Aquadial(?) SLHITEC Culligan Water Softener Failure

[paulhypno]

My old water softener (inherited when I bought the house) seems to have died a death. The display just flashes, no error code, so I suspect problems with the PCB. I think the model is 'Aquadial SLHITEC' 10 ltr by Culligan'.
My house is a 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom property with 2-3 occupants

Here's a picture of the unit:

Being old I don't reckon it's worth replacing the PCB so my questions are:

1. Am I likely to be right that it's the PCB that has gone?
2. I could replace the water softener with exactly the same model. That's obviously simpler because the hoses etc are all there...but is it a decent water softener?
3. Are there better alternative water softeners that you folk might recommend?

Thanks for any guidance

 

[muggles]

Never heard of it. The Harvey Dualflo is one of the best on the market, and had the great advantage that it uses no electronics whatsoever, so there's no worrying about PCBs breaking!

 

[JohnD]

if you take the plastic shrouds off the top, you'll see the control mechanism.

There are a few very common "heads" and you might be able to recognise it and buy replacement parts or a new head.

Mine has a Fleck head, I think it might be an American design but it fits onto an ordinary cylinder. When I had it mended I noticed the parts were made in Italy. It needed a new piston assembly and seals. Mine contains a timeclock, water meter, and the valve manifold, so all the working parts in one block. I think that's quite common. I've seen variations of the same unit in softeners badged under various brands. Mine also has no electronic components, the timeclock is driven by a synchronous motor but there are electronic ones that appear to be interchangeable. I had it mended by the local softener dealer in my nearest town, there are specialists throughout hard-water areas.

I have an idea Culligan bought up the old Permutit brand name.

I bought my current one as an exchange recon, with new seals and resin beads. Very good value. Apart from the control head, the components are laughably simple.

 

[paulhypno]

Many thanks for these replies. I think that water softeners have moved on since mine was installed. I fear that I must bite the bullet and go for something in the Harvey range which ought to be maintenance free.