Aquacontroller - Useful Items

[cameron]

For those that want to use switches with their Aquacontrollers, try these:

Water Sensor: http://www.smarthome.com/7160.html">http://www.smarthome.com/7160.html</a>
Float Switch: [IMG]http://www.aquahub.com/store/index.html">http://www.aquahub.com/store/index.html</a>
Contact Switch: [IMG]http://www.smarthome.com/7352.html">http://www.smarthome.com/7352.html</a>

Another switch useful for some is a simple wall switch. A wall switch can turn on and off programming in the AC unit which might be of interest to some people.

External Alarm: [IMG]http://www.marinedepot.com/ps/ps_ViewItem~SearchStr~~action~view~idProduct~XT1151~idCategory~FITEMOAC~category~Neptune_CM506_Alarm_Module_Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies_Testing_Equipment_Monitor_Equipment_Accessories~vendor~.html">http://www.marinedepot.com/ps/ps_ViewItem~SearchStr~~action~view~idProduct~XT1151~idCategory~FITEMOAC~category~Neptune_CM506_Alarm_Module_Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies_Testing_Equipment_Monitor_Equipment_Accessories~vendor~.html</a>

For the AC3 guys with built in ethernet that need a wireless connection... DLink, Linksys, Netgear, Belkin and a variety of other manufactorers make "Wireless Ethernet Adapters" or "Wireless Game Adapters". A personal favorite of mine is the Linksys WET11 which isn't made any longer, but can usually be found on ebay for under $50.

Mounting. You can use simple velcro or 3M Command Picture Hanging Strips. Another possibility is using a windshield mount, but I haven't found one the appropriate size yet. I haven't tried one of these, but this or something similar should work: [IMG]http://www.clearlds.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=85&idproduct=345#details">http://www.clearlds.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=85&idproduct=345#details</a>

 

[cameron]

Another set of mounting options include a variety of enclosures from

 

[justonemoretank]

Awesome Cameron! Thanks for the links. I will need to look over this and get some of this ready. Tell me your thoughts on the BreakOut Box. I ordered that as well.

 

[cameron]

The breakout box just simplifies the wiring to the Aquacontroller. If you don't mind soldering a couple connections, you don't need it. That said, I think it is a time saver. I am trying to find a cheaper alternative to the water sensor myself. I was thinking of taking a cheaper unit and splicing into its speaker circuit to see if it would work.

I am probably going to get an extra float switch and hook it up to my sump so that when the water level drops to a certain point my alarm goes off and my return stops pumping.

I also thought the contact switch would be handy to turn on/off lights whenever the cabinet doors are open/closed.

 

[schwaggs]

Cameron;50913 wrote: I am trying to find a cheaper alternative to the water sensor myself.

How about this http://www.homesecuritystore.com/ezstore123/DTProductZoom.asp?productID=608">http://www.homesecuritystore.com/ezstore123/DTProductZoom.asp?productID=608</a>

I have a couple of these waiting to go in...

 

[cameron]

Looks like it should work. Will have to order me a couple and try them out. Certainly cheaper than the over priced WB200.

 

[schwaggs]

The only tricky part about them is they are designed for alarm systems which use 12V switch legs so they expect to be powered by the signal wires. The sensor includes a schematic to get around this. Expect to have to provide it 5-12V from a wall wart or something like that...

 

[cameron]

The relay from the AC3 has to put out some voltage, but I doubt it is enough. Maybe a simple 9V battery to keep it simple. Probably will power it for a good long time.

 

[cameron]

Battery backup using a 9V... just need a 9V, mini-plug and a 9V battery connector like this: