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Nova
 Post subject: Re: DIY timers
PostPosted: Sep 21st, '06, 08:15 
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Daniel, there is a Jaycar in the city and also one on South Rd, Clovelly Park. They are the only 2 in SA.

Steve, there is also this timer kit available.

The timer that I mentioned earlier is here. I think it would be more suitable to switching on and off
at specified times during the day rather than every 15-30 minutes. I have one switching a submersible
bore pump (2400W) to fill a tank for stock water and it works well in that situation.

Which book are you reffering to Steve? The Jaycar catalogue doesn't have much more technical info
than the website.

For complete remote controll, check out this gadget. Looks awesome, although a little pricey. :(

Nova
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creative1
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PostPosted: Sep 21st, '06, 08:32 
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Steve- I get it but those (some) digi can loose there settings not the pin ones.If your only timing 10 on 10 off then there is no issue.
I stand er sit corrected!!
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b2barker
 Post subject: Re: DIY timers
PostPosted: Sep 21st, '06, 13:44 
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Nova wrote:
For complete remote controll, check out this gadget. Looks awesome, although a little pricey. :(

Another higher tech (cost) option is the LabJack. For US$99.
"USB DAQ device with up to 16 12-bit analog inputs, up to 20 digital I/O, up to 2 8-bit analog outputs, up to 2 counters, and up to 2 timers. For more info click"
Connects to your USB and uses the PC to control IO, but also has up to 16 analogs, like levels, temps, ph or what ever. Monitoring and control rolled into one. Need some programming and electrical knowledge (interposing relay for 240V) though. Cheapest IO I know of.
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steve
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PostPosted: Sep 21st, '06, 13:57 
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B2B, don't encourage me, i can jook up wiht a fully fleged PLC for about the same price...........possibly with RTC :shock:

Just confirmed. $99 "shoebox" PLC. RTC with 50 programmable timers, 4x DI
10xDO
1xAO

easy programming wiht function blocks :)
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Nova
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PostPosted: Sep 21st, '06, 16:18 
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4 digital inputs (any more able to be added on?), that could be used in place of a float switch to monitor water levels in a sump tank and turn the pump on and off. Tell us more Steve. :wav:

Nova 8)
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monya
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PostPosted: Sep 21st, '06, 16:21 
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steve wrote:
B2B, don't encourage me, i can jook up wiht a fully fleged PLC for about the same price...........possibly with RTC :shock:

Just confirmed. $99 "shoebox" PLC. RTC with 50 programmable timers, 4x DI
10xDO
1xAO

easy programming wiht function blocks :)


how to lose Monya in one quick post!
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Donarto
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PostPosted: Sep 21st, '06, 16:35 
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that an offer Steve? I'd be happy to pay a premium of $50 if you could get all those sensors together and working. Would be damn handy for an at home purpose let alone a commercial business. Or just tell me which sensors I need and I'll just get it from JayCar and DIY (I'm just above the novice status when it comes to DIY soldering and electronics kit construction)
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veggie boy
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PostPosted: Sep 21st, '06, 18:40 
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I'm with you Monya - would love to do it, but would need help.
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steve
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PostPosted: Sep 21st, '06, 22:35 
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Cool!

I will speak to my friend with the contact and get some hard specs.

The PLC option is VERY versatile and i think can be expanded with modules. you'd need to interface power relays to the digital outputs to actually control 240V mains devices.

If you're looking at a reliable simple timer then one of the other ones posted will be better. The plc option while cheap for what it is isgoing more along the automation line, but if thats what your into then cool.

monya / VB, which ones were you interested in? there have been a few options posted here, i haven't checked out novas link yet, but will do that now.

Nova, that kit i linked to was explained in a "performance automotive projects" mag that jaycar had for sale.......i have it here somewhere :shock:
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Nova
 Post subject: Re: DIY timers
PostPosted: Sep 22nd, '06, 07:28 
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Monya and VB, have a read of this Wikipedia page, it has a good explanation. I especially like this bit.

Quote:
As an example, say the facility needs to store water in a tank. The water is drawn from the tank by another system, as needed and our example system must manage the water level in the tank.

Using only digital signals, the PLC has two digital inputs from float switches (tank empty and tank full). The PLC uses a digital output to open and close the inlet valve into the tank.

If both float switches are off (down) or only the 'tank empty' switch is on, the PLC will open the valve to let more water in. If only the 'tank full' switch is on, the valve turns off. Both switches being on would signal that something is wrong with one of the switches, as the tank cannot be both full and empty at the same time. Two float switches are used to prevent a 'flutter' condition where any water usage activates the pump for a very short time causing the system to wear out faster.

Steve, I am thinking of float switches to controll the sump pump as well as water sensors on each growbed controlling a soleniod to turn the bed on and off. That way each growbed can fill with water and switch to the next one when it gets full. If only one growbed is flooded at a time, the amount of water out of the fishtank is considerably less.

Jaycar have a water sensor kit that uses the conductivity of the water to trigger it. I think I spend toooo much time at that place. :|

Nova
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michael_Ferrini
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PostPosted: Sep 22nd, '06, 07:34 
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Quote:
Steve, I am thinking of float switches to controll the sump pump as well as water sensors on each growbed controlling a soleniod to turn the bed on and off. That way each growbed can fill with water and switch to the next one when it gets full. If only one growbed is flooded at a time, the amount of water out of the fishtank is considerably less.


I really like that idea Nova.... it would also solve the age old problem of needing continuous flow back into the main tank for aeration but not wanting to continuously flow into the beds
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TimC
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PostPosted: Sep 22nd, '06, 11:24 
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In addition to Novas idea, it is an ideal solution. Ie. if you had say three growbeds. Program it so the first one fills up, once it reaches correct water level, solenoid to grow bed two opens and closes first one. And so on. If you can time it right you can do the three growbeds over a 10 minute time period. Then rest the pump for 10 and repeat. Make sure you have a float/water sensor on your sump pump too.
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Nova
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PostPosted: Sep 22nd, '06, 11:30 
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TimC wrote:
Program it so the first one fills up, once it reaches correct water level, solenoid to grow bed two opens and closes first one. And so on.

Yup, that is what I was meaning.

Nova
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EllKayBee
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PostPosted: Sep 22nd, '06, 13:59 
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so then the next step is a parts list and cct diag? :colors:

(switching flow to different grow beds in rotation)
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bundaberg kid
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PostPosted: Sep 22nd, '06, 15:13 
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[quote="steve"]B2B, don't encourage me, i can jook up wiht a fully fleged PLC for about the same price...........possibly with RTC :shock:

Just confirmed. $99 "shoebox" PLC. RTC with 50 programmable timers, 4x DI
10xDO
1xAO

easy programming wiht function blocks :)[/quote


Hey Steve,

What brand is it?..........I might be interested in using one as well
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