Feeding Timer? Need advice.

[rkelman]

I want to build a feeding timer for my Clownfish grow out system. I would like to be able to set a timer for 10 minutes and have it turn the return pump off. Then when the 10 minutes expires it needs to turn the pump back on. I found a thread on AP where the guy made one.
The timer is easy I can get that anywhere. Where do I find this relay he used? What is it called? He's no longer active on the board so I can't get ahold of him. I emailed the address ap has and nothing..

http://home.cogeco.ca/%7Elciraolo/updpics/mini-100_3281.JPG

http://home.cogeco.ca/%7Elciraolo/updpics/mini-100_3284.JPG

http://home.cogeco.ca/%7Elciraolo/updpics/mini-100_3290.JPG

[james3370]

i would think you could maybe find a timer like that at home depot or lowes. looks like one of those turn-timers for lights in a bathroom or such....just have figure out a way to reverse it as those would be closed during the time & for what you are doing you'd want the circuit open

[GreshamH]

I made one like that but using the push button style. I'll dig up the schematic and email it to you :) I'll include what parts I used and where I got them (mainly Mcmaster.com and HD)

FWIW you can get them NO or NC from others have told me but mine is I had to use a relay like above. I love it. I can clik 10, 20, 30 or 60 minutes to turn it off.

[rkelman]

James the timer is not a problem I can get that anywhere. There is no way to change the timer itself so it reverses. You need a relay. Which is the problem..

Thanks Gresham I really appreciate it. What is NO or NC? I love the timer / relay setup. Thanks I'm looking forward to your email.

[GreshamH]

Normally Open
Normally Closed

The relay is readily available as is the mount for it.

[rkelman]

Cool... Go find those schematics now I want to get it built! :)

[rkelman]

Bump.

[BeanAnimal]

You can buy the timers in both NC and NO styles. If you can't find the NC style, then you would use the relay.

Here is how the timer in the photo above works:

The bathroom timer is the NO (Normaly Open) type. When you turn the dial, the contacts are closed the the load (the lamp or whatever) is energized.

To make it work the way you want (NC mode)... You would hook the coil of a 120V relay to the timers output. You would hook the return pump to the relay's Normaly Closed terminal and 120V from the wall to the COMMON terminal. When the timer dial is turned, the contacts close and energize the relay, pulling the relay contacts to tho NO position (that nothing is hooked to). When the timer runs out, the contacts open and the relay is de-energized. When the relay is de-energized, the NC contacts of the relay close and allow the return pump to be powered.

If that does not make sense, then you may want to enlist the help of somebody who is familiar with electricity and relays :)

I do not like the mechanical bathroom timers, so I made my own solid state feeding timer.

http://www.beananimal.com/projects/555-based-aquarium-feeding-timer.aspx

http://www.beananimal.com/media/5400/555-aquarium-feeding-timer.jpg

http://www.beananimal.com/media/4822/555-feeding-timer-schematic.jpg

[rkelman]

Hey BeanAnimal. Thanks for the reply. I do understand how it works. I just don't know where to get the components. Where can I get a NC timer or the appropriate relay? There are so many relays.

Why didn't you just use a NC timer?

[BeanAnimal]

The first circuit uses a DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw) relay to switch BOTH the HOT and NEUTRAL (safer for novices than just switching the HOT). Safety Grounds (middle prong) were left out for clarity

The second circuit is the same, but only uses a SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) relay. One POLE of an DPDT could also be used. Here we are just switching the HOT leg with the circuit.

http://www.reeflogix.com/images/rc/circuits/feed/mechanical.jpg


You can get a suitable relay at Radio Shack
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2049721
http://rsk.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pRS1C-2110712w345.jpg

[BeanAnimal]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15033108#post15033108 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rkelman
Hey BeanAnimal. Thanks for the reply. I do understand how it works. I just don't know where to get the components. Where can I get a NC timer or the appropriate relay? There are so many relays.

Why didn't you just use a NC timer?

I don't like mechanical timers. They make noise, wear out and have to be "twisted". I would just rather push a button. I can adjust my timeout over a much larger range by simply turning a dial.

[rkelman]

Its pretty cool. I don't want to build something that elaborate though. Can you reccomend where I can get a 120v relay? or a NC timer?

[rkelman]

I posted too soon. Thanks :)

[BeanAnimal]

Intermatic Models.... HD, Lowes, Local Supply house or Internet:

Residential grade: (maybe $40 each)
Up to 2 hour = FD32H
Up to 4 hour = FD34H
Up to 6 hour = FD36H

Commercial Grade: (maybe $60 each)
Up to 15 minute = FF315M
Up to 30 minute = FF330M
Up to 60 minute = FF360M
Up to 2 hour = FF32H
Up to 4 hour = FF34H
Up to 6 hour = FF36H
Up to 12 hour = FF312H

[GreshamH]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15033177#post15033177 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rkelman
Its pretty cool. I don't want to build something that elaborate though. Can you reccomend where I can get a 120v relay? or a NC timer?

What he posted is how the picture was made you posted :) Bean sent me the diagram I used.

Thanks Bill, saved me some looking :P

[BeanAnimal]

So you are telling me that if I check my sent emails, I did similar drawings some time ago? I didn't even remember I did that Gresh... if I had, it would have saved me 15 minutes of drawing those silly things this afternoon.

Hows things Gresh, its been a while since I have seen you around. Hows my favorite tree hugger? Did he ever use that actuated ball valve I gave him?

[rkelman]

"What he posted is how the picture was made you posted Bean sent me the diagram I used."

Nah I was refering to the one with the circuit board he made. We posted almost at the same time. :)

[GreshamH]

Ah :) I didn't even see that post :lol: I only caught the last one :D


Tree Hugger? You talking bout me Bill? Not sure who got the ball valve your talking about, remind me :D

[BeanAnimal]

Hehe... your not a tree hugger :) I was speaking about the Prius Pilot (Rich wasn't it?) I gave him that hayward actuated ball valve at Macna XIX... He was all excited but I bet he never got around to using it and I never got around to keeping in touch with him.

[GreshamH]

Ahhh....he's now a full time Aquarist @ Steinhart Aquarium so he's very busy :) He posts under Thales. I'll tell him to contact you. BTW it's an Accord.

BTW my push button timer makes zero noise. I hate those twist ones as well.

http://www.waveplumbing.com/store/images/NEWIMAGES/accessories2_06.jpg

[BeanAnimal]

Accord Hybrid, Prius, Golf Cart... all the same :D I hear that the aquarium is pretty cool.

I looked at the push button nodels but never used one. I would imagine that they make those in double throw as well. In any case, tossing a relay in the mix is pretty simple (and it would appear CHEAPER than the double throw models).

[GreshamH]

I like it. I hit the Tunze button and that and blame, no water movement. Both have their own timer so no more leaving pumps off for a day :)

[rkelman]

I almost killed 1500 fish in my growout tanks by not turning my pump back on. Thus the thread :) Thanks for the help guys.

[GreshamH]

That sucks, good thing you caught it.

Kudos for your breeding efforts :) You doing clowns?

[rkelman]

Ya it almost really sucked...

Thanks. Yes I'm doing Clowns. Darwins.