Recent content by DesertRancher

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    Wanted: Simple and Inexpensive Automated Pump Control System Solution

    I am the original poster and am grateful for all the suggestions, expert advice, and links to potentially useful sites. Phil Corso was especially kind in helping me develop through separate communications a pump control design using float switches and relays, tied together with a Smart Alarm...
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    Wanted: Simple and Inexpensive Automated Pump Control System Solution

    Roy: Thanks for the pointer to that web site with the prefab wireless control package. I never stumbled upon it during my Google searches. Although I am getting help from another member on a custom engineered alternative, your suggestion also looks very promising.
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    Wanted: Simple and Inexpensive Automated Pump Control System Solution

    Rob: Yes, I think it would be best if my on and off tank levels were different, unless some sort of timer could be introduced to the control circuit and setting up the proper timing could be a continuous headache. After you explained how your system works, I understand now why your setup...
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    Wanted: Simple and Inexpensive Automated Pump Control System Solution

    Tom: If the water demands were relatively steady, a timer might be a workable idea. Unfortunately, the demands change quite a bit from week to week and season to season. But, a timer in combination with some of the other suggestions might be good. Thanks for the idea.
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    Wanted: Simple and Inexpensive Automated Pump Control System Solution

    Rob: I doubt I could find a ready-made valve and ballcock/float device that would exactly fit my inlet pipe and tank configuration, but I probably could custom fabricate one with a little effort. As you say, that just a plumbing project. However, there is the little control systems issue...
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    Wanted: Simple and Inexpensive Automated Pump Control System Solution

    >DesertRancher… how about additionaldetail:: > 1) What solutions have you thrown out, such as running a 2-wire circuit, > radio-control, etc? And, what was the reason, for example, cost or other limiting factor? Answer: I have not thrown out any potential solutions that might be...
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    Wanted: Simple and Inexpensive Automated Pump Control System Solution

    > M. Jensen... how do you "notice" the tank is overflowing? Phil: The tank has an overflow outlet pipe. I visually "notice" that water is flowing from that outlet. Then I drive down the road to shut off the pump by hand.
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    Wanted: Simple and Inexpensive Automated Pump Control System Solution

    The tank is enclosed, but open to the atmosphere. The tank fills from the top with an air gap. The pump discharge pressure is constant during operation, even when the tank gets full. So a pressure switch at the pump discharge would not be effective in sensing how full the tank is, unless I...
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    Wanted: Simple and Inexpensive Automated Pump Control System Solution

    I am currently pumping water up to a tank that is about 700 meters from the pump shed. The control systems is manual. When I want to fill the tank, I go to the pump shed and flip on the power switch to the 220v, 5 HP pump. When the tank is full (usually overflowing by the time I notice), I go...
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