Ascon MS3D Listing
The MS3D is a trouble free automatic digital solar controller with temperature adjustment, manual, winter and tropical mode features. This controller will suit most unglazed (non-glass covered) solar pool heating collectors. This controller is used for setting up and an independent solar pool heating system controlling a dedicated solar pump. Comes with pool and roof sensor, and our new angled roof sensor warming plate.
Not sure which controller suits your system?
Read the Controller GuideWhat's Included in This Listing
- MS3D Solar controller unit
- NEW! Angled warming plate
- Angled plate insulation
- 3.2m Pool sensor wire
- 24m Roof sensor wire
- Mounting screws and grommet
- 10 x cable ties (for wire to pipe attachment)
- User and install instructions
- 3 Year onsite warranty
MS3D Controller Specifications
- Sophisticated pump control
- Simple user operation
- Easy to install
- Comes with new roof warming plate for better system performance
- Bright LED display
- Temperature setting is retained after a power outage
- Tropical, Winter and Manual mode
- Made in Australia by Ascon
- 3 Year Warranty + 1 Year EcoOnline extended
Warranty
EcoOnline™ offers the following warranties on system components:
- 3 Year Ascon warranty + 1 Year EcoOnline extended
See Terms and Conditions page for further details.
Download the Ascon MS3D manual or browse our EcoOnline download page.
Included with this controller
Advantages of an Angled Warming Plate
- System runs longer; modern high-flow collectors use smaller pumps which allows for longer running times for better turnover. Better turnover removes warm water surface stratification reducing heat loss overnight.
- Provides more accurate internal collector temperature readings than a lone roof-adhered sensor, this also allows for off-roof mounting for installations involving excessive cable run length.
- Turns system on faster; reducing the peak fatigue stress hot polymers experience on start up, also reducing the number of ON/OFF collector fatigue working cycles – extending the collectors’ lifespan.
- Better samples scattered ambient cloud energy, allowing longer run times during marginal collecting times; maximising turnover and pool temperature, due to the mixing of the stratification layer.
- For split collector installations the plate provides a convenient way to split the collector angle on a roof.
How they compare
Independent System Controller Comparison
| Functions / Features | AquaSun2+ | Ascon MS3D | Space Age SC4D | AquaSmart5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature Based Control | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Winter Mode | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Australian Made | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Retains Settings (after outage) | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tropical Mode | ✓* | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Battery Back Up (for clock) | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Clock/Timer Function | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Collector Freeze Protection | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Adjustable Temp Differential | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| On site Warranty | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
* Tropical Mode will not function on this unit in Queensland Tariff 33, as it does not have clock and battery backup to retain settings after outage.
Before you buy
System Plumbing Options
This controller is used for setting up an independent solar pool heat system controlling a dedicated solar pool pump. We always recommend independent systems, see the diagrams below or the manual. These systems run a small independent pump, typically for 8 hours per day, and are more energy efficient than systems running through the main filter pump, which have to run the large filter pump for 8 hours per day just to pump the solar side. Independent systems do require separate solar suction and return lines, which older pools may not have. If that's the case you'll need a plumbing configuration that tees into your existing filter line to divert water to your roof. Most people without independent solar ports choose a manual/timer system and place the main filter pump on a timer to run during the warmest part of the day. These manual systems can be automated later.
If you need to set up a specialised system such as a booster/retro fit system (requires an AquaSmart 5 FS or CD controller) or a motorized ball valve system (requires an AquaSmart 5 AV controller), please contact us at EcoOnline.
Before you buy
Requirements and Product Limitations
- This controller is used for setting up an independent solar pool heat system controlling a dedicated solar pool pump. Note: type of system requires independent solar lines running into your pool. Non-independent type systems such as a booster type system or systems running through the filter pump will require a different controller.
- This controller comes with a 24meter wire for the roof sensor, please request a longer wire if required (ask for stock levels).
- Requires 12.5mm (1/2 inch) PVC pipe hole size for rubber grommet.
Expert support
Talk to an Expert
We're here to help with controller choice, sensors and installation questions.
Gregory Grochola (Physicist and Pool Heating Expert)
