This article will guide you through the errors that can occur when using the Merlin400, and how to handle them. This error guide is valid for firmware versions 0.134 and forward.
For Merlin400´s running firmware versions prior to 0.134, please refer to this guide
You can find your FW version in the upper right corner of the app.
If you don´t have access to the app, you can find the right guide using the following method:
When Merlin400 is functioning normally, the arrow on the user interface is green.
If an error occurs, the arrow changes to red – this tells you that something is wrong and that you need to take action.
IMPORTANT: Blinking red means that your Merlin400 is updated to the latest version and you should refer to the current guide to handle the errors. If the red light is constant, please follow this link and use the older Guide. We highly recommend you upgrade Merlin400 to the latest version for the best performance.
When an error occurs and the arrow turns red, the LEDs above will display a combination of lights to tell you the nature of the error. Use the list below to identify the error.
You can always contact our team to get help at support@drizzle.life
1) Leak in distillation chamber
When can it happen?
⦁ During startup check
⦁ During distillation
Error sources:
⦁ Dirty or misplaced gaskets in the distillation chamber
⦁ Glass not placed properly or elevator not shut tight
⦁ Top lid not shut properly
⦁ Alcohol remains in distillation chamber during startup check.
What to do:
Check that the two gaskets – one by the lid, and one where the distiller meets the oil-glass – are tight and in place.
If the gaskets are dirty or greasy from earlier extractions, they need to be cleaned to make sure they make an air-tight seal. To clean the upper red gasket, remove the Distiller lid and the red gasket. Use a piece of cloth or tissue soaked in isopropanol to clean the gasket, then put it back in place.
To clean the bottom white gasket, use a piece of cloth or tissue soaked in isopropanol to dry off any residue. Be careful to clean the backside of the gasket without damaging the fragile parts of the heater and elevator.
Tighten the elevator ring if needed. Make sure that the top lid is tight as well.
User fixable error sources with spare parts:
⦁ Defective distiller lid
⦁ Defective gaskets
You can order both gaskets or the lid from our web shop and replace them easily if they are broken.
2) Leak in extraction chamber
When can it happen?
⦁ During extraction startup check
User fixable error sources
⦁ Misplaced lower or upper gaskets in the extraction chamber
⦁ Dirty extraction tube or plant material stuck on it
⦁ Loose tube in the extraction chamber lid (leaf imprint)
⦁ Loose tube in the tube connecting to the lower part of the extraction chamber inside Merlin400.
What to do:
Remove the herb tuber and check that the small o-ring at the bottom of the extractor compartment is securely placed and clean. You can use the back of a screwdriver to push it in place.
Also, check the upper gasket in the lid is securely in place and clean.
If needed, you can use the syringe provided in the Merlin400 kit to remove isopropanol residue before handling the gaskets.
User fixable error sources with spare parts:
⦁ Defective extraction chamber lid
⦁ Defective gaskets in extraction chamber
Check that the front of the extraction chamber lid is free from cracks. In rare cases this can break and cause leaks. The lid is easy to replace if this is the case.
If the gasket is defective you can order a new one from our web shop and replace it with ease.
3) IPA gas level too high
When can it happen?
⦁ During extraction startup check
User fixable error sources:
⦁ Too much alcohol vapor. Clean machine of any alcohol, remove the side panels, air it out and try again.
What to do:
Dry off any IPA on the machine, especially around the extractor lid.
On the back of the machine you find the cooling fins. It is possible to blow fresh air in between the fins at the lower part. Vent the inside of the machine – this can be done by blowing air in through one of the two structural openings in the chassis: one is the lower part of the cooling fins on the back side of the machine, the other is along the tube going from the Extractor lid into the machine.
Warning! the fumes you are venting are flammable, so keep open fire and sparks away.
Reset the machine after venting the inside. If the error persists, repeat this procedure. If the error still persists, wait 20 minutes, and try again.
4) Valve 3 blocked (Extractor → Distiller)
When can it happen?
⦁ During extraction startup check, when the machines checks for errors
User fixable error sources:
⦁ Clog in valve, rinse with alcohol
⦁ Valve stuck
⦁ Tube fused closed
What to do:
Open the side panels and locate the number imprints on the valves. Locate the valve with the number three. Reset Merlin400 and make sure that the valve opens. If the tube is fused shut once open, massage the tube a little to make it come lose. Follow this online video guide for cleaning out the tube if it is still stuck. You can use the app to open and close the valve to help clean it.
User fixable error sources with spare parts:
⦁ Defective motor or tube, can be replaced by user
If the small plastic pinch arm that squeezes the tube is not moving, the entire valve may need replacement. Please contact support@drizzle.life if you expect this is the case. You can replace the valve yourself.
5) Heater or heater cable defective
When can it happen?
⦁ During extraction startup check, when the machines checks for errors
⦁ During distillation, when the machine tries to distill
User fixable error sources:
⦁ Heater cable unplugged
What to do:
The cable connecting the heater coming lose will trigger this error. If you for example have unscrewed the heater before and detached the cable. Unscrew the heatbed and carefully pull the threaded arms free of the machine and check that the cable is securely fastened. See pictures below
User fixable error sources with spare parts:
⦁ Heater cable defective (90% of the cases)
⦁ Heater fuse defective
⦁ Heater defective
If the heatbed is securely connected the heater cable itself might be defective. You can order a replacement one from support@drizzle.life
6) Pump needs cleaning or replacement
When can it happen?
⦁ During extraction startup check, when the machines checks for errors
⦁ During distillation
User fixable error sources:
⦁ Pump is dirty and needs cleaning
The pump can get clogged with small amounts of plant material that will cause this error. To clean it, start by making sure your machine is clean by following a standard cleaning procedure. Once clean unscrew the top lid from the distillation chamber. Make sure there is a clean glass with glass beads mounted securely in the heatbed. Add 50-100 mL isopropanol directly into the distillation chamber and close the top lid. Start program 4 (just distill) and let it run until it finishes or triggers the error again. Restart the program 2-3 times if you keep getting error 6. If stops making the error you cleaned the pump. If it keeps making the error you need to replace the pump.
User fixable error sources with spare parts:
⦁ Pump is defective
Please order a new pump module or pump via support@drizzle.life
7) Valve 2 blocked (Air → Extraction)
When can it happen?
⦁ During extraction startup check, when the machines checks for errors
User fixable error sources:
⦁ Clog in valve, rinse with alcohol
⦁ Valve stuck
⦁ Tube fused closed
What to do:
Open the side panels and locate the number imprints on the valves. Locate the valve with the number two. Reset Merlin400 and make sure that the valve opens. If the tube is fused shut once open, massage the tube a little to make it come lose. Follow this online video guide for cleaning out the tube if it is still stuck. You can use the app to open and close the valve to help clean it.
User fixable error sources with spare parts:
⦁ Defective motor or tube, can be replaced by user
If the small plastic pinch arm that squeezes the tube is not moving, the entire valve may need replacement. Please contact support@drizzle.life if you expect this is the case. You can replace the valve yourself.
8) Valve 4 blocked (Air → Distiller)
When can it happen?
⦁ During extraction startup check, when the machines checks for errors
User fixable error sources:
⦁ Clog in valve, rinse with alcohol
⦁ Valve stuck
⦁ Tube fused closed
What to do:
Open the side panels and locate the number imprints on the valves. Locate the valve with the number four. Reset Merlin400 and make sure that the valve opens. If the tube is fused shut once open, massage the tube a little to make it come lose. Follow this online video guide for cleaning out the tube if it is still stuck. You can use the app to open and close the valve to help clean it.
User fixable error sources with spare parts:
⦁ Defective motor or tube, can be replaced by user
If the small plastic pinch arm that squeezes the tube is not moving, the entire valve may need replacement. Please contact support@drizzle.life if you expect this is the case. You can replace the valve yourself.
9) Valve 1 or valve 3 is blocked, Difficult aspirating alcohol
When can it happen?
⦁ During the extraction / aspiration process.
User fixable error sources:
⦁ Cannabis packed too tightly in tube
⦁ Clog in valve, rinse with alcohol
⦁ Valve stuck
⦁ Tube fused closed
What to do:
If you have packed the cannabis very tight or used very finely ground cannabis this might cause the error. If you think this is the error, clean the machine according to the basic cleaning instructions and try again with looser packed cannabis. If this is not the case, the most likely cause is valve 1 being clogged.
Use the app to open and close valve 1 and check that the tube is not fused shut. If it is, you can often massage the tube until it opens. If this is not enough follow the online video guide for cleaning valve 1.
User fixable error sources with spare parts:
⦁ Defective motor or tube, can be replaced by user
If the small plastic pinch arm that squeezes the tube is not moving, the entire valve may need replacement. Please contact support@drizzle.life if you expect this is the case. You can replace the valve yourself.
10) Fan error
When can it happen?
⦁ During extraction startup check, when the machines checks for errors
⦁ In the beginning of the distillation phase
⦁ (Only for B05 and later models)
User fixable error sources:
⦁ None
User fixable error sources with spare parts:
⦁ None
It is not possible to replace the fan yourself. Please contact support@drizzle.life and we will assist you.
11) Pressure sensor error
When can it happen?
⦁ During extraction startup check, when the machines checks for errors
⦁ In the beginning of the distillation phase
User fixable error sources:
⦁ A potential error you can fix, is if the pressure sensor is dirty. To clean it, make sure you have a clean glass in the elevator and that it is closed. Add 100 mL pure isopropanol directly to the distillation chamber and run a program 4 (just distill). Make sure there enough room in the liquid chamber for the isopropanol you are distilling.
User fixable error sources with spare parts:
⦁ None
Please write to support@drizzle.life if you cannot resolve the issue by the method above.
15) Unknown error
When can it happen?
⦁ Anytime
What triggers it?
⦁ If a software error we have not handled in the software
User fixable error sources:
⦁ Restart machine and try again. Please make sure you send a log to us using the app so we can analyze the error and prevent it from happening.
If you keep having this error please contact support.
Non panel errors:
16) Slow (1 per second) blink on heater LED’s: User panel error
Indication: LED’s behind glass blinks slow (1 per second)
Error number: 16
When can it happen?
⦁ During startup
User fixable error sources:
⦁ Bad connection in top panel
What to do:
In some cases there might be a bad connection between the top panel and the connector in the machine. Switch off power to the Merlin400. Unscrew the top panel using a tx10 screwdriver. Gently pull out the panel, reinsert it, reinsert the screws and turn on the Merlin400 back on again. If this resolves the problem, great!
User fixable error sources with spare parts:
⦁ Replace top panel
What to do:
If taking the panel in and out did not work as described above, please contact support@drizzle.life and order a new panel for replacement.
17) Fast blink (5 times per second): Electrical i2c error
Indication: LED’s behind glass blinks fast (5 per second)
Error number: 17
When can it happen?
⦁ During startup
User fixable error sources:
⦁ None
What to do:
This is a serious electrical error that drizzle needs to handle. Please contact support by email.
For any questions, please contact us at support@drizzle.life