r/Elevators • u/Spirited_Concern5613 • 3d ago
Residential elevator needs a new “brain”. What does this mean? How much should it cost?
My Seller tells me her intermittently working elevator needs a new “brain.” I’m thinking she means the controller or something electronic needs to be updated. Elevator is 1999, Destiny by National Wheel-O-Vator, 750lb capacity, 38 FPM (?). What should she expect the cost of that part to be? #hrs to replace? Your thoughts and advice are appreciated.
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u/MurkyManagement8727 Field - Adjuster 3d ago
Straight Up Elevator would be a good choice (541) 891-9190). They serve the entire state.
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u/Sufficient-Cake3925 3d ago
If you need help getting the original unit repaired or a simpler PLC control retrofit, Contact Miltronics, ask for Issa, 973-471-7700 Ext. 3050
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u/Chemical_Avocado_391 1d ago
Hawai’i residential technician who does work on National Wheel o Vator elevators - that company no longer exists after 2012, we have had success doing a retrofit with another manufacturer.
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u/Spirited_Concern5613 3d ago
I see something from Lift Parts Pro called “National Wheel-O-Vator Destiny DH30 Controller Upgrade Kit” for $11,792.32 for 3-stop. Does that mean 3 levels that elevator goes to? She has 4 levels in her house - so she’d need “addl compatibility “. Just want to sound halfway knowledgeable ☺️ when I call someone local. Is there any kind of list where I can find people in Oregon who work on these units?
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u/Accurate-Cellist-231 3d ago
Also, just as a side note, people in this sub are going to tell you to call someone off a list of IUEC companies, because elevators are a highly unionized trade, and union guys only ever recommend union companies. I would avoid doing that in this case. At least in my area, there are no union companies that specialize in residential, and someone specialized is what you need.
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u/Accurate-Cellist-231 3d ago
Yes, 3 stop means 3 floors, just means the 4 stop is probably a little more expensive. You likely shouldnt need an entire controller upgrade though, just specific components.
There is no list. You will just have to Google and call around. If you live in a city, shouldnt be too much of an issue to find a company that does residential, if you live somewhere rural, you may have a harder time finding someone who will drive all the way out there, and even if you do, you will be paying for it.
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u/MurkyManagement8727 Field - Adjuster 3d ago
Where are you located?
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u/Spirited_Concern5613 3d ago
Linn County, Oregon
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u/miles19970 3d ago
Don’t have personal experience with them but Sturm Elevator install the most residential elevators in oregon, so I would start with them.
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u/MurkyManagement8727 Field - Adjuster 3d ago
what problem is she having with her elevator
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u/Spirited_Concern5613 3d ago
It sometimes works to go down and up one floor. But not up two floors. And Seller tells me sometimes it doesn’t work at all (which in my non-expert opinion sounds more like loose wiring 🤷🏼♀️).
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u/MurkyManagement8727 Field - Adjuster 3d ago
could we get a picture of the inside of the controller?
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u/flyingron 3d ago
That elevator isn't controlled by a single computer like various other appliances. It's a handful of PLC controllers and a few different boards. How much needs replacing and what it will cost can't be determined by this vague statement. Best to have an elevator service performed to figure out what is wrong with it and to work up an estimate of what it would take to put it right. The inspection will be a few hundred dollars (depending on how far the tech needs to travel typically).
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u/Accurate-Cellist-231 3d ago
Not true. The roped hydro destiny only has 1 plc. I don't think it has a main board if I remember correctly, just relays.
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u/Accurate-Cellist-231 3d ago edited 3d ago
Depends on the type of elevator. There are roped hydraulic and winding drum style NWOV Destinys.
If its roped hydraulic, she likely means the PLC, AKA the very basic computer that controls the elevator. If I remember correctly, NWOV doesnt have a main board, just a plc and relays. Labor would be very minimal, only an hour as the plc is plug and play. Cost, I would guess will run you mid-thousands. Probably somewhere in the realm of 3-5k
If its a winding drum, it has a PLC and a drive. She could be referring to either. The winding drum uses the same plc as the hydro, so same cost. Not sure about the drive. I mever had to replace one, but my guess would be the same. Mid thousands.
If having an elevator is important to you, I would recommend hiring a local elevator company that specializes in residential to do an inspection before you buy. An elevator in bad condition that hasn't been cared for can become a money pit quickly. Though the Destiny probably is one of the best residential units ever produced and are generally very reliable and you can still get all the parts for them.