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Author Topic: Asking the question another way - water leak detector design  (Read 7878 times)

BoyntonStu

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Asking the question another way - water leak detector design
« on: January 19, 2011, 07:31:30 PM »
Problem:

Design a simple, least expensive X10 system, that will send an OFF command to a AM486 (etc.)  if a NO or NC (Normally Open or Normally Closed) switch is thrown.

Solution: ???

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Brian H

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Re: Asking the question another way - water leak detector design
« Reply #1 on: January 19, 2011, 07:38:24 PM »
Do you want an AC powered module like a PowerFlash that sends an On with a switch closure and an Off with an open?
Or is an Rf signal with battery operation what you want?

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dave w

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Re: Asking the question another way - water leak detector design
« Reply #2 on: January 19, 2011, 07:59:34 PM »
Quote from: BoyntonStu on January 19, 2011, 07:31:30 PM
Problem:

Design a simple, least expensive X10 system, that will send an OFF command to a AM486 (etc.)  if a NO or NC (Normally Open or Normally Closed) switch is thrown.

Solution: ???


Powerflash PF284 or PSC01  and N.C. contacts. Input B, Mode 3.

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BoyntonStu

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Re: Asking the question another way - water leak detector design
« Reply #3 on: January 19, 2011, 09:57:14 PM »
Quote from: Brian H on January 19, 2011, 07:38:24 PM
Do you want an AC powered module like a PowerFlash that sends an On with a switch closure and an Off with an open?
Or is an Rf signal with battery operation what you want?



Either way will do and as Dave suggests, the PF may be the answer.

I can make a switch open or close if my leak detector sees about 10 drops of water.

This detector does not require any power to operate.

If it is on a wet surface, it switches.

In addition, it can be reset.
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BoyntonStu

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Re: Asking the question another way - water leak detector design
« Reply #4 on: January 19, 2011, 11:09:46 PM »
Quote from: dave w on January 19, 2011, 07:59:34 PM
Quote from: BoyntonStu on January 19, 2011, 07:31:30 PM
Problem:

Design a simple, least expensive X10 system, that will send an OFF command to a AM486 (etc.)  if a NO or NC (Normally Open or Normally Closed) switch is thrown.

Solution: ???


Powerflash PF284 or PSC01  and N.C. contacts. Input B, Mode 3.

"Mode 3: Turns on all Lamp, Wall Switch and Appliance modules set to the same house code and unit code as the interface. When reset, turns same modules off."

When reset, turns same modules off.

Does this mean that when the NC contacts are opened an OFF signal is sent?




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Brian H

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Re: Asking the question another way - water leak detector design
« Reply #5 on: January 20, 2011, 06:15:41 AM »
Yes when the switch, that is NC opens, an Off is sent. When it again closes an On will be sent.
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BoyntonStu

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Re: Asking the question another way - water leak detector design
« Reply #6 on: January 20, 2011, 07:01:30 AM »
Quote from: Brian H on January 20, 2011, 06:15:41 AM
Yes when the switch, that is NC opens, an Off is sent. When it again closes an On will be sent.

Perfect!  This is an efficient whole house leak detection solution; multiple PF284's and a LM485.

(It turns out that a NC switch leak detector mechanism is cheaper to make than a NO mechanism.)

You guys are the best.

If there is a power outage will the PF284's and the LM485 come back to their previous states?

Thank you,

Stu

How to make Cappuccino in 3 Minutes without fancy equipment or steam froth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7zrCUKJu1Y

Enjoy!
« Last Edit: January 20, 2011, 07:43:46 AM by BoyntonStu »
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dave w

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Re: Asking the question another way - water leak detector design
« Reply #7 on: January 20, 2011, 08:42:06 AM »
Quote from: BoyntonStu on January 20, 2011, 07:01:30 AM
If there is a power outage will the PF284's and the LM485 come back to their previous states?

The AM485 (you meant Appliance Module didn't you?). will remain in the same state it was before the power failed. The PowerFlash *should* send an ON or an OFF corresponding to the state of the input terminals at power restoration.- shorted =ON and open=OFF.

I use several PFs but my automation program comes up 5 minutes after restoration so I have never confirmed the PF sends a command at restoration. But I think there are users utilizing PFs to send a power restoration signal. Maybe Brian knows for sure.
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BoyntonStu

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Re: Asking the question another way - water leak detector design
« Reply #8 on: January 20, 2011, 12:07:34 PM »
Quote from: dave w on January 20, 2011, 08:42:06 AM
Quote from: BoyntonStu on January 20, 2011, 07:01:30 AM
If there is a power outage will the PF284's and the LM485 come back to their previous states?

The AM485 (you meant Appliance Module didn't you?). will remain in the same state it was before the power failed. The PowerFlash *should* send an ON or an OFF corresponding to the state of the input terminals at power restoration.- shorted =ON and open=OFF.

I use several PFs but my automation program comes up 5 minutes after restoration so I have never confirmed the PF sends a command at restoration. But I think there are users utilizing PFs to send a power restoration signal. Maybe Brian knows for sure.

I meant LM465.  The Am486 or AM466 will also work.
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dave w

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Re: Asking the question another way - water leak detector design
« Reply #9 on: January 20, 2011, 12:14:05 PM »
Quote from: BoyntonStu on January 20, 2011, 12:07:34 PM
I meant LM465.  The Am486 or AM466 will also work.
You are using a Lamp Module to drive your water valve?
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Brian H

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Re: Asking the question another way - water leak detector design
« Reply #10 on: January 20, 2011, 12:44:55 PM »
As pointed out.

If you loose power the LM465 will default to Off when power is restored.
The appliance modules would be in the same condition when power is restored.

The LM465 is not designed to drive a valve or power transformer.
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BoyntonStu

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Re: Asking the question another way - water leak detector design
« Reply #11 on: January 20, 2011, 01:16:36 PM »
Quote from: Brian H on January 20, 2011, 12:44:55 PM
As pointed out.

If you loose power the LM465 will default to Off when power is restored.
The appliance modules would be in the same condition when power is restored.

The LM465 is not designed to drive a valve or power transformer.

Thanks, very important.

AM 486 it is.  (Don't need 3 prongs as in AM466)
« Last Edit: January 20, 2011, 10:48:53 PM by BoyntonStu »
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dave w

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Re: Asking the question another way - water leak detector design
« Reply #12 on: January 20, 2011, 01:21:41 PM »
Quote from: Brian H on January 20, 2011, 12:44:55 PM
The LM465 is not designed to drive a valve or power transformer.
Makes for pretty smoke though.  rofl
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