Timers?

[pperez]

Roger,

I am still waiting for my multi-controller. But in the meantime i would like to alternate pumps. I would love to split the pumps to be on/off for 12 hrs at a time. I will have a snail shield, so that's not an issue.

My question is, is there anything special i should know about getting the timer. Can i just pick up a heavy duty one from home depot?...I would like to create it so that only during a part of the day both pumps will be on, the rest only one pump at a time. And maybe even both off for a portion of the night.

Thanks.

 

[rvitko]

That is fine. The pumps draw about 1/10th of an amp so the most basic timers will work. The main thing is they have to run for 1hr between being off to allow all the mechanisms to properly engage and for the pump to be cooled. With the multicontroller you can switch faster because you are contolling it through the computer which is able to correct for backwards rotation without calling on the mechanical parts of the drive unit which are worn by on and off operation. Also, cleaning is needed more frequently with off and on operation, the residual rotor heat radiates to the surface and heats the still water inside the pump so it releases its lime content during the times the pump is off.

 

[pperez]

Roger,

Just to double check. I bought two 24hr timers with 3 on/off settings. I am alternating the pumps to create a tide mode. They turn on for 4,5 or 6hrs at a time. Then they stay off for a bit while the other pump is on. As i recall, you have mentioned that as long as they stay off for more than an hour after shutdown that they will be ok. Is this right?..

Man i can't wait to get the multi-controller.

Thanks.

 

[rvitko]

They can stay off for just a few minutes but they have to be on for an hour for the brakes to properly retract and cool the pump. Your multicontroller should arrive soon, I have alot of controllers and Streams on there way here now so hopefully a lot of backorders will be filled soon.