--- title: Flow not registering on ODME description: The flow meter paddle wheel uses a magnet to generate pulses when fed with a current to indicate the amount of flow you are discharging. The system is made up of a paddlewheel, sometimes a junction box and a totaliser. --- [Skip to content](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/flow-not-registering-on-odme#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [Submit a request](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/kb-tickets/new) [![Rivertrace-Logo-Blue-on-White](https://hub.rivertrace.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Rivertrace%20Logos/Rivertrace-Logo-Blue-on-White.jpg?width=412&height=150&name=Rivertrace-Logo-Blue-on-White.jpg)](https://www.rivertrace.com) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - [Submit a request](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/kb-tickets/new) - [Cant find what you need? Contact our remote support team.](mailto:remotesupport@rivertrace.com) [Cant find what you need? Contact our remote support team.](mailto:remotesupport@rivertrace.com) How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Knowledge Base](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge) 2. [Smart ODME](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/smart-odme) # Flow not registering on ODME ## The flow meter paddle wheel uses a magnet to generate pulses when fed with a current to indicate the amount of flow you are discharging. The system is made up of a paddlewheel, sometimes a junction box and a totaliser. ![](https://hub.rivertrace.com/hubfs/undefined-May-16-2022-03-17-50-05-PM.png)   If no flow is displayed, please could you perform the following check; Remove the paddle wheel and check that the rotor is securely fitted, clean and spins freely. There should be six "Paddles" on the rotor. If the rotor has broken or missing, please replace this and re-test. Procedure for this is linked at the bottom of this artical.   ![](https://hub.rivertrace.com/hubfs/undefined-May-16-2022-03-17-51-82-PM.png)   Remove the wires to the paddle wheel from the flow meter totaliser module or if you have a junction box, remove wires from junction box to paddle wheel.   ![](https://hub.rivertrace.com/hubfs/undefined-May-16-2022-03-17-49-23-PM.png)   ![](https://hub.rivertrace.com/hubfs/undefined-May-16-2022-03-17-51-42-PM.png) Put a Multimeter across the two wires to the paddle wheel, checking for continuity (This should be open circuit). ![](https://hub.rivertrace.com/hubfs/undefined-May-16-2022-03-17-50-49-PM.png)   ![](https://hub.rivertrace.com/hubfs/undefined-May-16-2022-03-17-50-93-PM.png) Manually spin the paddle wheel by hand and check that momentary continuity is measured as the paddle wheel spins (the continuity should pulse as the paddle spins). Check the totaliser side of the circuit and check you have a small voltage. This should be around 2V. If you don’t this could be a fault with the flowmeter zenner barriers or wiring. Check you have voltage before the zenner barriers. If so the zenner barriers will require replacing. Refit the wires from the paddle wheel in the junction box if fitted or the totaliser. Manually spin the paddle wheel by hand and check that the flow meter totaliser display changes. Go into the menu on the ODME and go to: service mode, system test, check flow. Ensure as the flowmeter is spun, there is flow registered on the ODME. You may find it easier to refit the flowmeter if all other checks have passed and run the pumps to generate flow. If you are in port or an area that discharge isn't allowed, please ensure you have manually closed your overboard discharge valve so no illegal discharge can take place while testing.   ![](https://hub.rivertrace.com/hubfs/undefined-May-16-2022-03-17-50-75-PM.png) ![](https://hub.rivertrace.com/hubfs/undefined-May-16-2022-03-17-51-21-PM.png) ![](https://hub.rivertrace.com/hubfs/undefined-May-16-2022-03-17-50-33-PM.png) ![](https://hub.rivertrace.com/hubfs/undefined-May-16-2022-03-17-51-65-PM.png)   If you don’t receive flow on the ODME but you do on the flowmeter, then the likely cause will be the cell is faulty as all signals feed to the cell before being sent to the ODME computer. Replace the cell and re-test.   **For cell change please see:** [**https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/smart-odme-measuring-cell-replacement**](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/smart-odme-measuring-cell-replacement)   **For flow meter settings please see:** [**https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/smart-odme-dp490-paddle-wheel-and-rt14-totaliser-flow-meter-set-up**](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/smart-odme-dp490-paddle-wheel-and-rt14-totaliser-flow-meter-set-up)   **For rotor replacement guide please see:** [**https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/smart-ofdme-490-flow-meter-rotor-removal**](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/smart-ofdme-490-flow-meter-rotor-removal)         - [Smart ODME](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/smart-odme) - [SmartBilge](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/smartbilge) - [Smart Bilge+ Plus](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/smart-bilge-plus) - [Smart PFM](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/smart-pfm) - [OCD CW](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/ocd-cw) - [Smart ESM](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/smart-esm) - [OCD Xtra](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/ocd-xtra) - [Smart 50M](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/smart-50m) - [Smart Turbidity](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/smart-turbidity) - [Sample conditions and general techniques](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/sample-conditions-and-general-techniques) - [General FAQs](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/general-faqs) - [Key MEPC Regulations and Rivertrace Solutions](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/key-mepc-regulations-and-rivertrace-solutions) - [OCD CM](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/ocd-cm) [![Rivertrace-Logo-Black](https://hub.rivertrace.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Rivertrace%20Logos/Rivertrace-Logo-Black.jpg?width=271&height=99&name=Rivertrace-Logo-Black.jpg "Rivertrace-Logo-Black")](https://www.rivertrace.com) Rivertrace Product, Regulation and Technical Support Knowledge Base Copyright © 2025, Rivertrace Limited