Mega Arduino controller build for Reef Setup

[JAnwyl]

Started with everything individually and am now combining individual components into one project.

I got everything to work 100% of the time, except the float switches, they work like 75% of the time. So I'm thinking those are going to be moved to the next phase. (Don't know about grounding, but a lot of people have had issues with snails and other livestock interfering with them, so its become common to put them in a drilled medicine container.)

 

[barjam]

Started with everything individually and am now combining individual components into one project.

I got everything to work 100% of the time, except the float switches, they work like 75% of the time. So I'm thinking those are going to be moved to the next phase. (Don't know about grounding, but a lot of people have had issues with snails and other livestock interfering with them, so its become common to put them in a drilled medicine container.)

Long story short you can't hook up a float switch directly to an Arduino you need to separate it electronically. I was looking into optical switches before deciding it really wasn't worth my time to continue the project.

 

[sleepydoc]

What's the issuer with float switches and arduino? In the middle do a project myself and was planning on using one.

 

[Sketch804]

Any updates on this project? Looks awesome!

 

[enigma32]

I have had floats directly connected to my arduino-based controller for ages now, running ATO flawlessly for 6 years.
I found it necessary to do an external pull-up/down resistor (can't remember which) for when the switch is open, and IIRC the switch is also debounced in software and the ATO pump output has a minimal run-time when the switch is triggered (so it doesn't chatter on and off).

 

[Tickyty]

Any updates on this project? Looks awesome!

I abandoned this. I got a great deal on a full Apex so I just quit. I do have all my components for sale.

 

[bigguyuk]

bummer lol

 

[Tickyty]

bummer lol

I was all ready to do this but the price was right and I didn't have to wait for the results.

 

[bigguyuk]

Fair Point Dude