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🔌General Home Automation => Automating Your House => Topic started by: djd on June 26, 2009, 04:05:37 AM

Title: Flood Detector from Rain Sensor Controller
Post by: djd on June 26, 2009, 04:05:37 AM

Hi all,

Well I have just been out and purchased a Rain Sensor Controller http://www.winplus.com.au/instructions/HA126%20-%20Rain%20Sensor%20Controller.pdf (http://www.winplus.com.au/instructions/HA126%20-%20Rain%20Sensor%20Controller.pdf) that was made for the Irrigation Kit.

I purchased 10 other lamp modules today and because the other half was rushing me I picked up the wrong module and ended up with a Low Voltage Appliance Module. I was mean to get a Smart Trigger Controller http://www.winplus.com.au/instructions/HA118%20-%20Smart%20Trigger%20Module.pdf (http://www.winplus.com.au/instructions/HA118%20-%20Smart%20Trigger%20Module.pdf) in the hope that I could marry the two devices up and I would have a instant alert Flood detection system.

My original plan was to use the Rain Sensor Controller in reverse, turn it upside down at the appropriate level and when the water came past and triggered the device a x10 signal would be sent to Homeseer triggering a macro announcing that the back room was on flood alert.

I see that the Rain Sensor Controller is 24v where as the Smart Trigger Controller has a maximum of 16v. Hmmm wish I had the answer.

Does anyone have any other ideas how I could utilise the Rain Sensor Controller?

Thanks so much for your help,

Cheers,

Dave

Title: Re: Flood Detector from Rain Sensor Controller
Post by: Brian H on June 26, 2009, 06:30:01 AM

The HA126 Rain Sensor instructions would indicate it is just a Normally Closed Switch that is in series with the common power terminal of the irrigation controller. When the water rises enough to it opens and cuts off the power to the valves. The switches contacts are rated at 24 volts.

The controller HA118 is what we know as a PF284 Powerflash Module and if you where using a Voltage to trigger it.; 16 Volts is the maximum. In your case you have a Dry Closure Normally Closed Switch; so pick the B selection and see if it triggers when the water is above and below the setting.

The instructions for the sensor. Indicate it has a manual test function; so using that test; you can see if it will do what you want. Even before mounting it remotely.

I just reread your post. So the link to the controller HA118 is what you wanted but you bought something else? Did you get the HA117 Low Voltage Appliance Module what we know as a UM506? If that is what you have. It is an output device that turns on and off with an X10 power line command and the HA126 Sensor can not trigger it to send any X10 power line signals.

If I am reading this incorrectly please add data as needed.

Title: Re: Flood Detector from Rain Sensor Controller
Post by: djd on June 26, 2009, 07:21:24 AM

Thanks so much for your reply Brian,

Yes the other half was more worried about getting home so pushed me through the store in record time so I picked up the incorret controller so will make the drive again tomorrow and get the HA118.

Thanks so much for your help on this one, will let everyone know the result but I am in desperate need of an alert system for when the flooding starts. We have had 3 major floods in the area this year alone and even know the house is higher, the runoff from the property causes high water to gather out the back and in the basement.

Cheers,

Dave