nu-ta-tion
The spiral movement of the axis of a rotating body, such as the oscillation of a spinning top.
The Whirlpool Calypso Washing Machine was an early top loading energy saving washer produced in 2000-2001. It is a good washer design for the most part but is notorious for pump problems. This washer style is slightly more complicated than most top loading washers. It's mechanical functions are controlled by two control boards, the Machine Controller Board and the Motor Control Board, as well as several sensing devices. This Calypso washer repair guide will cover the components used in the calypso washing machine, troubleshooting common calypso washing machine problems, calypso washing machine diagnostic modes, Calypso error codes, and information to help with testing individual calypso components.
Calypso Washing Machine Parts
CALYPSO CONSOLE SWITCH PANEL
The Whirlpool Calypso washing machine uses a panel of switches also called a membrane to receive and relay the user's commands to the machine controller board for further processing. When a button is pressed temporary contact is made with in the membrane allowing the machine controller board to log the command and initiate the appropriate cycle and wash options.
CALYPSO MACHINE CONTROLLER BOARD
The Machine Controller interprets your commands from
the key switch pads tooperate the cycle selected. The
Machine Controller interfaces with the Motor Controller through the P4 and P2 connections to
operate the Drive motor and Pump motor through their various
functions during the cycle. The Machine Controller
also directly operates the water fill and dispenser solenoids,
interprets the thermistor readings, lid switch condition, as
well as the position of the contacts in the Operating and
Flood Pressure switches.
CALYPSO MOTOR CONTROLLER BOARD
The Motor Controller receives commands from the Machine
Controller to operate the Drive Motor at the desired
speed and direction at various times in the cycle. It does
so by applying varying voltages and frequencies to the
Drive Motor. The Motor Controller also operates the Pump Motor direction
to either recirculate or drain water.
CALYPSO LID SWITCH
The Lid switch is used to sense if the lid is closed and it is safe to proceed with the washing machine's nutation and spin functions. The Calypso washer is equipped with a peekaboo mode that allows the washer to continue nutation for 5 seconds after the lid has been opened. After the lid is closed the start button must be pressed to continue the wash cycle.
CALYPSO DRIVE MOTOR
This washer uses a reversible, variable speed (Single Phase Induction Motor) as its main drive
motor. Motor speed varies from 350 RPM to 4500 RPM. The ½ horsepower motor draws five to seven
amps, in normal use. It uses a voltage output from the motor controller and operates at variable AC
voltages and frequencies. The Motor Controller provides a variable frequency signal to the motor,
which provides the various speeds to nutate and spin. Checking voltages to the drive motor
should not be attempted.
CALYPSO WATER PUMP
The pump is directly driven by a separate reversible 120 VAC 60 Hz motor. By being reversible, the
motor provides for two separate operations of the washer.
