Water Flow Sensor

[ChrisC]

Hi All,

I'm new to the robo-tank community and extremely impressed with what Rob has created. I just ordered a kit which I am excited to start playing with. I have a question regarding installing a water flow sensor. Is is possible to connect a flow sensor and generate an alarm/web alert if the sensor indicated either no flow or a drop below a set amount. I have a pump with an automatic shut off on it (Deepwater Aquatics BLDC5 DC Brush-less Water Pump) and I am a little concerned if it shuts off while I'm not around. As a secondary question would it be possible to control the speed of the pump via the controller? The pump is DC and has a controller with it that allows six different speed settings.

Thanks
Chris

[Rob F]

Hi Chris, thanks for the kinds words. Today its not setup for a flow sensor but I have one waiting for me to add. I'm glad you brought it up because these are the little things I want to add. I have a plan now to control all these different sensors so when I get back I'll be digging into it.

I looked up the pump, does look like a nice one. What I read said it was going to be compatible with Apex so no reason I can't get it working on this. I couldn't find any info on how it changes speeds but I assume it uses a signal since the Apex will work with it, if it's voltage related then they'll have some kind of converter for the Apex that can be used. If you know of any links showing cables that connect it to Apex or the likes I'll take a look.