Timing Programming question for AC Jr.

[mylifeismyown66]

I am trying to set up a pump to top my tank off so I don't have to use a float switch. I know a number of people in my local club that do this successfully. I have the code programmed at OSC 001/255 ON THEN ATO ON. My issue is this is too much water and it will not allow me to have to pump come in in seconds because 1 min is the minimum, and it won't allow me to have it turn on more than 255min because that is the max amount of time I can choose. Is there any other way to program this? The pump Im using is quite small (mini jet 606). I was just wondering if there is any other way to program this before I go out and hook up a ball valve. Thanks!

 

[ciphros]

You can do something tricky with a virtual outlet that only turns on for several hours a day to limit the lenght of time the OSC can run.

If you only want to top off during the day for instance, create a dummy timer called DAY and assign it to outlet P01 or something (something that doesn't use an outlet on your DC's)

Then in the programming section you will need to add this to the code you already have for the OSC:

If Time > 08:00 Then DAY ON
If Time > 20:00 Then DAY OFF

THen, right below that stick in your OSC code you had above and follow with this line:
If Timer DAY = OFF Then ATO OFF

That will keep ATO from running when the dummy timer is OFF.

Another way you could do it would be to use your lights, say you have actinics (with a timer called ACT) that come on early and go off late and you want to add water only during the time they are on...then you need only to add the If Timer ACT = OFF then ATO OFF

Let me know if you have any questions, or if I'm missing your issue.

 

[mylifeismyown66]

Either way the minimum is 1 minute. I will probably just have to hook up a ball valve. Would be much easier if the controller would allow me to turn on things in seconds intervals rather than minutes. Thanks for the response!

 

[ciphros]

Ah, yes - that's what I was afraid of - it's not that the total number of cycles is too frequent, but the 1 minute is too much. Ball valve to slow flow, smaller pump, or - coding specific times instead of using OSC so that water level drops more before the pump runs water in are all options.

 

[ciphros]

On another note...the Apex does allow timing in seconds...but, that's a whole other level of investment (and typically how I end up solving problems )

 

[mylifeismyown66]

Thanks ciphros. I was really wondering if there were a way to do seconds. Unfortunately I cant afford the apex lol Looks like I will need the ball valve while also having it go on for specific times at minute intervals.