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Denver, CO

I am trying to find a timer that can be set to come on and off every 15 minutes or so, for a duration of 1 to 3 minutes or so, and do this 12 hours of the day. It needs to turn on and off an electric pump I have that draws water from a 50 gallon drum and runs my misters. Anyone see anything like this or have a diffrent idea?

Thanks
ghopson427@yahoo.com

4/2/2008 9:49:30 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

I tried to find a unit like this for misting (temperature control). Most conventional times have a maximum of 4 start times per day (if you're lucky). You might end up modifying a conventional 24VAC irrigation valve by installing a digital delay into the hot wire for the valve(s). Program clock for one start at peak high temp, then intermittent cycles until the shut off event. Now if you also wire in a digital thermostat you'll really have something. I was taking this route when I discovered the valves IU was using took more the entire 30 seconds I had allocated to turn on & off. Smaller valves might have worked (I used Richdel 2400T's) out but I lost interest in the project. It just doesn't get hot enough in CT to worry about.

4/2/2008 11:20:15 PM

Eugene, OR

I have one word, PLC. (Hmm, maybe that's 3 LOL) aka Programmable Logic Controller. For 100 and some change, you can completely eliminate the problems Steve lists above. They make them in both AC and DC power, AC or DC control. To keep it cheap, I personally would stick to a 120VAC powered unit with 12 or 24VDC outputs but it all comes down to what you're controlling and what you have as far as power is concerned. See the DL05 here: http://web1.automationdirect.com/adc/Overview/Catalog/PLC_Hardware?source=msn

Without getting too much into it, the PLC would use one output to close a normally open relay with a 12 or 24V coil which would turn on your pump. Number of start times per day, durations, etc. is almost infinite. Using an analog input or thermocouple input module, you can even have it monitor air temp. so you don't turn the system on unless the temp. is over a certain value of your choice.

If you really wanted to get fancy, you can add a touchscreen so you can display the current time, change the start times, durations, temperature, etc. without a laptop. If you can imagine it, it can be done with a PLC.

I would be willing to program the PLC for you and provide a wiring diagram if you buy the hardware. If you're interested, let me know and I'll email you. Just thought I'd throw the idea out there...

4/2/2008 11:59:06 PM

Colorado

G-

you going to the meeting on saturday? talk to barry and joe. they use an irritrol MC timer with looping capabilities. not sure if it could turn on/off the pump, but should be perfect for the misters.

4/3/2008 9:35:23 AM

Louth , Ireland

What about them electric leaf thingys for controlling misters??I'm trying them this year.Anyone had any experiences with them?

4/3/2008 1:03:31 PM

Colorado

G-
Check out dripworks.com they have a good selection of
timers. They may have one that will work for you...LB

4/3/2008 2:02:41 PM

southwest MO

http://www.horticulturesource.com/product_info.php/products_id/1973

This is a repeat cycle timmer... I think it will do what you want. Its rated 15 amps, not sure how big your pump is. Just plug into a heavy duty appliance timer from wal mart and you control your start and stop times.

4/3/2008 7:18:22 PM

Roblin, Manitoba

I think a PLC system would be pretty sweet. I work on an automated oi/gas well drilling rig and almost all the controls are PLC, as mentioned if you can imagine it, it can be done with PLC. It would be the cadillac of systems I would think.

4/3/2008 8:13:02 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

PLC timer would be perfect. I would take Brian up on his generous offer. You won't find a comparable unit on a store shelf. At least none I've ever seen.

4/4/2008 12:17:12 AM

Denver, CO

Yikes Brian, the PLC looks like I could control an entire farm's irrigation and the city's too. Looks great, but to fancy for me right now. Thanks for the great offer. I think Boy Genius is on the right track for what I need right now. With his start I was able to find a couple of more on the net as well. Thanks for everyone's help.

4/4/2008 4:44:47 PM

Denver, CO

gorwlight, that would be perfect excpet it only controls the water on/off and I need it to control the Water Pump (electric) on/off like a light switch. But I really like the nelson for my other setup! Thanks.

4/6/2008 1:04:30 PM

San Jose garysand@pacbell.net

http://www.hydroponics.net/i/200002 a bit pricey but exactly what you want

does Denver get that hot for that long?

i have designed my own home made system with off the shelf radio shack/home depot stuff. the current version is designed just for 24v valves, but with a little relay could do your pump.

I made it with a thermostat in line so only works above set temp. the problem is finding a timer that will go on/off every 15 min for 12 hours. i have a timer that does 7 on/off cycles per day that i set for the mid day at 1/2 hour intervals.

if you want me to design something for you email me

garysand@pacbell.net

4/8/2008 7:40:12 PM

Santa Rosa, CA.

The Dig 6 Station Misting and Irrigation Timer works great and will run your pump.

http://www.dripworksusa.com/store/controlers.php

bottom of the page

4/9/2008 11:26:32 AM

Denver, CO

garysand,
I ran across the hydorponics timer after making this post and it does seem to be exactly what I need, but I like the one posted by boygenius just as much and it cost $40 less.

Patchmaster,
Thanks for finding that for me. Longbeard tried to point me in the right direction but I couldnt locate it. This is a good timer which would work great. But as above, the one posted by Boygenius is $30 less and will work for me.

Thus I am going to buy this one. http://www.horticulturesource.com/product_info.php/products_id/1973

Thanks for everyones help.

4/9/2008 5:49:22 PM

San Jose garysand@pacbell.net

now put a line voltage thermostat in line so it only turns on pump at certain temp

4/10/2008 8:27:42 PM

Denver, CO

Wow, that sounds pretty cool garysand. I was thinking maybe a photosensor of just good old human power.

4/14/2008 10:55:52 PM