Elitech ECS-974neo and ETC-974A

Three-relay cabinet controller (compressor, defrost, fan) with cabinet and evaporator probes, electric / hot gas / off-cycle defrost and relative high and low alarms.

What it is: Refrigeration controller. Same parameter list on both. Defaults below are the ECS-974neo values; the ETC-974A differences are in the notes.

Key combo: Tap SET for the set point. Hold SET (5 s on the neo, 3 s on the ETC-974A) for PA1 and the administrator list.

Error codes ↓
Enter service mode ↓
Parameters ↓
Change a setting ↓

Elitech ECS-974neo and ETC-974A error codes

Code	Meaning	Likely cause	How to reset
E1	Cabinet probe fault	Probe open or shorted	Compressor follows Ont / OFt: Ont 0 = off, OFt 0 = on, both set = duty cycle.
E2	Evaporator probe fault	Probe open or shorted	Defrost ends on time (dEt). Fans no longer follow the evaporator temperature.
AH1	High temperature alarm	Cabinet above SEt + HAL after the alarm delay	Clears below SEt + HAL.
AL1	Low temperature alarm	Cabinet below SEt − LAL after the alarm delay	Clears when the cabinet warms back up.
Er	Copy card failed	Card not seated or faulty	Reseat and repeat.
EP	Copy card data does not match	Card from another model	Use the right card or upload to it first.
rSt	Reset done	Up + down held 10 s	Loaded the backup copy of settings.
LOC	Set point locked	LOC = y	Change LOC in the administrator list.

How to enter service / parameter mode

Hold SET until PA1 shows. If PA1 is 0 the list opens directly.
Otherwise press SET (00 shows), enter the administrator access code with up/down and press SET. Correct code: the list starts at diF. Wrong code: the controller exits.

Parameter list

Code	What it does	Range	Default / typical
SEt	Set point	LSE to HSE	4.0 °C
diF	Differential	0.1 to 30.0 °C	2.0
HSE	Highest set point	SEt to 99.0 °C	90.0
LSE	Lowest set point	−50.0 °C to SEt	−50.0
Ont	Compressor on time with probe fault	0 to 250 min	0
OFt	Compressor off time with probe fault	0 to 250 min	1
dOF	Minimum off time before restart	0 to 250 min	0
OdO	Output delay at power-up	0 to 250 min	0
dty	Defrost type	0 electric, 1 hot gas (reverse cycle), 2 off-cycle	0
dit	Defrost interval	1 to 250 h	6
dCt	Interval counts	0 compressor run hours, 1 clock time, 2 compressor off hours	1
dOH	First defrost delay after power-up	1 to 59 min	1
dEt	Maximum defrost time (0 = no defrost)	0 to 250 min	30
H42	Evaporator probe fitted	n / y	y
dSt	Defrost end temperature	−50 to 99 °C	8.0
dPO	Defrost at power-up	n / y	n
FSt	Fan stop temperature (evaporator)	−50 to 99 °C	2.0
FAd	Fan restart differential	1.0 to 50.0 °C	2.0
Fdt	Fan delay after defrost	0 to 250 min	0
dt	Drip time	1 to 250 min	1
dFd	Fans run during defrost	n / y	y
FCO	Fans run with compressor off	n / y	y
HAL	High alarm offset above SEt	0.1 to 20.0 °C	4.0
LAL	Low alarm offset below SEt	0.1 to 20.0 °C	4.0
PAO	Alarm hold-off after power-up	0 to 15 h	0
dAO	Alarm hold-off after defrost	0 to 250 min	0
tAO	Temperature alarm delay	0 to 250 min	0
LOC	Lock set point	n / y	n
PA1	Administrator access code (set your own)	0 to 250	see manual
ndt	Show decimals	n / y	y
CA1	Cabinet probe offset	−12.0 to 12.0 °C	0
CA2	Evaporator probe offset	−12.0 to 12.0 °C	0
ddL	Display in defrost	0 live, 1 frozen until SEt reached, 2 dEF until SEt reached	1

How to change and save a setting

Pick the code with up/down and press SET.
Change it with up/down and press SET to return to the list.
Press the exit key, or wait 30 s, to save and exit.

Other useful key presses

Task	How
Show evaporator temperature	Tap the defrost key
Manual defrost / step cooling → defrost → drip	Hold the defrost key 3 s
Reset to backup copy	Hold up + down 10 s until rSt
Copy card	Card in, hold up 3 s (uP, upload) or down 3 s (do, download), wait 5 s, remove, power-cycle

Notes

ETC-974A differences: HSE default 99.0, drip time dt 0 to 250 min (default 0), HAL/LAL default 2.0 °C, and the administrator list opens after a 3 s hold.
Fans: with the evaporator probe working they run below FSt − FAd and stop above FSt.
Hot gas: four-way valve output opens during defrost and drip with the compressor on in defrost.

For licensed technicians only. This equipment can involve mains voltage, high-voltage microwave circuits, gas and refrigerant. Isolate power (and gas) before opening panels, follow the manufacturer's manual and your local licensing rules (for example ARC refrigerant handling and electrical or gas licences). Wrong settings can spoil food or damage equipment. Check every value on the unit in front of you before changing it.

Based on: Elitech ECS-974neo and ETC-974A user manuals. Always check the manual for your exact model and software version.

ServiceModes is not affiliated with Elitech or any other manufacturer. Written in our own words from the manufacturer's documentation.