Spaceman’s Auto-Fill is an option that is available on our line of Frozen Beverage machines.  The auto-fill system is built into the machine and cannot be added after the fact.  Spaceman’s auto fill system is designed to work with a variety of pumps, including water pressure-based Brix pumps, along with other food-safe liquid pumps like those offered from Flojet and Fluid-o-Tech.

The purpose of the auto-fill system is to automatically re-fill the mix-hoppers in the machine from a much larger container located elsewhere in the bar or restaurant (usually within the walk-in freezer).  Spaceman does not provide the pump, tubing, or other items external to the machine.  

System Overview

The Spaceman Autofill system consists of a Microcontroller, two optical fluid level sensors, and a solenoid connected to a dispensing spout.  External water-resistant connections for a user pump are also provided if the user is going to utilize a powered liquid pump.  

     

The system operates on a simple loop.  When the product level is reduced to the low-sensor in the hopper, the solenoid will open, allowing product to be pumped into the machine hopper.  When the product level is full again, the solenoid will shut off, indicating the hopper is full.  This cycle will repeat so long as there is product in the user’s larger remote container and power provided to the autofill system.

User Installation

On the rear of the machine are two connections per auto-fill system.  A ¼” John-Guest push-connect fitting, as well as a 2-pin water-resistant electrical connector.  

Step 1: The user should connect their product supply line to the John-Guest fitting using an appropriate food-safe tube or adapter, such as one found here. If using a chilled-line, ensure refrigeration and insulation is installed appropriately.

Step 2: The other end of this tubing should be connected to the user pump and storage container as follows:

Step 3: If utilizing a powered pump that needs to be turned off and on, wire the pump to the electrical connector as follows:

System Utilization

To utilize your autofill system, simply turn the autofill power-switch on the side of the machine to the ON position.

If the product is low in the hopper, the autofill system will open the solenoid and if connected, turn on the user pump.  Product should begin to flow into the system until the hopper is full.

Status Lights

The micro controller is equipped with the following status lights:

• Sensor Indicator Light (Green) :: These lights are illuminated when the sensor detects air.
• Relay Indicator Light (Red) :: These lights are illuminated when the solenoid should be open and user pump should be powered, or more simply, when the hopper should be filling
• Filling Indicator Light (Green) :: This indicator light is illuminated when the microcontroller is calling for filling of either the left or the right hopper.

Troubleshooting

Failsafe: The autofill system has an emergency fail-safe timer enabled.  If it takes too long for the system to fill the hopper, the system will shut off to protect the components and prevent over-filling.  If this event occurs, you can reset the system by turning the power OFF, and then back ON.  

Leaking: If product is leaking from the John-Guest fitting, first ensure that the adapter or tubing used is cut perfectly straight, and is not pulled in a weird direction.  Push-connect fitting may need to be replaced if this occurs.

Not Pumping: Failsafe may have occurred.  First reset the system by turning the power OFF, and then back ON.  If this does not resolve the problem, check autofill microcontroller for appropriate lights to ensure sensors, relays, and microcontroller are working correctly.