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What to look for when selecting a New Circuit Board
When spa owners are looking for the correct replacement circuit board for their hot tub, many think that if they find a matching or very similar "part number", then this is the correct board. The other thing that often makes them believe this is that the board they have found "looks" almost identical to their old circuit board.
Unfortunately, finding the right circuit board for your spa is not always so simple, and buying the wrong board and then trying to install it tends to make it ineligible for a return. Since after you try to install this board, the part seller can never sell it again as new. There is also some damage that can be caused by the consumer trying to install in a spa using the wrong board, including applying incorrect voltage or selecting improper component compatibility. This will make it so the board cannot be accepted for return.
To steer clear of any scenario where you face the above dilemmas and to help you determine just which replacement circuit boards will work, you can simply email us pictures of your old/current board showing its “microchip number” – this is typically found on a little white sticker on a black microchip or another place like that transformer
Q: What is a Circuit Board Microchip Number?
A: The chip number is linked to the PC board software. It is in the form of software (also called firmware) which tells PC board how it should behave. It has to do with how your components work and what features are available in your spa. Many times, the software for your Upper Control Panel /Keypad, is coded specifically to interface only with PC board-software, which is why you should never go based off of the "looks" of your PCB. For instance, Balboa will often make a basic version of a PC board and then specific software behavior is written to that particular circuit upon which no other spa brand or another Manufacturer could use.
Q: Why isn't a part number or model number sufficient?
A: Sometimes and possibly more often than not, a board can be matched with a manufacturer part number only. However, using this method could cause the Upper Control Panel not to properly communicate with the board, and components and other functionality may also be missing from the board.
Q: The new board that I bought looks physically the same as my old one. Why won’t it work?
A: Many Spa Manufacturers use the same board model but with different software, so appearances are misleading. For example, a Gecko YE5 PC board may be used by 10+ spa manufacturers with various component and topside behavior differences.
Q: The board you recommended looks different from my old one. Why?
A: Boards change over time, and appearance doesn't reflect compatibility. Updates may expand compatibility and improve performance or make installation easier. Again, as the appearance doesn't make a board compatible, it also doesn't make it incompatible.
Q: I bought the correct circuit board, but it isn’t working after installation.
A: Circuit boards are rarely considered "plug and plug" They will usually require proper voltage installation and component setup. Reference the wiring schematics for guidance.
