Introduction: Dimplex Opti-Myst Fireplace Insert Review/ Maintenance/ Repair
The Dimplex Opti-Myst insert is a highly realistic "fake fire" that can make a wonderful addition to a living room, den or family room.
Pros:
1. Possibly the most realistic "electronic fireplace" that doesn't involve any actual flame.
2. Even beats some that do have actual flame, because Opti-Myst provides illusion of "smoke."
3. Very safe: no flame and minimal heat involved.
Cons:
1. Requires periodic addition of water to "reservoir."
2. Bi-weekly cleaning recommended.
3. No domestic support in USA.
(A Canadian toll-free support number is provided -- which I never called, but I don't believe they will ship replacement parts to USA)
4. Unit has numerous "wear susceptible" parts that will fail in time.
5. EXPENSIVE
Despite the abundance of cons, I would recommend this unit. The single biggest drawback is Con #4. My particular insert had minor part failures about every 8 months. And there were two major part failures at about two years. The manual for the insert is good for basic installation and maintenance, but almost useless where part failures are concerned.
Step 1: How It Works
The realistic illusion of fire and smoke results from a creative combination of water vapor, heat, and LED light.
1. Water vapor is generated by an ultrasonic fogger/ mister/ diffuser.
2. A low temperature heating element cause the water vapor to rise.
3. LEDs shine through the swirls of rising water vapor to create a dancing flame effect.
4. Other LEDs within the logs (different red/orange color) produce a glowing ember effect.
You are on your own as far as disassembly to perform repairs, but it isn't too difficult. The instructions for assembly found in the manual can mostly be followed in reverse.
Step 2: Repair Items
The main wear item in my experience is the 20 mm ceramic disk that is part of the ultrasonic fogger. After about six months in my case, the volume of smoke would begin to diminish. Cleaning the ceramic disk doesn't seem to help. Aggressive cleaning, in fact, may reduce the lifespan of the disk. As long as the fogger hasn't completely stopped working, restoring the smoke is a fairly simple matter. Replacement disks must be 20 mm (they do come in at least a couple of different sizes), and a special tool is most helpful. Both can be obtained via:
Two more parts failures occurred at about 2 years.
The entire fogger unit died. I was unable to find the exact unit to replace the original part, but the 1 disk Mist Maker from House of Hydro will drop in and do the job at least as well. Do not be alarmed that it looks a little different. The Mist Maker will come with a DC power source and a "float", but they aren't needed. Just plug the Mist Maker into the Dimplex Opti-Myst jack and you're in business.
The last failure I'll cover resulted from corrosion of the leads to the yellowish LEDs that shine up through the water vapor. This one is more difficult to repair insofar as soldering is required. The plate which supports the LEDs is an aluminum PCB/ heat sink. The two 1 W LEDs are soldered directly to the plate. I'd recommend against trying to restore the contacts on this plate. Rather, remove the lens assemblies from over the LEDs and desolder the LEDs from the plate. Acquire two new "star" type LEDs in the Single 1-Up configuration such as these from LEDsupply. The amber color is recommended for a yellowish flame. Red and Orange-red will also work, but the other LED colors will not as their forward voltage is too high. If necessary, new lens assemblies may also be purchased through LEDsupply -- or the old ones may be reused. Following the plate diagram, the positive post of the original jack must be shared between the two new LEDs. Solder in 20G stranded copper wire to make the necessary connections. The new LEDs can rest on the original plate. I used hot glue to affix the LEDs and lens assemblies to the plate.
That's all!
