Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

normally compressors are equipped with a reservoir and a pressostat
the compressor pumps air into the reservoir until the pressostat switches it off
then it stays in standby and consumes no more power
even when switched on 24/7, it will only work when there is a demand for air
the consumption of the ram and the valves is so low, the compressor will only switch on every few days

the wiring of the photo cell will not be different from the timer, although a relay might be needed, which I doubt:
you don't have to switch the compressor, only the valve

as for the ram, the air supply will be much simpler if you treat it as a single acting cylinder (by spring loading it):
you only need one tube and one 3/2 valve, no quick release valves, no pressure regulators, just a flow adjusting (needle) valve for speed regulation

frank

Jees whats wrong frank its taken 5 hrs to pick holes in it you sick or something

Frank - you have to also remember that we are working with the components that are readilly available, having been kindly donated in most cases by members of our BYAP community.

I'm very happy with what we have come up with

jees what's wrong with you guys ???

wherever do you get the idea that I'm sticking holes or would have the intention to do so?

reread all my posts on this thread: one by one they are meant as constructive

and most of them are aimed at simplifying the project

and making it cheaper

it started with the window screen wiper motor
I pointed out that window screen motors are simpler and will do the job just as well if not better

when the discussion turned back to wiper motors I suggested simplifications to make that solution work better

when you all focused on the ram thanks to Dicko's generously offering of most of the equipment
I suggested simplifications to that too
AND I offered to throw in all the fittings, remember (I still do)

in my last post all I did was explain that a compressor is switching itself off and that you don't have to "run it all the time" as was suggested.
and that wiring a photo cell is not or only slightly more complicated than wiring a timer
only because Veggie Boy more than once expressed his wish to incorporate it.

so please tell me:
wherever have I "picked a hole"???

is it because another subject keeps coming up all over the forum and two or three people (always the same) keep objecting to my point of view (to witch I'm entitled) but so far (TMO) have failed to come up with solid arguments (to which I friendly invite them over and over) that you should think so?
I have tried over and over to stop these discussions and asked, even begged for information that could advance the subject instead of turning in the same rounds over and over again. To no avail.
but should I shut up when this subject comes up again on another thread and again the apparently unshakable belief is spread in the wonderful benefits of a system which I have shown to be inefficient?

should I shut up and go sit in a corner if I think that there is a better or simpler solution to a problem?
should I shut up if I think I have a suggestion that someone might benefit off?

think about it


frank

Frank - I did see your offer to supply the fittings when you posted it and meant to respond, but neglected to. Thanks for the offer, but given the distance it is not really practical - thanks anyway.

Regarding the final (or almost final) design, I point out again that we have been working on the basis of components that people have on hand and the valve that F&F has kindly offerred to donate lends itself to the 2 line design.

I have no problem at all with your decision, Veggie boy

but I would like to see the reactions to my posts that interpret my intentions as anything else than helpful corrected.

if I am outspoken and straightforward in technical matters that is only intended to be of help.
Please all accept this once and for all

Frank

Walked into the shed today and stubbed my toe on an item that could make the exersise easier, So much easier that it was not even obvious!

Last birthday I was given a unit containing a 12v Compressor and a car "Jump Start battery" all in one box! The newer ones even have a 240v inverter strapped onto the back of them!

No you can't have it, But they are available from "supercheap"

I must admit that I did think about those units at one stage. Pretty much all the same components would be required. The advantage would be not having to run the air tube from the shed. The disadvantage would be having to rely on battery and recharge the unit on a needs basis. Also may be trickier wiring the 240volt solenoid valve - though may be able to use the inverter as you suggest. I'm actually fairly happy to still go witht he compressor in shed idea and use the 240volts - I think it has a lot of upside.

How's the component summary Dicko. F&F made his comments a few posts back as to what he saw being required and not - are you in agreement (I'm relying on the 2 of you - cos I'm kinda clueless on this ).

The more I have thought about it - the more I think that keeping as much of the componentry as possible in the shed out of harms way has to be a good thing.

240v compresor, no matter how cheap will last much longer than the portable unit I mentioned, and will be more reliable. Lines from the shed is a good solution.

Sell the photo cell
You will have a need for it one day, and you will still remember the name of the guy you sold it to!!

Actually logged Sunbury into the TomTom today to see if we could get together with F&f to reduce freight cost, return trip was 2 hrs, Sorry mate you're up for postage!

Should be able to send the chopper tomorrow afternoon

Aussie post site has postage at about $16, We'll sort it out later

we can tell

Oh yea forgot these

Having swing doors with a small gap would the chickens push through it because they can see inside there cage. Then all you need is a locking device to stop the doors from being opened. If a fox tries to squeeze his head through, that's where you will find him in the morning. With his head stuck in the door. Or have the lock also cover the small gap.

Componants ready for packaging
air line
valve complete with exaust throttle
spare 240 volt coil
Oh and the other thing [you will have to work out what its for and how to use it ]pm me if you cant