Sprinkler pump controller

jfma · 2007-03-18T01:32:12+00:00

I've had this idea for a while but don't know exactly how to goabout it. I'm thinking of a micro controller of some sort but Ihaven't worked with micro controllers and not sure which one would bebest for this project. I also want to make this project intosomething that I could use on a resume, something . I am anelectronics engineering technician (AS-ET). This is the basics of what I have now. I have a water retentionsystem (55 gallon drums manifold together) that has an MPXV501GP (1.45PSI) to detect the water level in the system. I have a rain sensormounted on the gutter. What I want to be able to do is to turn on the sprinkler pumpafter it hasn't rained for a number of days. I also want the pump tocome on when the system level goes above a narrow high window and offagain below that same window. I also want it to shut down the pump ifit goes below a bottom window and able to come back on above thatlower window when it hasn't rained for the preset number of days. Upper and lower windows could be detected with 2 op amps for theupper and 2 for the lower. I've done something similar to this beforebut was a number of years ago and I can't find the documentation as towhat I did and parts I used. They probably don't make those partsanymore anyway. The newest data book I have is a TI linear volume 3 from 1992. Dothey have hard copy data books any more or they all on CD?

Mar 18, 2007 20 Replies

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BUY a micro-plc!

Something in Hitachi f.ex.

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(or Omron, Allen-Bradley, Siemens )and solve your problem with that. Plus some relays and sensors - of course.

A PLC will allow you to concentrate on solving The Problem instead of working out the details of how to build the tools you might be able to do it with!!!

You will need one with a couple of analog inputs (2), less than ten relay driver outputs and a contactor for the pump. Maybe some blinkenlichte and pushbuttons too. A micro-PLC that size should cost less than USD 300 including the programming software.

Programming micro's is a somewhat academic skill that does not really add value to a CV - experience with real-world systems does add value. Getting a relevant summer job in industry is the best way to spend the time.