ericatdallas
07-10-2011, 12:09 PM
Okay, hopefully I'm not being too annoying about all my plumbing questions. Thanks for everyone who have been patient in answering them. I feel like a spammer right now :P
Anyway, I've been planning out my water changing system and I'm looking into the solenoid valves now.
Through googling and reading, I've come to the conclusion I can use the following:
1) Old washing machine solenoid
2) A sprinkler system solenoid
3) A generic or brand name one from eBay
#1 has the highest appeal as I'm sure these are manufactured with 'safety' in mind and have proven track record for being reliable.
#2 Just mentioning this, but I've pretty much ruled it out. It's cheap, has 3/4" threads, but they're a little more expensive than #1 and #2. I mention them just to catch people who plan to suggest it, but also b/c I'm open to using them if there is compelling reason that makes it superior to one or two.
#3) Obviously this is everything else. I found a cheap one on eBay but I worry about reliability and leaking. It's spec'ed the way I need it though.
http://cgi.ebay.com/3-4-Nylon-Solenoid-Valve-NPSM-Thread-Control-Water-12V-/110610967406?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19c0ed6b6e
I've been reading up on how other people do it, but I'm a little paranoid, so I have a concept in my head. I haven't quite figure out how I'll control them but I'll probably have it connected to a microcontroller.
As a semi-auto-WC, I plan to have it remote or switch controlled (the latter first probably) with float valves. Off will be the overriding input regardless of source (i.e. I won't be able to force 'on' if the float valves indicate FULL). Also, float valves indicating empty can't override if the switch is off. Will use dual float valves as well.
Water makes me uneasy. It's probably b/c I have very little experience with it and the equipment used to handle it.
While I'm at it. I also stated to look for alternatives (inexpensive) to float valves. I would like to have redundancy, hence two float valves, but I would prefer to use two different technologies (float valve and some other sensor/detection method). At the very least, I plan to use two different manufacturer float valves. Again, I'm paranoid :)
I'm still slightly anxious about the 'Y' I have on the faucet. I'm sure with time I'll learn to trust it.
Anyway, I've been planning out my water changing system and I'm looking into the solenoid valves now.
Through googling and reading, I've come to the conclusion I can use the following:
1) Old washing machine solenoid
2) A sprinkler system solenoid
3) A generic or brand name one from eBay
#1 has the highest appeal as I'm sure these are manufactured with 'safety' in mind and have proven track record for being reliable.
#2 Just mentioning this, but I've pretty much ruled it out. It's cheap, has 3/4" threads, but they're a little more expensive than #1 and #2. I mention them just to catch people who plan to suggest it, but also b/c I'm open to using them if there is compelling reason that makes it superior to one or two.
#3) Obviously this is everything else. I found a cheap one on eBay but I worry about reliability and leaking. It's spec'ed the way I need it though.
http://cgi.ebay.com/3-4-Nylon-Solenoid-Valve-NPSM-Thread-Control-Water-12V-/110610967406?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19c0ed6b6e
I've been reading up on how other people do it, but I'm a little paranoid, so I have a concept in my head. I haven't quite figure out how I'll control them but I'll probably have it connected to a microcontroller.
As a semi-auto-WC, I plan to have it remote or switch controlled (the latter first probably) with float valves. Off will be the overriding input regardless of source (i.e. I won't be able to force 'on' if the float valves indicate FULL). Also, float valves indicating empty can't override if the switch is off. Will use dual float valves as well.
Water makes me uneasy. It's probably b/c I have very little experience with it and the equipment used to handle it.
While I'm at it. I also stated to look for alternatives (inexpensive) to float valves. I would like to have redundancy, hence two float valves, but I would prefer to use two different technologies (float valve and some other sensor/detection method). At the very least, I plan to use two different manufacturer float valves. Again, I'm paranoid :)
I'm still slightly anxious about the 'Y' I have on the faucet. I'm sure with time I'll learn to trust it.