💧 Gecko IN.K500 Topside Panel – Advanced Seven-Button Main Control with Settings & Mode for IN.Y Series Spa Systems

Feature-packed seven-button main topside with dedicated Settings, Mode, and dual-pump control for Gecko IN.Y series spa systems

📋 Product Overview

The Gecko IN.K500 Topside Panel (TS-AE500) is an advanced main topside control panel featuring seven buttons for comprehensive spa control. Designed specifically for Gecko IN.Y series spa systems, the IN.K500 offers dedicated Settings and Mode buttons alongside dual-pump control, lighting, and temperature adjustment – providing the most complete button-based control interface in the Gecko range.

Measuring 182 mm × 85 mm with a 3 metre cable, the IN.K500 features an LED screen for temperature display and status information. The seven-button layout includes Settings, Light, Mode, Pump 1, Pump 2, Up, and Down – giving users direct access to system configuration, operating modes, and all essential spa functions without navigating complex menus.

Operating at 12V and connecting via Gecko’s proprietary IN.LINK system, the IN.K500 delivers safe, reliable control. A quick reference card and comprehensive technical manual are available for download. Important: This topside panel must be installed on the outside edge of the hot tub.

⭐ Key Features

• ✅ Seven-Button Interface – Settings, Light, Mode, Pump 1, Pump 2, Up, Down
• ✅ Dedicated Settings Button – Direct access to system configuration
• ✅ Mode Selection – Quick access to operating modes
• ✅ Dual-Pump Control – Operate 2 pump zones independently
• ✅ LED Screen Display – Temperature and status information
• ✅ Temperature Control – Up/Down buttons for precise adjustment
• ✅ 3 Metre Cable – Generous cable length for flexible installation
• ✅ IN.Y Series Compatible – Designed for IN.Y systems
• ✅ IN.LINK Connection – Gecko’s proprietary plug-and-play system
• ✅ 12V Operation – Safe low voltage design

⚙️ Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Manufacturer	Gecko Alliance
Model	IN.K500
SKU	TS-AE500
Product Type	Topside Panel (Main)
Number of Buttons	7
Button Functions	Settings, Light, Mode, Pump 1, Pump 2, Up, Down
Maximum Pumps Controlled	2
Blower / Aux	0
Display Type	LED Screen
Panel Length	182 mm
Panel Height	85 mm
Cable Length	3 m
Operating Voltage	12V
Connection Type	IN.LINK
Compatible Systems	IN.Y Systems
Installation Position	Outside edge of hot tub only
Box Quantity	12

🔌 Compatibility Guide

This Topside Panel is Compatible With:

Spa Pack Model	Type	Confirmed
IN.Y	Gecko Spa Pack	✅
IN.Y Series	Gecko Spa Pack	✅

NOT Compatible With:

• ❌ Gecko IN.XM or IN.XE (use IN.K450)
• ❌ Gecko in.xe (use IN.K200)
• ❌ Gecko Y Series or X Series (use IN.K1000)
• ❌ Gecko IN.Clear (use IN.K200 In.Clear variant)
• ❌ Balboa systems (BP, GS, GL Series)
• ❌ Other manufacturer spa packs

Connection Requirements:

• Spa pack must be IN.Y series
• Spa pack must have IN.LINK topside port available
• 12V power supply from spa pack
• Installation position on outside edge of hot tub

📍 How to Verify Compatibility:

• Confirm your spa pack is IN.Y series
• Locate the IN.LINK topside port on your Gecko spa pack
• Check existing topside model if replacing
• Ensure installation location is on outside edge

⚠️ Important: The IN.K500 uses Gecko’s proprietary IN.LINK connection. This panel will NOT work with Balboa or other manufacturer systems.

⚠️ Critical Installation Requirement

This touchpad MUST be installed on the OUTSIDE edge of the hot tub.

Requirement	Detail
Installation Position	Outside edge only
Not Suitable For	Internal or recessed mounting
Reason	Panel design and sealing requirements

This is a manufacturer requirement – installing the IN.K500 in any other position may affect operation or void warranty. Ensure your spa has a suitable outside edge mounting location before purchasing.

🔘 Button Functions & LED Display

Seven-Button Operation:

Button	Function	Action
SETTINGS	System Configuration	Access spa settings and configuration
LIGHT	Lighting Control	Activate/cycle spa lighting
MODE	Operating Mode	Select operating mode (economy, standard, etc.)
PUMP 1	Pump 1 Control	Activate/cycle Pump 1 speeds
PUMP 2	Pump 2 Control	Activate/cycle Pump 2 speeds
UP (▲)	Temperature Up	Increase set temperature
DOWN (▼)	Temperature Down	Decrease set temperature

LED Display Features:

Display Element	Shows
Temperature	Current water temperature
Set Point	Desired temperature when adjusting
Mode Indicator	Current operating mode
Status Icons	Heating, filtering, pump indicators
Error Codes	System diagnostic messages
Settings Menu	Configuration options when in settings

Operating Notes:

• Press Settings to access system configuration menu
• Press Mode to cycle through available operating modes
• Press Pump 1 or Pump 2 to activate respective jets
• Press again to cycle pump speeds or turn off
• Press Light to activate lighting or cycle colours/modes
• Press Up/Down to adjust desired water temperature
• Both pumps can operate simultaneously

🔄 Gecko Main Topside Comparison

How IN.K500 Compares:

Feature	IN.K200	IN.K300	IN.K450	IN.K500	IN.K1000
Buttons	4	4	6	7	Touch
Max Pumps	1-2	1	3	2	Full
Settings Button	❌	❌	❌	✅	✅
Mode Button	❌	❌	❌	✅	✅
Cable Length	–	–	–	3m	3m
Compatible	Various	IN.YE	IN.XM/XE/YE	IN.Y	Y/X Series

Choose IN.K500 When:

• Your spa has IN.Y series system
• You want dedicated Settings and Mode buttons
• You need dual-pump control
• You want comprehensive control without touchscreen
• You have an outside edge mounting location

💡 Settings & Mode Button Advantages

Why Dedicated Settings & Mode Buttons?

Feature	Benefit
Settings Button	Direct access to configuration without complex navigation
Mode Button	Quick switching between economy, standard, and other modes
No Menu Diving	Essential functions always one button press away
User-Friendly	Intuitive operation for all family members
Quick Adjustments	Change modes instantly when entering spa

Common Mode Options (System Dependent):

• Economy Mode: Lower temperature when spa not in use
• Standard Mode: Normal operating temperature
• Sleep Mode: Extended energy saving
• Ready Mode: Maintain set temperature

Refer to your spa pack documentation for available modes.

🎛️ Purpose & Application

What is the IN.K500?

The IN.K500 is an advanced main topside control panel providing:

• System settings access
• Operating mode selection
• Temperature monitoring and adjustment
• Dual-pump zone control
• Lighting control
• System status display
• Error code visibility

Main Topside vs Simpler Panels:

Feature	IN.K500 (7-Button)	IN.K300 (4-Button)
Settings Access	✅ Dedicated button	Via button combo
Mode Selection	✅ Dedicated button	Limited/none
Pump Control	2 pumps	1 pump
Configuration	Direct	Basic
User Level	All users	Basic operation

🛠️ Installation Guide

Before Installation:

• ⚠️ Disconnect power to spa at the isolator/breaker before any work
• ⚠️ Verify your spa pack is IN.Y series
• ⚠️ Confirm outside edge mounting location is available
• ⚠️ Check 3m cable length is sufficient for your installation
• ⚠️ Review the technical manual before starting

Installation Steps:

1. Turn off power at the isolator/breaker
2. Identify outside edge mounting location (MANDATORY)
3. Prepare cutout for 182 mm × 85 mm panel
4. Remove existing topside panel if replacing
5. Route 3m cable from installation point to spa pack
6. Connect the IN.LINK connector to the spa pack’s topside port
7. Mount the IN.K500 panel on outside edge
8. Ensure watertight seal around panel
9. Restore power and test all seven buttons

Mounting Information:

Specification	Detail
Panel Size	182 mm × 85 mm
Cable Length	3 m
Connection	IN.LINK
Position	Outside edge ONLY
Technical Manual	Available for download
Quick Reference	Available for download

⚠️ Professional installation recommended for proper mounting, watertight sealing, and electrical safety.

🔗 Wiring & Connection

Connector Information:

Specification	Detail
Connector Type	IN.LINK
Cable Length	3 m
Operating Voltage	12V

Connection Location:

The IN.K500 connects to the IN.LINK topside port on Gecko IN.Y series spa packs. As a main topside panel, it connects to the primary topside port.

⚠️ Never force the connector. The IN.LINK plug should connect smoothly. If it doesn’t fit, verify you’re connecting to the correct port on a compatible IN.Y system.

🔍 Troubleshooting

Common Issues:

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
LED screen blank	No power or loose connection	Check power and reseat IN.LINK connector
Settings not accessible	System locked	Check spa pack settings
Mode not changing	Mode locked or unavailable	Refer to technical manual
Pump 1/2 not responding	Pump fault or configuration	Check pump and spa pack settings
Incorrect temperature	Sensor issue	Check temperature sensor connection
Light not working	Bulb/LED faulty	Check light unit
Error codes displayed	Various system issues	Refer to technical manual for meanings

Error Code Display:

The IN.K500 LED screen displays error codes from the spa pack. Refer to the downloadable technical manual (ink500_techbook_en.pdf) or quick reference card for specific error code meanings and solutions.

🔩 Maintenance & Care

Routine Care:

Task	Frequency
Wipe with soft damp cloth	Weekly
Check all seven button responses	Monthly
Check LED display clarity	Monthly
Inspect watertight seal	Annually
Check cable condition	Annually

DO NOT:

• ❌ Use abrasive cleaners
• ❌ Use solvent-based cleaners
• ❌ Submerge the panel
• ❌ Press buttons with sharp objects
• ❌ Force button operation
• ❌ Install anywhere other than outside edge

♨️ Ideal Applications

Application	Suitability
♨️ Gecko IN.Y series spa systems	✅ Ideal
♨️ Dual-pump hot tubs	✅ Ideal
♨️ Users wanting Settings/Mode access	✅ Ideal
♨️ Outside edge mounting locations	✅ Required
🔄 Replacement for faulty IN.K500	✅ Direct replacement
❌ Recessed or internal mounting	❌ Not suitable
❌ Three-pump spas	❌ Use IN.K450
❌ Balboa systems	❌ Use Balboa topside

Common Installation Scenarios:

• 🛁 New Gecko IN.Y series spa builds
• 💆 Replacing damaged or faulty IN.K500
• ♨️ Dual-pump spa configurations
• 🔄 Upgrading from simpler panel (with compatible system)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why must this be installed on the outside edge?

A: The IN.K500 is designed specifically for outside edge mounting. This is a manufacturer requirement related to the panel’s design, sealing, and operational characteristics. Installing elsewhere may affect performance or void warranty.

Q: What is the difference between IN.K500 and IN.K450?

A: The IN.K500 has 7 buttons with dedicated Settings and Mode buttons, controls 2 pumps, and is for IN.Y systems. The IN.K450 has 6 buttons with Power button, controls 3 pumps, and is for IN.XM/XE/YE systems. They are for different systems and not interchangeable.

Q: What does the Settings button do?

A: The Settings button provides direct access to system configuration options such as temperature limits, filter cycles, and other spa pack settings without navigating through complex button combinations.

Q: What does the Mode button do?

A: The Mode button allows quick selection of operating modes such as economy, standard, or sleep modes. Available modes depend on your spa pack configuration.

Q: Is the 3m cable long enough?

A: The 3m cable should suit most installations. Measure from your outside edge mounting location to the spa pack before ordering. Extension cables may be available if needed.

Q: Is my spa compatible?

A: The IN.K500 is compatible with Gecko IN.Y series spa packs. Check your spa pack label to confirm.

Q: What size is the panel?

A: The IN.K500 measures 182 mm × 85 mm.

Q: Is documentation available?

A: Yes, a quick reference card and full technical manual are available for download.

Q: Will this work with my Balboa spa?

A: No. The IN.K500 is a Gecko product and only works with Gecko IN.Y systems. For Balboa spas, you need a Balboa topside panel.

📄 Downloads & Resources

• QRC
• Flyer
• Tech-Book

🏆 Why Choose the Gecko IN.K500 (TS-AE500)

• ✅ Seven-Button Control – Most comprehensive button interface
• ✅ Dedicated Settings Button – Direct configuration access
• ✅ Mode Button – Quick operating mode selection
• ✅ Dual-Pump Capability – Operate 2 pump zones independently
• ✅ LED Screen Display – Temperature and comprehensive status
• ✅ 3 Metre Cable – Flexible installation options
• ✅ IN.Y Series Compatible – Designed for IN.Y systems
• ✅ IN.LINK Connection – Proprietary plug-and-play
• ✅ Full Documentation – Manual and quick reference available
• ✅ Genuine Gecko Quality – Manufactured to Gecko Alliance standards

🇬🇧 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs

• ✅ UK-based company with local support
• ✅ Fast UK delivery
• ✅ Expert advice from spa specialists
• ✅ Both Gecko and Balboa products available
• ✅ Compatibility assistance for all spa brands
• ✅ Full warranty support
• ✅ Easy returns within 30 days

✨ Summary

The Gecko IN.K500 Topside Panel (TS-AE500) is an advanced seven-button main topside control panel designed for Gecko IN.Y series spa systems. This feature-rich panel offers dedicated Settings and Mode buttons alongside Pump 1, Pump 2, Light, and Up/Down temperature controls with LED screen display. Measures 182 mm × 85 mm with 3 metre cable and connects via Gecko’s proprietary IN.LINK system at 12V. Important: Must be installed on the outside edge of the hot tub. Compatible with IN.Y systems ONLY – NOT for Balboa or other systems. Quick reference card and technical manual available for download. Order from Parts4Tubs for fast UK delivery and expert compatibility advice.