Is it possible to use light as a sensor?
- Thread starter blakebark
- Start date
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Deleted member 143833
Actually, the ones on the market tend to be very resilient to things like salt water (and much worse) but the sensors are not cheap!
This is 1 place..
http://www.dwyer-inst.com/PDF_files/ols_iom.pdf
This is 1 place..
http://www.dwyer-inst.com/PDF_files/ols_iom.pdf
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Deleted member 143833
Yes, they are less prone to fail as floats but I always backup 1 with the other and I suggest that same for anyone. The spec sheets include wiring to use a relay and the relay contacts can be connected into a break-out box and programmed the same as you would a contact open/close. They are a bit pricey though as I mentioned and I don't think I ever found one much less that $70 but that was a while back and maybe prices have come down since I last researched them.
Let us know how your project goes.
Let us know how your project goes.
D
Deleted member 143833
Yes, I have a sensor but haven't had the time to build a complete circuit (just enough for proof or concept). I use a magnet mount to adjust the position of the sensor; think of these sensors as optical float switches. You adjust them to just touch the water. In the link there is a tech sheet that describes how they work; it is quite interesting to read.
whorulz1147
New member
you could also use a capacitive sensor mounted on the outside of the glass to detect the water level, but this also runs into the problem of cost. I got one for free from my school, along with a relay. I plan on getting to testing it out someday....
blakebark
New member
I did some research on optical level sensors, and decided that the one you proposed was the way to go. It has led lights that indicate open or closed which is really nice. My only question now is what kind of relay would i need and how would i connect it to my break out box?
whorulz1147
New member
Who, me? Do you have a link to what you bought or are planning on buying? Depending on what you are looking at, you might need an external power source for it, or it might just go directly into the breakout box. I believe the breakout box supplies 12v DC- any veterans wish to confirm?
blakebark
New member
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Deleted member 143833
If you look at the circuit examples; think relay. You would place a relay coil in the circuit represented by 'load' and connect the common and NO or NC connection of the relay to the input of the breakout box (between command and 1 of the inputs).
aquamanic
WHO DAT??
The breakout box doesn't supply any voltage - in fact any voltage on the inputs will damage the electronics in the base module. The breakout box (actually the switch sensor on the base module) works strictly on continuity. That's why you need the relay to open/close a switch. That break in continuity is what the controller understands as SWITCH OPEN.
blakebark
New member
I looked at some realys and found this one http://www.aquahub.com/store/12voltspdtrelay.html and this type of power supply http://www.aquahub.com/store/product17.html. I plan on getting some type project box and putting the realy and connections of the sensor inside that.
My only question now is what would be the best way to mount this type of sensor in my sump.
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Deleted member 143833
You could attach the sensor to some pvc pipe and epoxy the end to make it water tight for the wire connections; then you could mount it as you would any probe.
blakebark
New member
I was thinking of using a couple of magnets to maintain a certain level. I was considering making an acrylic box and putting a magnet in it with the sensor, and placing the other magnet on the outside of the sump.
Do you think this would be a good way or not?
Thanks for the reply's!
Do you think this would be a good way or not?
Thanks for the reply's!
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