Proper way to program the main return pump

[eisaiasjr]

Hello:

I just installed my APEX system for the very first time and I have pretty much configured everything I need so far.

I have 1 question though:

What is the proper way to program the return pump? Should I:

a) Put the outlet on "Locked ON"; or
b) Program it as a "pump" via the wizard?

If A is the correct answer, am I still able to turn this outlet off via a virtual outlet? (to perform automated water changes once per day)
If B is the correct answer, how do I set it up so its always on? I seem to be able to program it so its turns off @ 000:00 and then back ON @ 000:01 (basically it goes off for 1 second)

Best regards,

Estefano

[Shard]

I assume you are doing this via the web interface on the Apex.
(1) Go to the Configuration -> Outlet Setup.
(2) Select the Outlet.
(3) Select Control Type "Advanced".
(4) Enter the following in the text box.


Fallback ON
Set ON
If FeedA 000 Then OFF


Those three lines are what I use.
The first line sets the state of the outlet (on) in case it looses contact with the Apex.
The second line sets the default state, which should be on obviously.
The third line says in the event of Feed A, turn off for the duration of Feed A.
You can obviously add the same line for FeedB, FeedC, FeedD if needed.

Hope this helps.

[eisaiasjr]

Shard:

Thanks for the quick response. I used only the first 2 lines since I dont want the return pump to go off when I am feeding.

With these 2 lines of codes will I still be able to turn off this pump at a later date when I program my "automatic water change" script?

Best Regards,

E

[Shard]

Well.. yes. You would just have to add whatever lines below that.

For example you could create a virtual outlet named something like "WC".
You could attach an on/off switch to say Switch 3 on a BOB (break out box), then program the outlet like this:


Set OFF
If Switch3 CLOSED Then ON


Then you would modify the actual return pump outlet program like this:


Fallback ON
Set ON
If Outlet WC = ON Then OFF


With this programming arrangement whenever you flipped the switch, the pump would turn off until you flipped the switch back the other way.

You could also just use a push button and then use the defer command if you wanted to have it based on time.

[eisaiasjr]

Shard:

Another question...

Is there a way to incorporate a "fallback timer"?

in other words, if I expect my water change script (WC) to take a maximum of 10 minutes, however for whatever reason all the WC steps are not met in a period of 15 minutes sound the alarm!

best regards,

E

[Shard]

eisaiasjr,

Without knowing how many pumps and outlets are involved, and without seeing the "water change script", it is hard to give you a method for this. You need to explain your water change script in more detail, because my mental vision of what you are setting up is a little vague right now

Landon

[eisaiasjr]

Landon:

This is the weekend project. I will create the diagram, mark all the switches, pumps, outlets, etc that are required for this script and post the pics/info.

Tkx again for the help,

Estefano