For the last 4 years I have been using an old hot tub pump for my irrigation pump. Today it gave out. No big deal. I've got ANOTHER hot tub pump that I got for free.

Problem the old pump was a 220V 3 (2 wire) wire pump with no visible capacitor. The new pump is a 4 (3 wire) wire pump with a visible capacitor on top. However the new pump comes with a controller. Unfortunately the controller has been disconnected, but I think I can figure out how to connect it.

The controller says it can control 2 motors. Looking at the insides of the controller it seems to have a transformer that is used to power 2 solenoids (one for each motor) each connected to a single pole two throw switch.

The lines for the solenoids come out the top of the controller.

What I think is happening is the solenoids are intended to throw the switch for a brief time sending the line through the capacitor and then release after the motor has started so the line goes throw the normal closed and keeps the motor running.

Can someone confirm I've got this right?

If this is the case, then how long the solenoids are on for (and thus how long the capacitor is on for) is controlled by the electronics of the hot tub?

And if that's the case what's the best way to start this motor/pump?

 

Well I'm an idiot.... after looking at the pump. I find that the red line is for low speed and the blue is for high.

So I will just hook it up on high and leave the controller out of the equation.

 

If you want anything better than random guesses we need to see all of the text on the panel of the controller. there is needed information that we do not have. And tose solenoids may be for some other function.