Boiler Pump Control Unit

[Vinnie BraniganParticipant @vinniebranigan92297]

Brian Greeves shows how he built a boiler pump control unit!

Vinnie

[EdParticipant @ed]

Very interesting, exactly what I am discussing in PM with a friend in England!
My question: There is no ‘damping’ (I do hope that’s the correct word) in the circuit – i.e.: when the water level is gone the motor (pump) starts, when the level is up it stops. By the ‘natural’ movement of the boat from side to side, there is bound to be a on/off action all the time. The ABC unit by Cheddar utilized a ‘damping’ circuit (you could set the time) so that this continous on/off action, which I think would not be good for the whole arrangement, especially the motor, was prohibited.
Any ideas of incorporating such an extension to the circuit – and, if possible, who volunteers to produce a PCB?!!

Edward

[WideawakeParticipant @wideawake]

As you say, a very interesting article, but my reaction was precisely the same as yours.  I’ve ordered a kit in order to experiment with it.  My thoughts are either an RC circuit to delay either  the on or off point of the switching or alternatively a different approach would be to use two sensor electrodes, one longer than the other. the circuit would then use the longer electrode to switch the pump  on and the shorter to switch it off.   I think it would be possible to fit 2 thinner wires into the same space as the one rod used in the present circuit.

 A different approach can be found in Malcolm Beak’s articles on the paddleducks site.

Guy

[Barry McKay 1Participant @barrymckay1]

For a novice in this type of work can anybody confirm the cut tracks in this circuit. I think I know from Pic 4 but I’d like to be certain.

Barry

[Vinnie BraniganParticipant @vinniebranigan92297]

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