Power interrupt for feeding

[Mr_Cool]

Someone posted a thread on here a while back with plans for a DIY interrupt for powerheads. It was a timer-like switch that powerheads would plug into. When it's feeding time, you would just push in one of the buttons, and the powerheads would turn off for a set amount of time. Then, when the food was all gone, they would kick back on. Whoever posted it said they really liked it 'cause if they turned the powerheads off manually, they always forgot to turn them back on. I would do the same thing, so I just leave mine on. But, I like this idea.

Anyone recall who had these plans? I searched for the thread, but I'm not sure of what it was called. I have the day off tomorrow, and thought maybe I'd do some projects with the tank. Any help would be appreciated.

[Bill S]

Yup.

[Bill S]

Sorry... Couldn't resist:

http://www.maast.org/forums/showthread.php?t=35654&highlight=timer

[Mr_Cool]

I just remembered that it was called a "relay" and found it myself.

But, I'm glad you posted the link to the thread. I hope others will use it, too. I'm guessing it still works great?

Thanks!

[ErikH]

ha, I just thought about that thread the other day. :)

[Darth-Tater]

I have built one and it works great. Just bought parts to build another for the school tank. Bill's directions are on the mark.

Tater

[Mr_Cool]

I built it last night. I decided to go with the spring loaded timer so that I could adjust the amount of time the power heads would be off. Also, I can turn them back on right away by winding the timer back to the off position. I didn't know if this could be done with the 10, 20, 30, 60 min., and hold timer.

Easy to do once I figured out the wiring. (It's a little different than what Bill describes in his thread.)

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh223/Mr_Cool1/timer001.jpg

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh223/Mr_Cool1/timer002.jpg

[Bill S]

You will LOVE it!