Controller Talk

It's been a little while since our last episode, but Controller Talk is back with a new discussion focused on one of the most useful time-saving tools in the SM 800A platform: Software Wizards. In this episode, Dave Yoder and Chris Brown walk through how SM 800A Wizards can simplify common configuration tasks, reduce manual setup time, and help ensure consistency across your refrigeration control...

In this episode of Controller Talk North America, Dave Yoder and Chris Brown discuss how Danfoss variable frequency drives (VFDs) can be connected to System Manager 800 and 800A controllers, with a focus on best practices and real‑world considerations for North American supermarket and warehouse applications. Chris and Dave cover what’s required to bring a drive online, including communications ha...

In this episode of the Controller Talk North America Podcast, Dave Yoder and Chris Brown cover low voltage wiring best practices for supermarket and warehouse refrigeration systems across the US and Canada. ************ The Controller Talk Podcast, presented by Danfoss North America, is hosted by Food Retail Tech Support experts Dave Yoder and Chris Brown, highlighting best practices for utilizing...

In this episode of the Controller Talk North America Podcast, Dave Yoder and Chris Brown break down practical dos and don’ts for working with the SM 800A in supermarket and warehouse applications across the US and Canada. ************ The Controller Talk Podcast, presented by Danfoss North America, is hosted by Food Retail Tech Support experts Dave Yoder and Chris Brown, highlighting best practice...

Dive into the latest updates of the SM 800A with version 4.2.4. This episode covers the new communication features for LON devices, the addition of Comm Stats tab, and the importance of strong passwords for compliance. Discover tips and tricks for troubleshooting Ethernet connections and explore the new Modbus options for connecting to HGM-MZ and CO2-MZ. ************ The Controller Talk Podcast, p...

In this episode, Dave Yoder and Chris Brown break down the XM 208C Stepper Module , covering its key features, valve compatibility, and new approval for use with System Manager 800A (v4.2+) . They also share troubleshooting tips, take on a “Stump Chris” challenge, and wrap up with listener mail. ************ The Controller Talk Podcast, presented by Danfoss North America, is hosted by Food Retail...

🎙️ In this last episode of Controller Talk Season 3 (don't worry, we'll be back in autumn to share more wisdom!), Dave and Chris break down everything you need to know about Modbus nodes and the SM800A controller — from wiring to baud rates, scan ranges and more! They also explain the differences between Modbus 1 and Modbus 2 and answer the burning question of whether they are interchangeable or n...

Ever wondered what grocery shopping looks like for a refrigeration expert? Spoiler alert: It’s cooler than you think! 🥶 Join Dave and Chris for an engaging and insightful chat with Trevor Matthews, founder of Refrigeration Mentor , as they dive into the frosty world of supermarket refrigeration. With years of experience in the HVAC and refrigeration industry, Trevor is dedicated to helping profes...

In this episode of Controller Talk , Dave and Chris dive into pack controller oil management, exploring key concepts like moving oil from the separator to the receiver. Learn about using one or two oil separators, relay pulses, level switch options, pressure-based control, and alarm setups. Plus, get insights on COM 10 and COM 20 compressor oil management devices. Tune in for expert tips on optimi...

In this episode of the Controller Talk Podcast, we tackle the thrilling adventure of upgrading from the ancient AK-SC 255 system controller to the futuristic AK-SM 800A System Manager. Will your nodes be compatible? Will your database files survive the transfer? Will you remember your password after setting it? We’ve got all the answers (or do we?)! Join hosts Chris and Dave as we navigate the set...

In Episode 10 of Season 3 (when did we even get here?!) Chris and Dave deep dive into tracking rack superheat—its importance and the steps to set it up. Make sure not to miss this episode if you want to know more about: ✅ Using suction temp sensors & displaying superheat ✅ Setting alarms for high/low superheat ✅ Graphing & calculating superheat (pressure, temp, refrigerant) ✅ Configuri...

In this episode, Controller Talk podcast hosts Chris and Dave decode the essential jargon of Danfoss case controllers! From sensors (Pe & S2 to S6) to diagnosing errors, weighted sensors, thermostat bands, defrost schedules, AKV relay (and more!)—this episode covers it all. Learn how to troubleshoot, optimize, and better understand your controllers. Don’t miss this deep dive into the technical...

As January comes to an end, Chris and Dave dive into essential System Manager shortcuts to keep your refrigeration systems running smoothly for the year ahead. Learn essential best practices, including: How to back up the controller’s database to prevent data loss The importance of carefully considering configuration changes to avoid losing critical points, with real-world examples Expert advice o...

Happy New Year, and welcome to the first episode of Controller Talk in 2025! 🎙️ We're kicking off the year with an exciting dive into pack controller options for HVAC systems, including options for heat recovery, glycol circulation, and pressure control. Learn all about advanced settings, built-in heat reclaim functions, and updates coming for pressure differential control. Perfect for anyone opti...

Welcome back to your favorite (and only!) Controller Talk Podcast for one final episode before the holidays - diving into the essentials of LON and Modbus communication wiring ! What better way to spread some holiday cheer anyways? 🛠 From daisy-chaining nodes to selecting the right wire and tackling shielding challenges, Chris and Dave break it all down to answer all of your questions! Get pro tip...

Join Controller Talk Podcast hosts Chris and Dave as they break down everything you need to know about mastering the basics of setting up standard and digital unloaders in compressor systems! 🚀 Tune in to this insightful episode and discover how to simplify your setup and maximize performance—don’t miss out! ************* The Controller Talk Podcast, presented by Danfoss North America, is hosted...

Enjoy bonus content from Danfoss' RETHINK Live 2024! Ivan Rangelov, Industrial Heat Pump Manager, explains how to unlock maximum efficiency and performance with state-of-the-art transcritical CO2 heat pump systems in this insights-packed RETHINK webinar! Get exclusive access to game-changing best practices, real-world case studies, and expert troubleshooting tips. Don't miss out on this exciting c...

Enjoy bonus content from Danfoss' RETHINK Live 2024! In this exclusive webinar, "Road to Decarbonization: Impact and Trends in the Food Service Market," Eduardo Cruz, Danfoss' Global Commercial Refrigeration Director, deep dives into the crucial topic of decarbonization in the food service industry and its impact on equipment performance, refrigerants, and overall solutions. Don’t miss this opport...

In the latest episode of your favorite podcast, hosts Chris and Dave break down the essentials of the MCX RTU Controller, unlocking all the possibilities this powerful tool has to offer! Discover how its flexible hardware and customizable application files can transform your setup, with preloaded options for variable fans, dampers, compressors, and more. Chris and Dave also dive into seamless conn...

Enjoy bonus content from Danfoss' RETHINK Live 2024! In this exclusive RETHINK webinar, Hernan Hidalgo, Danfoss' Industrial Refrigeration Director, and Adam Anderson, End User Business Development Manager, are detailing the nexus between carbon disclosure and climate and energy policy. Discover the latest trends, challenges, and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy ef...

Enjoy bonus content from Danfoss' RETHINK Live 2024! Commercial heat pumps are at the forefront of transforming how businesses approach both heating and cooling. 🌡️❄️ Nick Mislak, Danfoss HVAC Marketing Director, talks about the latest trends, innovations, and market forces shaping the future of commercial heat pump technology in North America in this exclusive RETHINK webinar. Watch this session...

🎃 Welcome to a Spooktacular Episode of the Controller Talk Podcast! 👻 Prepare yourself for a fang-tastically insightful episode as we dive into today’s Halloween special! Because what can be scarier than technical questions without an answer? Join favorite podcast hosts Dave and ( Chris) The Incredible Hulk and let’s get into the spooky spirit to solve the mysteries of the SM 800A ... if you dar...

Join hosts Chris and Dave as they dive into the essentials of managing files from the SM800A and Pack Controller. In this episode, they cover practical techniques for saving database files via USB, Wi-Fi, and remote access, ensuring you have the tools to keep your operations running smoothly. Discover how to efficiently save and reload .bck files using the Service Tool, along with practical tips f...

We're absolutely thrilled to be back and kicking off Season 3 (when did we even get to Season 3?!) of the Controller Talk Podcast —buckle up, it's going to be a wild ride! 🎙️ In this episode, your favorite podcast hosts Chris and Dave focus on the latest updates to the System Manager 800 A, specifically the new software version 4.0 and the stepper module 2O8C. Of course, we'll close things out wit...

For today's final episode of the season, Controller Talk hosts Chris and Dave close out season 2 with another extended session of everybody's favorite podcast portion - "Stump Chris." Tune in for a fun and informative extended FAQ on controller settings. Dave grills Chris with more commonly asked questions surrounding parallel compression, including how it operates with bypass valves. They'll also...