Opinions on this controller

[BigFoot]

I’m looking for a simple analog controller that has ‘dead end’ facility to protect the pump etc

im planing on getting this one or similar. Anyone got this one or opinion on it or can direct me to another analog one.

cheers!

 

[Iron Giant]

As far as I know most if not all controllers are just re-branded spring controllers @Ian Sheppard please correct me if I am wrong, I would have said go with https://da-components.com/product/digital-flow-controller/, unfortunately, the website is down for maintenance you could message Darren on https://www.facebook.com/DAComponents/  I don't have one but I have heard good things about them. 

 

[Nudel]

Anyone know how they do the dead end protection in these? 

One would assume it's a current sensor type of thing, but I can't find a drop in current sensor module with analogue control.

Would be interested in getting my hands on one to dissect it, if someone has a broken one laying around.

I think I would like to try to add a current sensor and read it with an Arduino to make a cheap DIY solution.

 

[Skxawng]

Anyone know how they do the dead end protection in these? 

One would assume it's a current sensor type of thing, but I can't find a drop in current sensor module with analogue control.

Would be interested in getting my hands on one to dissect it, if someone has a broken one laying around.

I think I would like to try to add a current sensor and read it with an Arduino to make a cheap DIY solution.

I'd have thought they'd have used a hall effect sensor.

 

[Ian Sheppard]

I'd have thought they'd have used a hall effect sensor.

Anyone know how they do the dead end protection in these? 

One would assume it's a current sensor type of thing, but I can't find a drop in current sensor module with analogue control.

Would be interested in getting my hands on one to dissect it, if someone has a broken one laying around.

I think I would like to try to add a current sensor and read it with an Arduino to make a cheap DIY solution.

The V11 digital and analogues are in effect looking at current draw by the pump to know when to dead end. There is more to it than that most of which goes well over my head.

 

[Nudel]

The V11 digital and analogues are in effect looking at current draw by the pump to know when to dead end. There is more to it than that most of which goes well over my head.

That's what I thought. Wonder if they use a custom chip, or program a standard one.

Here is a current sensor you can hook up to an Arduino. The issue I have found when researching is the 30A version might give a too coarse output to be able to detect the relatively small difference we need for our use case. The ideal version would be a 10A type but I can't seem to source that.

I'd have thought they'd have used a hall effect sensor.

That would also work, but you would need to have the sensor mounted on the hose somewhere, and they don't do that.

It also adds another mechanical connection point to the system, thus another potential failure point. And it might reduce the flow rate somewhat, but that could be miniscule.

I've contemplated using a hall effect sensor on my RO to calculate waste/pure ratios, but they supposedly aren't accurate enough when water is moving slowly.

Edit: Sorry, just found out you can use a hall effect sensor directly up to a cable and measure current. I did not know that is how it worked. The only types I've seen before are the type with an impeller where the hall effect sensor registers the movement. Like this.

 

[Adman]

I have that controller, worked for two years without issue.  And yes it senses when I turn the univalve on and stops pumping

 

[BigFoot]

I have that controller, worked for two years without issue.  And yes it senses when I turn the univalve on and stops pumping

Cheers,Thanks for posting.

 

[Adman]

No worries.  The only issue I have is the **** spins around a little bit on the spindle so I have to keep aligning it to zero.  Easily sorted with a blob of glue, just haven't got around to it

 

[doug atkinson]

I fit these on our trolley systems and I know one company that uses them on all their vans. It’s easier for his employees. Not a bad little controller.