Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[jethrotullag]

I would like to install an X10 system to signal a functioning safety circuit for an CENTER PIVOT IRRIGATION SYSTEM, specifically  the corner unit safety circuit.

The total length of the system is 1,200 to 1,400 feet. The signal could be sent down an unswitched 120 AC volt wire or one of three unswitched 480 volt 3 phase wires.  Both cases would have unbroken neutrals.

At the X10 transmitter end when the corner unit safety is engaged a 120 volt relay is engaged. I would like to pick up this 120 volts as an activation signal to turn on the X10 transmitter and send the signal down the line to the control panel. Then the X10 receiver would turn on an LED light indicating the system is operational. Both end electronics are enclosed in water proof boxes.

Also water proof junction boxes are available every 200 feet if a booster or signal cleaner is needed.

I would like to keep the system simple. However if the technology available requires a step down of the signal to the transmitter to 5 to 20 volts AC or DC that process is doable.

I would like the LED light to be on as long as the safety latch is engaged.

120 volts or 5 to 20 volts AC or DC would also be available at the LED end.

I am quite excited that this project could save hundreds of dollars in trouble shooting and help myself and other irrigated farms optimize yields thereby saving water and fertilizer.

HERE IS A PICTURE OF A CORNER UNIT ON A CENTER PIVOT IRRIGATION SYSTEM

http://az276019.vo.msecnd.net/valmontstaging/irrigation---optimized-images/irrigationproducts_2_rotator_web.jpg

[dhouston]

X10 is not the best way to do this. The X10 PLC signal is not continuous but only exists for about 1/2 second when activated.

Do a web search on industrial powerline communications and you will likely find systems that are more applicable and more reliable.

[Brian H]

The industrial communications mentioned would be better.

You could use a 120 volt wall wart or transformer. To get a low voltage to trigger a PowerFlash module. It would send an X10 On when the voltage was applied and an Off when the voltage dropped. It could also be triggered with a dry contact from a 120 volt AC relay triggered by the safety voltage.

The receiver end could be a appliance module. That turned On and Off the indicator light.
A hard wired X10Pro XPFM could also be used for the receiver.

I also would not count on an X10 signal power line being a 100% reliable. Especially if some of the irrigation devices are electronic and  make power line noise or are signal suckers.

[jethrotullag]

Thanks!!!!!!!!!