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Thread: wiring for topoff

  1. #1
    Join Date
    01-23-2003
    Location
    Windcrest
    Posts
    802

    Default wiring for topoff

    I need to figure something out to send a signal from my tank to my topoff pump which is about 30feet away and in a storage room in the garage. I have the tubing for the topoff running thru the attic, but I don't feel like running an electrical wiring all that way. I was hoping there is a wireless solution or even something that could send the signal over a low-voltage wire to turn on the pump. any ideas, or did any of this make sense.

    Thanks

    Henry
    Henry Moncada

    "Courage is fear that has said its prayers"

  2. #2

    Default

    Something along this line?
    ::Pete::

  3. #3
    Join Date
    01-23-2003
    Location
    Windcrest
    Posts
    802

    Default

    something along those lines, I need a different transmitter though.
    Henry Moncada

    "Courage is fear that has said its prayers"

  4. #4

    Default

    I would NOT, NEVER, NO WAY, trust a wireless signal (RF, X10, whatever) to control an auto top off system. If that wasn't clear ... DON'T USE WIRELESS FOR A TOP OFF SYSTEM!

    In ideal conditions, the best wireles system will be 95% accurate, which means you WILL eventually have an "Off" signal that wasn't received, and you will have water on the floor, and an SG drop that may wipe out your tank!

    Most top off systems use some type of float valve that use a low voltage signal. I would think you could extend that wiring far enough for your needs. If not, an EE on the board here could probably tell you how to build a circuit (or something on-line) for a line driver to make it work over an extended distance.

    Oh by the way - DON'T USE WIRELESS FOR AN OUTO TOP OFF

  5. #5
    Join Date
    10-21-2002
    Location
    Central TX
    Posts
    2,535

    Default

    Yeah, have to agree with Steve on the wireless. Too many things can go wrong. I wouldn't even trust that wireless thermometor Pinpoint has out now, let alone something that could result in not only flooding your house, but severely diluting the salinity of your tank.
    -Chris

  6. #6

    Default

    I agree, don't use wireless. I have an X10 setup and it sucks. I used it for my lights and at least 2 or 3 times a week my lights were off when I'd come home from work. If you really want to try it, you can have my X10s, but don't blame me when you come home to a flooded house.

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