UPDATE: 10/14/03
Well, I used the X-10 controller to make it so the fans in the canopy only come on with the lights, and I am down to filling the reservoir about 2 times a week.
It has kept the sump level very stable and is working very well...a major headache solved.
I wanted to put up a couple of picturs of how I mounted the float switches. The float switches are mounted in a section of 2" PVC pipe
by cutting a slot in two sides and putting in a predrilled flat piece of PVC through the slots. The floatswitch is mounted in the drilled hole.
The ends of the PVC are open, this allows the water level to fluctuate with the sump water level, but stops any wave issues. I also used nylon
blots to mount the 2" pipe onto sections of 1/2"pvc with a side cutaway. I can raise and lower the levels with the nylon bolt. Finally, the
1/2" pvc has three 90 degree elbow connectors at the top...this is to make a "clamp" that holds the side of the sump...no permanent mounting.
Overall, it worked out great....here is a shot of the two level switches fully mounted in their rigs, and the reservoir "failsafe" is the one with
the T connector on top...the fail safe just hangs down from the lid of a rubbermaid tote...the T connector just holds it in place.
This is a better view of how the switches are mounted...tough to take a picture..the white pvc reflects too much light. You can see the nylon bolts used to hold position on the cutaway 1/2" pvc as well....
I guess that about sums up this project...I have had a couple of people write and ask if I had preassembled units. Currently I do not, but
if there is enough interest I might have some made.. Also, please let me know if you want a bare PCB or the programmed chips.
Thanks...SWN