Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

dicko, leave a bit of liquified gas in there and do the test again

lpg should be around 38psi at 26C

What about using something not too explosive like ammonia as the expanding gas? Cover with clear plastic to increase the solar heat gain in the drum.

Not really an abreviation I aspire to (no offence taken)

I've been called "Dicko" since "state school" (Prior to the introduction of Primary schools)which makes me older than the other pommy bloke by the same name,
so I had it first

Today I found an old ARB 12v compressor in my factory, it was working when it was removed, but had a leakage problem due to a dodgy thread in the air reservoir. if you like I'll send it up "as is", as you may be able to utilise it somewhere, although the 240v makes a lot more sense at the moment.

Trench should take no more than a couple of minutes per metre, when you get the tube you'll understand why!
Single cut with the lawn edger, and push the tube into the cut!

Actually had the door cycling today, works like a charm

Could try that, but would probably get a lot of "splashback" trying to get the only redily available supply of amonia into the gas cylinder

Yeah thought about that, but the pressure needs to drop back to 1atm. or even Vacuum to return the ram when the sun goes in.

You could always do it yourself - can't leave these important things to the wife

Can just picture it, wife on the ladder, ( those big cylinders are tall) I'd never hear the end of it!

I've put a table together that lists each of the components identified to date as being required. I've included a description of the component (as pulled out of this thread), the source and any questions I have.

I have had to save the table as a JPEG to post - I hope it is readable :-/

Yay - that worked. Should be a good summary from which we can move forward. Once all the components are sorted, I can start representing diagramatically (sp?).

Forgot to add the compressor in the list of components and couldn't be fracked going back to change it. The compressor is a cheap 240volt 2.5hp job from Kmart - can't remember tank capacity, but no probs for this job with this or the pressure it can provide. This component is already on hand.

Right starting from the top tick the first 4 [next 3 you dont need] speed controll optional will send it any how screws into valve exaust next 2 tick door frame and valve, last one you dont need
The way it works in the shed you have a compresser an $8 timer and a valve theres a pipe going from the compresser to the valve then 2 small pipes from the valve to the chopper [air goes up one and back the other ] [the valve reverses it ] when the air returns the exaust is controlled [you wont need that] turn the compresser on [the little switch on the wall ] set the timer to the times you need [ie turn on 6 am and off 6 pm ] annother idea i would do is a second timer set for on 5.45 off 6.15 because you only need air in the system to open and close door [jeeses how much more simple do you want it ]
[ i think even frank mite aggree it would work ] Na thats to much to expect

Kool.

I do however want to incorporate the photoelectric switch for 2 reasons:

1. I bought it ages ago on a whim and have been waiting for the opportunity to put it into use so that I can justify my purchase

2. The idea is to have the electric timer open the door at the time that I desire and have the photoelectric switch close it once it gets dark. Chickens go home before dark, so that way the device adapts as the days get longer/shorter. I know it would be just as easy to asjust the timer - but refer to reason 1.

So let me understand you want to install the photo cell just because you have it [ the wireing is going to be difficult] that means you will have to run the compresser all the time just cause if it gets dark early there will be air there. For me i would put it back on ebay and sell it you are trying to make it to complicated

ROFPMSL..............................

You're probably right F&F . The commercial ones do that, but then they are electric.

Yea the commercial ones are $25.000