Switches on SL1

[coralfragger101]

Noob here so please respond in layman's terms.

It appears that the switch connections on the SL1 are identical to what is used for the Temp Probe connection.

Can a second Temp Probe be programmed to one of those switches?

What would be some examples of what you could do with those switches?

[tonymac]

You cannot use a temp probe on either of the switch ports. I use switches on an automatic top-off reservoir. One switch senses low water and turns on a pump and the other switch senses the high (full) water level and turns pump off.

[coralfragger101]

Bump......

So what else besides ATO's (mine are all gravity/float valve) could these switches be used for?

[DaveMorris]

Turning on a mister to water the leaves of my mangroves.

[ScottyS]

What kind of switches can be used (I'd like to set up a top-off pump) and where can I get them?

[fareforce]

The ones I like you can get though Auto Top Off.com (http://www.autotopoff.com), and through Float Switches.net (http://www.floatswitches.net).

Autotop off.com has some called a GRI Water Sensors which are really cool for keeping your tank from over flowing, however they need 12 volts to run. So by default they will not work with the RKE, but I believe if you take the 2 positive leads and run through a relay, you can then run the relay wires to the RKE it should work. To my knowledge, the relay shouldn't put voltage through those leads so it should be fine for the RKE but you will want to test it first to be sure.

This is from autotopoff's website about the GRI:

Using no mechanical parts, the GRI Water Sensors are triggered by a moisture bridge across the
sensor contacts. The GRI Water Sensors can be installed to detect a layer of water as minute as 1/16 of
an inch in depth.
Requiring only two wires for signal and power, the GRI 2800 Water Sensor utilizes an open collector
electronic trigger. The sensor simulates a simple dry closure. It can be used to activate a remote signalling
device or it can be wired directly to most alarm panels and some wireless transmitters.


The GRI's would be very handy to keep your tank from flooding. It would be even better if DA would take this cheap little device, and make a water sensor module out of it. (hint, hint DA!)

[Gtstricky]

I was thinking about using my water alarm sensor and putting it on one of the switches. If water is detected I could shut down all pumps.

[Daniel716]

I did just that i used a home depot water sensor and installed a small pcb that drives a relay when the alarm kicks on...

Works very well.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff144/MADMAN770/DSCN5362.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff144/MADMAN770/DSCN5466-1.jpg

[coralfragger101]

I'm starting to get the feeling that you have to be a Master Electrician to use these switches.

Is there any "plug and play" type things that you can do with these switches?

[fareforce]

Normal float switches for auto-top off's, etc just have 2 wires coming off of them. That is what you would use for the RKE. Reaaly easy to hook up to the wires the DA supplied with the RKE.

What we are talking about are more advanced way to make the RKE turn off all pumps if water touches a sensor.

Once I get my tank all the way setup, I will do a few write-ups on different things you can do with the RKE switch ports. Indluding pictures, and how to make them step-by-step.

I am also going to wait for the RKE to get a little more stable before I got and make devices to work with it. =)

If you guys need any help with the switches in the mean time, please let me know!

[ScottyS]

What's a pcb? I don't know what I'm looking at in your 2nd picture.
I think I'll wait till you get your "tank all the way setup, I will do a few write-ups on different things you can do with the RKE switch ports. Indluding pictures, and how to make them step-by-step"
Thanks.

[coralfragger101]

I like pictures.
I like step by step instructions.

Better yet, I'd like you to just come over to my house and do it. :)