Kessil a360a Repair (FixReef.com Review)
Background
Light-emitting diodes (LED) last a long time. Far longer than traditional tungsten or fluorescent. After running my Kessil a360x (LED lights) for 2 years, it stopped working. Hint, I originally used it on my reefer 170.
Check out my review of the Kessil a360x here.
My Kessil started to flicker and as the days progress, the flicker got worse to the point where it died. After searching online, I found a YouTube video with a gentleman working on a broken Kessil a360x. I guess I’m not alone.
I own an oscilloscope, voltmeter, function generator, and an SMD solder station but decided to use his service because of the lack of time on my end to research and study the schematic. Since the repair shop has spent hours of learning and sourcing the components, it would be easier to ship the broken Kessil a360x in for repair.
- The KESSIL A360X TUNA BLUE LED LIGHT is the latest offering from Kessil.
- The A360X is LOWER PROFILE, BUT BRIGHTER than the A360WE or A360NE. It features a low profile design with higher light output, thanks to the redesigned, first-class sunflower heat sink. 25% brighter than the A360WE or A360NE. 30″ X 30″ coverage area. The A360X has MORE COLOR CONTROL. The 360X has more color control, opening unlimited color combinations for aesthetics while maintaining the performance of the core spectrum. You will need a Kessil Spectral Controller X to access all the colors.
Kessil Repair Service
FixReef.com is a mail-in repair service. Their service includes repairing Ecotech Radions, Neptune Apex, Maxspect, Tunze ATO, GHL Doser, corrosion clean up and most reef electronic equipment.
I reached out to Alex (support) who was very responsive. He walked me through the process of creating the account and shipping the item. After Alex received the light and after a few days of troubleshooting, a quote was then sent to me through the dashboard of my account at FixReef.com. The quote was reasonable at $100 for the repair along with $15 for return shipping. A payment was made, and the light was fixed. Yippee!
After a week of waiting, the light came back. Upon plugging in the unit, the light lit up. It now works. When I turned the knob off, the fan still stayed on. Wait a minute, there’s something wrong with the light still. I had reached back out to Alex and he insisted I send the light back in for a second look. I paid an additional $15 fee to UPS to have my light shipped in once more. After a few days, Alex responded with good news. He was able to determine why the fan stayed on and was able to fix the issue.
Results
After a week and a half of waiting, the light came back fully functional. I now have my frag tank light back and it’s been working great since. The fan operates correctly, the light turns on, and intensity and color work fine.
If you are having an issue with your light, reach out to the tech at FixReef.com for a service quote. I am confident that they will be able to help you. If not, it’s probably damaged to the point where it’s not usable anymore.
Total Cost
I paid $100 for the troubleshooting, parts, and soldering. There was a $15.50 return shipping that was paid with the troubleshooting fee. The first shipment cost $20 to ship insured. The second shipment cost another $20 for a grand total of $155.50. I did look at buying a new unit but it’s gotten very expensive with the increase in price and buying a used one was still pricey so I decided to get mine repaired.
All in all, it’s been working great!
Leave a comment below if you had your reef gear serviced. I’d like to know how it went for you and where you took it to.
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