Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Well now, that would do nicely...

Going to go back and read up on the timer. I read circuits like I read Spanish (can comprehend if I go slowly and deliberately) so the series-link-ability did not jump out at me at first.

We're still at the goldfish stage here, but if&when the stocking level requires a buncha air, I don't want a single pump to be able to wipe out all the fishies. The one I pulled out of the pond muck is still operating, 24/7 with interruptions for leaf removal. Don't know how much wear & tear it's had in its career.

Thanks y'all
Rick

After reading through this topic it seems like everybody is trying to re-invent the wheel? Recycling timers where you set the on times and off times separately are available from most electrical wholesalers. They are often called other names such as Asymetrical flashers or Asymetrical pulse generators. They need to be Asymetrical or you won't be able to change on/off times independantly (symetrical ones are available). I will search around to find the most economical option available for this purpose. Another point regarding Timer and relay contact ratings, which are expressed in amps and usually refer to a resitive load such as heaters, is that the inductive load rating is much lower. Eg. a relay rated at 10amp will only have a 2 - 3amp inductive rated load, pumps and solenoids are inductive loads.
I am in the process of building and programming a controller system that will have multiple program modes, user selectable such as recycling, sequenced recycling, standyby pump operation etc. The base unit will have 4-outputs (expandable to 20) rated at 3amp inductive with optional switching contactors rated for motors up to 1.5kw. I will be giving Rupertofoz a unit to trial in the very near future.

I have a headache after reading though that trail...

Guys, at the end I wish to flood two to four growbeds with adjustable timings for both on / off, low powered 12V, low cost DIY.

Do we have any plans or can someone who has experience please advise me the best plan of attack. Why 12V, I can have it running off my solar/wind/battery setup.

Cheers

... you reckon it was a headache trying to get some sort of repeat timer for 240v... and you want to run 12v...

Perhaps have a look at Steve S thread... or someone will advise...

BlackDuck have a look at my sequencer it is DIY and runs easily of 12v
viewtopic.php?f=18&t=3693&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=18
I have changed things a bit with other systems, I have found that using transistors to control the actuator allows me to provide braking which prevents bounce and holds the flap where you want it. My new systems are also slow drain instead of siphon.
You could use my universal interval timer of I could provide info on my own sequential sequencer. See my hot water system for more info
viewtopic.php?f=18&t=3693&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=18

BlackDuck
Rupertofoz has a trial version of a pump controller which is available in 12VDC which you could wire up yourself and could be supplied pre-programed for your needs?

This a repeat post I just made on TCL's thread, so.......

Has anyone had any experience with these Cycle Timers?

They are a 1 hour timer, similar to the 24 hour mechanical timer most of us use. However each pin is 50 seconds, not 15 minutes.

120volt though

Could it run a switching relay via a 240v - 120v converter?

Just more crap to go wrong tas, you have to keep it really simple with fish.

And it means that anything you are driving with it needs to be 110 volt too

But now that some one has come out with a mechanical timer for short intervals. I could see more people deciding to make them to fill the demand. It is really the same as the regular mechanical timers but with a faster motor.

Since my GB falls short with 15 minutes of fill, and overflows just before 30 minutes...
I'd buy one of the "Timiers" (heh, anyone else see that typo?) as fine-tuning the timing would be nice to have, separate from tweaking the flow and drain rates.

Rick (110Volts)

Correction: Bought one Timier. 3-prong grounded 110v version.
I'll post a review here after I get it in and give it a workout...

Rick

I think those timers work on the frequency for the timing aspect, like here in Australia it's 50Hz (I think)... Dunno about other countries...

Its not a faster motor or different frequency (although Aust. is 50Hz and US. 60Hz) its all in the gearing (output ratio).