CatGenius 16f1939 box gets stuck during cycle after draining the water

[GoogleCodeExporter]

What steps will reproduce the problem?
First of all a BIG thank you for tremendous work that was done - to get this 
firmware to the state where it is !!!

After running CatGenius firmware for 6 months it stopped working now (I'm 
really puzzled whether it is a software or hardware issue) 
1. Power up the box by long press of Start button to initiate full washing 
cycle.
2. Everything goes well until the water is drained ... once it is drained the 
bowl cycles forever as if with the hanged process, and the dryer is never 
started. (though if I'm not mistaken it should wash the granules for 2 or 3 
times before the dryer is activated) as a result the bowl is rotating forever 
with wet granules. 
3. Setup button doesn't respond to any press, thus cycling though modes is not 
possible.
4. Lights are not powered up at all.
5. The only thing that is working is Start button, once pressed it bips and 
initiate the cycle starts/ stops or with the long press initiate the full 
washing cycle.

What is the expected output? What do you see instead?
--------------------------------------
Expected: normal full washing cycle an long press of Start button that is 
finalized with drying. 

What version of the product are you using? On what operating system?
--------------------------------------
ver. PIC processor: PIC16F1939  (120+  model) - catgenius_B04_16f1939
Windows 7 Ultimate

Please provide any additional information below.
--------------------------------------
1. It worked perfectly on catgenius_B04_16f1939.hex for about 6 months without 
any issues.
2. Testing the dryer as well as other components with GenieDiag is not possible 
as when flashed [Setup] button doesn't work (respond) when pressed - hence it 
is not possible to cycle through the modes. The only test that is available is: 
bowl test - as it is the default one which is activated and doesn't require any 
Setup button press - just Start.
Note: LED 1 is lighted with GenieDiag flashed whilst with CatGenius firmware no 
lights are powered, the only button that works is Start/Stop.
Note: Re-flashing CatGenius 16f1939.hex is of no help - tried that for 3 times 
(everything goes well during the flashing process with the confirmation upon 
completion)
Note: as mentioned by Robert in one of the posts " If your box is in a steady 
state, you can check its sanity by pressing the setup button a couple of times. 
If it changes mode as its pressed and the key beep sounds without a little 
rattle in it, it's an indication software is still sane. There are exceptions 
though. " 
- it appears to be a software problem...

Would really appreciate your advise to get through that weird issue with this 
stuck during the cycle.
As I really ran out of ideas on how to proceed further.
Many thanks !

Original issue reported on code.google.com by Alex.Iva...@gmail.com on 2 Oct 2014 at 2:06

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Have you tried cleaning the long clear piece of plastic? i think the catgenie 
manual refers to it as the 'water sensor'.

The Water Sensor TIP must be kept free of lime and mineral build up.
If you have hard water, it is important to clean it periodically. (Once every 3
months.) You can use the Maintenance Solutions (available at catGenie.com)
or do the following simple procedure. Keep power plugged and hoses in place.
Remove the Hopper Cover and pull the Processing Unit up and out of its slot.
Rest the Unit on a towel on the floor and lean it against the wall.
Grasp the Water Sensor Ends and gently pull up and out of the Base.
Have a towel soaked in lemon juice and/or use your finger to remove any lime
deposits and to make the TIP sparkle. Carefully slip the Sensor back into its 
slot.
Lower the GenieHand Check inside the Hopper. Remove fur and foreign
objects Before replacing the Unit, wipe away any Granules or debris off the 
Brim.
Raise the GenieHand to upright position. Place the Unit back into its slot.
It Beeps & Blinks. Your done. If it doesn’t, check if plugged in. Make sure 
the
P-Unit is securely placed. Check that the hose and cord are in their groves.

Original comment by neek...@gmail.com on 23 Dec 2014 at 5:31

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Have you tried cleaning the long clear piece of plastic?

Thanks for your input. Yes - I've tried to clean it and even replace with the 
new water sensor - no help.
Have a great day.
p.s. Robert suggested button hardware check as the next step in troubleshooting 
...

Original comment by tripac.m...@gmail.com on 23 Dec 2014 at 5:36