Using Low ATO to shut off return pump

[NMTX]

I'd like to use my lower (of the dual float setup) ATO float switch to shut off my return pump on port 8 when the float is in the lowered position for more than 5 minutes. I think I'd prefer it stay off until cleared out manually. This would take care of cases where the ATO pump has died or the skimmer overflows, and the return section gets low, leading to pump cavitation.

Thanks!

[rimai]

I didn't follow.
Are you using dual setup as in StandardATO?
http://forum.reefangel.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=240
Or you are using SingleATO on the High ATO port and want to use the Low ATO port to turn pump off?
If you are doing the latter, there is no need for the low switch to be used at all. The function already provides a timeout and the low port would never be reached, unless you are draining the sump.

[NMTX]

I am using the StandardATO setup.

I'm just thinking that there may be cases where for whatever reason the ATO timeout would trip because there wasn't enough time to get the upper float in the up position, but the lower float would be in the up position. In that case, it would be fine in my setup for the return to continue on running. If however, the lower float stays down longer than X period (I just randomly chose 5 minutes), I'd like the return shut off. It's just another failsafe.

[rimai]

I'm still confused.
If the lower float is down, you are already in the ATO cycle and the timeout is already counting.
The timeout countdown starts the minute the pump turns on.
So the 5 minutes would never happen. The timeout would've turned the pump off and flagged it as ATO timeout.

[NMTX]

The ATO pump, yes, would shut off at the defined period, but that's not what I'm hoping to do here.

I'm wanting to use the lower float to shut off the return pump after a defined period where the lower float is in the down position, irregardless of what is going on with the ATO.

Is this just something that will have to be done with a separate float and the I/O box?

[rimai]

I think we can do it with what you have, but I'm just trying to understand exactly what you want.
Here is the scenario I see:
Water evaporates and your ATO kicks in. For whatever reason, the ATO times out. and turns ATO pump off.
How long will the controller be unattended if the ATO gets flagged?
How long would it take for water to evaporate and bring down the level to where the return pump would cavitate?
Maybe it is just because I keep my water level high and I can see a scenario that this would be useful. In my case, it would take about 48 hours of water evaporation without ATO for my return to cavitate.
If my ATO timed out. I wouldn't want to leave my tank unattended for 48 hours.
Now, if you think it would still be useful for your application we can try to make it work. I think it can be done.

[NMTX]

Yeah, that's the gulf in our understanding. My sump is pretty small, and the return section will get low enough that the pump will create an air vortex when the water level is within a few inches of the pump. It only takes 12 hours from one ATO cycle to the next, and maybe another few until the pump cavitates due to the vortex. For reasons to do with the workings of the sump, it is difficult to raise the water level up much more.

I completely agree, you wouldn't want to be away too long, but I'm off at work long enough for this to a possible issue. I don't anticipate needing this often, but I'm hoping it could avert problems in certain instances.

Thanks for your help.

[rimai]

Try this:

Code: Select all

#include <Salinity.h>
#include <ReefAngel_Features.h>
#include <Globals.h>
#include <RA_Wifi.h>
#include <Wire.h>
#include <OneWire.h>
#include <Time.h>
#include <DS1307RTC.h>
#include <InternalEEPROM.h>
#include <RA_NokiaLCD.h>
#include <RA_ATO.h>
#include <RA_Joystick.h>
#include <LED.h>
#include <RA_TempSensor.h>
#include <Relay.h>
#include <RA_PWM.h>
#include <Timer.h>
#include <Memory.h>
#include <InternalEEPROM.h>
#include <RA_Colors.h>
#include <RA_CustomColors.h>
#include <RF.h>
#include <IO.h>
#include <ORP.h>
#include <AI.h>
#include <PH.h>
#include <WaterLevel.h>
#include <ReefAngel.h>

unsigned long lastATOcheck=now();

void setup()
{
  ReefAngel.Init();  
  ReefAngel.Relay.On(Port8);
}

void loop()
{
  if (!ReefAngel.LowATO.IsActive()) lastATOcheck=now();
  if (now()-lastATOcheck>300) ReefAngel.Relay.Off(Port8);
  ReefAngel.ShowInterface();
}

[NMTX]

Excellent. I'm out the door to work, but I'll try when I return from work and will let you know.

Thanks, sir.

[NMTX]

It worked as expected. The pump turned off after the elapsed time, and it stays off until the unit is powered off and back on. This is no problem since this "feature" is something I hope won't be needed in the first place, but will be there in case. Like right now as I'm trying dial in my skimmer and it overflows to its external holding container (because I still haven't got it set right) while I'm gone and my wife has to deal with it! Ha, err, oops...

Thanks again.