Auto Water Topup..

[Adrianli]

Hi

I'm using an AC pump connected with a float switch to pump water to the tank. The float switch is a low level switch, meaning if water level in the sump is low, the float would sink also, thus activating the switch which in turn switch on the pump. The pump I used is a 600L/Hr pump. It doesnt matter what type of pump you use actually. Just need a pump able to pump water from the reservoir to the tank.

The float switch is placed in the sump, detecting the water level in it. The wires of the float switch is long enough, therefore the wire connection with the pump is outside the tank. I use insulation tape and cable tie to secure the wire connections to prevent any contact with water. I know its not the best way, there are better ones out there.

The switch cost : S$25 from Sim Lim Tower

The pump cost : S$20 (forgot abt the cost, old pump)

Insulation tape : Free

Cable tie : Free

Reservoir : Free (using a big pail)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Total cost : S$45

[Cedric]

Hi,

my friend and I completed the proto type of the autotopoff. Maximum credits to my friend Fish, for the fabrication and assembly of the product. What do you think???

[Cedric]

The front panel. It has a swith to auto mode, a manual override for pump "on" and pump "off". It has three led for power "on", auto mode "on" and pump "on".

[Cedric]

This pic shows the internals. A little messy but it will improve. It even has a tiny dc fan to cool the transformer. Only 12 volts goes to the float switch so that in the unfortunately event of a current leak, there should be little harm done. It also has a integrated 1 amp breaker to avoid any nasty shock or electrical harzard.

[Cedric]

This shows the female plug from the topoff unit. It allows connection to any pump you would like to use for your topoff as long as it uses a two pin plug. Also shown here is the float switch.

[Cedric]

Another front view shot

[Cedric]

Another internal shot. The lights are also arranged in red, amber, green.

[Cedric]

Sorry for posting so many pics. This would be the final shot. Its a pic of the DC relay. The heart of the Auto-topoff unit.

Any comments on the unit???

[Tanzy]

Do you know how to build a bomb?

[clowntrigger]

Cedric

Thinking of making one and selling it? If it is good price, may consider buying it from you

Clowntrigger

[Cedric]

The entire thingy gets quite costly. Around the region of $80. How much do you think you would be willing to pay for it??? If the response is good, I might just consider making it for everybody.

[BarraCudaTM]

is there a way to trigger water topup directly from tap like the toilet flush?

[hongqixian]

Can I use it for my 2ft? How long will it last?

Hmm.... Why don't you do a list of it's specifications, benefits and costs. Sort of like an advertisement and we can all decide easier. It's a good idea to market it!

Maybe you could sell it here first and perhaps commercially if the demand is there. But pls offer it without the packaging here and save us a few $$$

[Cedric]

To hongqixian, hi,

I'll try to answer some of your questions here.

How long will it last??? er... , it runs on AC from your wall socket, so no battery to replace.. As for the fresh water, it will depend on how big is your fresh water reservoir.

Specs: hmm... 12 DV to Float Switch (minimum risk in the event of current leak), support any AC pump up to 1 amp.(that can be modified) Three light indicator showing which mode the unit is in. A selector switch to choose from pump "off" , pump "on" and "auto" mode. These selections will come in handy when you want to do tank maintaince etc.

price wise, assuming a price of $100, its alot cheaper than commerical ones. Sealife has their own custom made ones which is alot simpler and retails for $125.

As for the packageing, what were you refering to???

To BarraCuda,

that can be easily done. Question is, why do you want to drag such a long piping from your tap? All you need to do is connect the topoff unit to a solenoid that controls water instead of air, fit it to your tap. Very costly...

[Achilles Tang]

I can see the potential for this... dosing pumps.

If you can put different containers that dump at different timings... you can make an automatic timer doser that can make this hobby a lot more automated...

Cedric... looks good. I may be your next customer!

[Hon]

Geez....It look like a Time Bomb to me..

Don't con me hor, I dun wanna to become a victim to terrorists...

[Cedric]

a bomb??? hah hah hah

Technically, its not very difficult. Our normal plant fertilizer ammonium nitrate will work. Only difficult part is getting the HE/ignitor. Hon you want one???

[hongqixian]

Actually I meant the lifespan of the unit and the fancy packaging. But never mind about that.

[Cedric]

Lifespan of the unit??? I honestly would not know??? Its only a few months old. As for fancy packing, what fancy packing??? I never did post any packing right??? and did not have any intention too as well!

[BarraCudaTM]

looks good

[loonz]

Guys, how goes the auto top off system??Is it for sale yet???It really does save a lot of time!

[Cedric]

Maybe for a start, can those interested pls PM me? Then I'll go shop for the parts and assemble.

[kelstorm]

Cedric.. u'r the man.. when i first heard that u DIY this and that.. i knew u might have come out with something like that.. hahaha.. now u know why i seek your help??? hahaha..

[fantom]

Guys, I'm back with an updated version of the first auto water top-up device that I built. I've put everything nicely into a box and made some improvements. It has the following features:

- Supports 2 float switches. One for the tank/sump and one for the water reservoir. The one in the tank/sump will turn the connected pump on if the water level drops. The one in the water reservoir will prevent the pump from running if the reservoir runs out of water. This prevents a possible trip should the pump be trying to pump air instead of water. Note that the second float switch is optional - you can do without it so long as you can ensure the reservoir always has enough water.

- Indicator light which turns on when the pump is working.

- Override button that allows you to turn the pump on although the water level may be still high.

- Easy connection to float switches. Just press the lever and insert the wire to connect. This also allows you to use as long a wire as you like.

- Only 12 volts of electricity runs through the flow switches. No fear of being electrocuted should there be a leak.

- Has 2 connectors that allow you to connect 2 pumps, although I can't think of any use for the second one.

See the attached pictures.

The first pic shows the front.

[fantom]

The second pic shows the back of the unit.