AquaController + Float Switch

[original-reefland]

I'm looking for some ideas or perhaps a link if already been done to connect a float switch to the AquacontrollerPro. I don't want to use the Serial port as I expect that to be connected to the PC most of the time. I'd rather use the I/O port.

The manual has a paragraph on this, but not enough details to make something.

[clp]

For the Pro there is you have to use the I/O port. There are not any inputs on the serial connector. See the manual for the pinout of the connector. To hook up a float switch, one wire needs to connect between float switch and ground pin on the I/O connector (#8). The other float switch wire connects to input #1 (pin #1).
A second float switch (or other dry contact) should connect to the ground pin, and input #2.

Curt

[Acroholic]

According to the maunal on the Pro III, pins 3 & 4 can also be used?
Say if float swith was wired to I/O connector (pin#8 to gound) and say (pin#1 to float switch in sump).
How would I use this, to command x-10 controlled transfer pump in r/o holding tank for top off.
I understand how to control the transfer pump with timed or repeat, but how to I use the pump via the I/O command.

[Acroholic]

Can I also use this same conection to signal my CM506 alarm module?

[clp]

Yes, the 3 Pro has 4 inputs so pins 3 & 4 are used for inputs 3 & 4 respectively. The statements for controlling a pump would be something like:

If Switch1 OPEN Then H2O ON
If Switch1 CLOSED Then H2O OFF

Yes, you can make an alarm module go off from the switch inputs as well. You would add something like below to your alarm statements:

If Switch2 CLOSED Then ALM ON

Curt

[Acroholic]

Right On!
Thanks for the promt reply Curt. This format for customer service just reafirms the question I was having regarding which controller I was to go with. I'll be picking your brain for the next month or so till I get everything set up and going....you da man!