what are the differences between Webasto controller SG 1553/12v vs Webasto controller SG 1560/ 12v
The 1553 is the black short lived controller and the 1560 is the old aluminum one that capacitors fail in. The best is the new Aqua Hot brand and you can get it from Rudy.
The similarity is that neither is desirable.
If you have one of these and it is still working, you probably should at least order a new style one from Rudy to have on hand.
You can also buy rebuilt old silver ones from Jim Frerichs for a fraction of the cost of the new solid state units. Then relocate it outside of the AH box for better longevity
CRANE, think you got that backwards? I say so as I just this weekend rebuilt my personal 1553 and its inside the aluminum can.
As my recently retired work career was spent designing Industrial automation logic control circuits, I am giving very serious thought to designing a new approach based on a small PLC. Other than design time, Id probably have around $200 each invested. I recently did similar earlier this year, when our GENERAC standby generator lost its main control board. GENERAC wanted $1200 to replace it. For about $125 I converted it to a simpler PLC driven unit. That controller performed very similar functions to the boiler controller.
BUT, Id never be able to share a package deal with the masses due to the legal Liability that I would not be willing to take to market. I Might would explain what parts I used, and sell my code, but the end product would be up to the end users ability to build it themselves..
If I'm wrong someone else is too
Spheros Control Unit SG 1553 12V (https://www.heatso.com/spheros-control-unit-sg-1553-12v/)
Module WEBASTO BBW46/DBW46 12V Control Unit SG 1560 23004/1319993 NEW | eBay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/194420652792)
I think we are both a bit wrong.....The OP asked the diff between 2 Webasto units. You mention the Spheros which is NOT a Webasto. Its a modern clone of it.
I knowing what I had just rebuilt, a 1553, without searching the 1560 assumed it was the more common to fail unit.
1553 and 1560 WEBASTO are near identical. Both in aluminum cases. The obvious difference I can see would be the middle connector on the 1560 that is not on the 1553. Difference in functionality unknown. Maybe somebody like Rudy might know if they are cross compatible.
(https://www.foreforums.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=5043)
I have had two 1553's for at least the past ten years. One is in use and the other is a spare. When one breaks I swap them out and send the broken one to Jim Frerichs to be refurbished. I have repeated this cycle several times over the years. This time when one failed I bought a new solid state controller from Rudy. I still plan to keep one 1553 as a back-up. That leaves an inoperative 1553 which I would gladly give to anyone who wants another 1553 controller. It would need to be repaired but the price is right. Just PM me if you want it.
As an aside, I just noticed the warning printed in German on the aluminum case, "Nicht werfen!". My online translator says that means "Don't throw". I suppose that warning is directed to those of us who have been frustrated with the frequency that they fail.
Edit: Controller has been claimed.
If anyone has a old controller they don't want send me a PM
Chris