For You Guys With Controllers

[RobbyG]

Just in case you have high powered devices plugged into your controller powerstrip, I would advice against it because these heavy loads can often burn out powerstrips. Here is a diagram of what I use at home for my Chiller, but it will also work on MH or any other device. This will work for all Aquatronica, Neptune etc. users.

It basicaly puts the Power Load back onto the Main's and uses almost no power from the PowerBar.

I made this drawing in MS Paint while at work so I don't have the relay in front of me but I will confirm the wiring tonite when I get home. Only possible mixup may be the Relay 2 front pins instead of 2 middle pins.

The whole thing costs about $20 and consists of the following

1) Radio Shack Relay cat#275-217
2) A short Heavy Duty 3 Prong Extension cord
3) A small light duty 2 Prong Extension cord

optional:
The Realy can be put into an interchangeble socket, in case it burns out. Radio Shack Part #275-220

 

[Entropy]

That is pretty cool! Digital Aquatics came out with something very similar for the Reefkeeper. It allows you to run two hi current items off a seperate power strip that is connect and controlled to the main unit. Same concept, but more expensive (but not skills involved). Thanks for sharing!

 

[RobbyG]

Your welcome, it's real easy to make, about 30 minutes . You can use a solder iron or crimp on ends if soldering is a problem.

 

[asnatlas]

Are you able to take a pic of yours ?? I would like to see it...

 

[grego]

yes, the pic please.

 

[RobbyG]

I will try to get one in the Morning. Yeech I am going to have to pull off a bunch of black tape to make it all visible.

 

[RobbyG]

The wiring is 100% correct, checked last night.

Heres the Photo.

This unit can supply 1200 Watts of power without putting any load on your Controller Power Bar.

If you look at the diagram on the first post you can see exactly how this is all setup. It's very easy, I used the green heat shrink tubing to cover my solder joints. I used a socket for my relay just in case it burned out. The Lower half with the socket and wires is wrapped in black tape to prevent any touching of the power leads. (Tape removed for photo)

 

[Entropy]

Nice! Pretty small and compact as well. What kind of cords did you end up using to connect the chiller to?

 

[RobbyG]

Just used a heavy duty extension cord and cutoff each end about 18" from the plug. Shaved off a bit of wire and soldered it up.

 

[houser]

Loving DIY of course...

You could also add a mogul socket for many "cube" relays, then you can use more substantial ring or fork terminals. Pretty much bombproof.

 

[RobbyG]

Yes and you can also add an inline fuse holders and put in some fuses that match your equipment exactly. This will give you added protection, best part of all is that your powerstrip is not being stressed at all.

 

[szwab]

very nice and in time for warm weather thanks!!!!

 

[Tagareef]

RobbyG...Thanks for this great idea of yours!!!!!!!!

I just built 2 of these for my MH lighting. They work great!.

I was just about to order a Neptune DC4HD, but saw this thread just in time. Just saved over $100.

Luis

 

[RobbyG]

Fantastic!! Glad it worked for you, post a photo if you can.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6945042#post6945042 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tagareef
RobbyG...Thanks for this great idea of yours!!!!!!!!

I just built 2 of these for my MH lighting. They work great!.

I was just about to order a Neptune DC4HD, but saw this thread just in time. Just saved over $100.

Luis

 

[Tagareef]

Here is my version:

Sorry I don't have a picture of the "guts", but it was kind of a pain putting the thing together with the 2 relays and all the wiring stuffed into the electrical outlet box. I didn't use the socket or solder on the relays. I used insulated crimp-ons and taped up everything for insurance.

I think the next one I build will be in a "quad" box with GFCI outlets and fuse housings drilled into the side.

Thanks again RobbyG...it was a fun project!

Luis

 

[RobbyG]

OOOhhh Kay...
Well my version is officialy in the Crapper. Yours is sweet

BTW your photo creates a strange optical illusion, is that 2 boxes I am seeing or one box on a mirrored table?

 

[Tagareef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6947847#post6947847 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RobbyG

BTW your photo creates a strange optical illusion, is that 2 boxes I am seeing or one box on a mirrored table?

It's actually a box and an extension. The extension gave me more room for the relays and another pair of cord holes needed for "signal" voltage cables from the Neptune's DC8.

 

[RobbyG]

Looks great, like a factory job.

 

[Chrisrush]

I agree. That thing looks sharp.

RobbyG, can you take a picture of the other end of your relay?

I'm having trouble trying to understand your paint description.

Chris

 

[RobbyG]

That would be difficult because I already taped the whole thing back up.
Just hold the Relay upside down and look at the bottom pins, it all becomes very clear then.