately my DW can't reach the hand knob every time she wants a fan on. I guess it's time I also call Newmar about this.

Mike

[LK23]

Yes, using the black manual knob works, but both my wife and I have to use a step-stool to reach the knob.

I called the dealer where we purchased our Newmar and the service tech said the rain sensor is obviously being activated by high humidity. He mentioned having two fans in his shop that had to sit in a dry area for three hours before they would operate.

I called Fantastic Fans today and they basically disowned the problem, but did say they are having issues with the rain sensors in Florida due to high humidity. I asked how I could deactivate the rain sensor and she said to unplug the sensor from the circuit board. I asked how to access the circuit board and was advised to remove the fan motor from the bottom of the fan, remove the surround panel and then the circuit board will be located near the "rain sensor" logo.

I haven't attempted this fix but will do it later on both fans that are protected by the vent covers.

[Silver007]

The sensor just plugs into the control board of the fan. Since I have Maxxair covers on mine I remover the sensors and everything else works fine.

[LK23]

Realizing that the Fantastic Fans are basically worthless because the rain sensor overrides the fan operation, I disabled all three fan rain sensors by cutting the wires running from the rain sensor to the fan circuit board. Now, all fans are working properly.

Below are four photos showing how to disable the rain sensor. The steps are:

1. Remove the fan screen.

2. Locate the black fan sensor wires running from the circuit board to the topside of the fan assembly.

3. Pull the wires to the inside of the fan and cut both wires.

4. If you have difficulty getting access to the rain sensor wires, you may need to remove the fan motor and two facia screws to drop the facia on the underside of the fan. After dropping the facia about a half inch, you can easily access the wires.

Rex

[Carefree]

Thank you for posting this detailed description as I will be disabling the rain sensors as well next week.