From page 6 of the 5600SXT Down flow Service Manual: '
The Parameter Display displays the current Cycle Step (BW, BF, RR, etc) during regeneration, and the data
display counts down the time remaining for that cycle step. While the valve is transferring to a new cycle step,
the display will flash. The parameter display will identify the destination cycle step (BW, BF, RR, etc) and the
data display will read “----”. Once the valve reaches the cycle step, the display will stop flashing and the data
display will change to the time remaining. During regeneration, the user can force the control to advance to
the next cycle step immediately by pressing the extra cycle button.'
Obtain your testing sample as close to the softener as practical. If there is a coupling which joins a short section of drain tubing to a longer section running to your laundry room, separate the sections otherwise, remove the drain tube from the softener to temporarily install a short section. The shorter distance from the softener will help you to better judge when the drain flow becomes salty.