Cooling Guides

Bonaire Navigator Controller Guide: Hardwired, Wireless and Older Bonaire and Celair Controllers

Posted on by hot_just_water
Bonaire Navigator Controller
30
Sep

The Bonaire Navigator is the wall controller used on most modern Bonaire evaporative coolers and ducted gas heaters. It comes in wired and wireless versions, and older Bonaire and Celair coolers use earlier Slimline and TEK controllers. This guide explains the differences, which Navigator controller suits your system, and how to tell whether the controller, loom or control board is the real problem.

Bonaire Navigator controller: hardwired or wireless?

There are two Navigator versions. Both control heating and cooling from one wall unit, including Bonaire Dual Cycle systems:

Both Navigator controllers can run multiple Bonaire coolers alongside 3, 4, 5 and 6 Star gas central heating.

The hardwired Navigator uses the Bonaire 4-pin Navigator loom, 20 m (6051619SP). If your old cable is damaged, or you’re moving the controller, replace the loom at the same time.

Older Bonaire and Celair controllers

Not every Bonaire or Celair cooler uses a Navigator. Older systems often have one of these:

  • Bonaire Slimline wall controller (5431011SP): suits Bonaire MB-3, MB-4 and MB-5 Star ducted gas heaters, and Bonaire evaporative coolers fitted with control board 6061695SP.
  • TEK700 digital LCD controller (TEK7DAT): the digital replacement for the older TEK425, TEK485 and TEK7DT wall controllers. It uses the same 5-pin loom already plugged into the back of a TEK425 or TEK485, so it is usually a straight swap. It is designed for TEK7EC (700 series), TEK600 series and TEK400 series control boxes.

Celair coolers are sold alongside Bonaire and share many Bonaire parts. If you have a Celair cooler, check the controller label and the control board part number before ordering, or send us a photo.

Which Bonaire controller do I have?

  1. Look at the controller: a Navigator has “Navigator” on the front or on the label on the back. TEK controllers have a TEK model number on the back.
  2. Count the plug pins: Navigator uses a 4-pin loom; TEK425 and TEK485 use a 5-pin loom.
  3. Check the cooler data plate: the model (for example VSM65, SBB800 or an Integra or Pinnacle model) tells us which controller and control board suit your unit.

Browse all Bonaire and Celair cooler wall controllers, or Bonaire heater wall controllers for ducted gas heating.

Controller, loom or control board: find the real fault

If your Bonaire controller is blank or shows an error, the wall controller isn’t always the faulty part. Check:

  • Power: make sure the cooler’s isolation switch and circuit breaker are on.
  • Loom: a damaged or loose loom is a common cause of a blank screen or “no communication” errors.
  • Control board: if the controller works but the fan, pump or drain valve won’t run, the control board in the cooler is the more likely fault.

Replacement Bonaire cooler control boards and upgrade kits include:

See all Bonaire and Celair cooler control modules. Our wall controller replacement guide has more fault-finding steps.

Electrical and gas work must be done by a qualified technician or licensed gasfitter.

Frequently asked questions

Can I replace my old Bonaire controller with a Navigator?

Often yes, but it depends on the control board in your cooler or heater. Some older units need a control board upgrade, such as the PNE to TYT conversion kit, before a newer controller will work. Contact us with your model and current controller and we’ll confirm.

Is the Bonaire Navigator wireless?

There are two versions. The RF wireless Navigator (5431036SP) comes with an RF receiver and needs no cable to the wall. The hardwired Navigator (5431029SP) uses a 4-pin loom.

Does one Navigator controller run both my heater and cooler?

Yes. The Navigator is designed to control Bonaire ducted gas heating and evaporative cooling from one wall unit, including Dual Cycle systems.

My TEK425 controller has failed. What replaces it?

The TEK700 digital controller (TEK7DAT) replaces the TEK425, TEK485 and TEK7DT and plugs into the same 5-pin loom.

Need help choosing? Browse all Bonaire and Celair evaporative cooler parts, or contact HotnCool with your cooler model and a photo of your controller and we’ll check compatibility for you.

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