Using C.A.P AutoDrain As Multi-Flow Controller?

[Stealthy]

Calling all you E&F bucket experts...
Since I already have a green air cycle timer that I can use for the main res pump would it be possible to use the CAP AutoDrain Controller as a multi-flow controller?
Here's a pic...

"If you have better things to do with your time than carrying bucket after bucket of wastewater from your garden to your drain, the CAP AutoDrain Controller is exactly what you need. A float switch automatically triggers your submersible pump when the water reaches a preset level. When the water is gone, it turns itself off! Packaged with two ½” grommets, two ½” connector fittings, and one foot of ½” tubing. The 120-volt CAP AutoDrain Controller is protected by a three-year manufacturer's warranty and is compatible with any submersible pump up to 15 amps (sold separately)."

http://www.wormsway.com/detail.asp?sku=CAD200#

 

[Stealthy]

Come on guys...anyone wanna help me out with this one?

 

[PurplePotion]

Not understanding exactly what you're trying to do. If you explain it a bit better I may be able to help you out :smile:.

 

[Stealthy]

What I'm trying to do is build my own multi-flow system (ebb & flow bucket system). Instead of building my own controller or purchasing a premade controller @ over $300.00 I was wondering if I could use the CAP AutoDrain Controller ($159.00) as my controller unit. I already have a cyclestat timer that I can use for the main res pump (55 gal drum). Wouldn't this be all I need since I have the cycle timer already?
Hope this makes sense. Thanks.

 

[DIGITALHIPPY]

it seams like your idea would work...

let me get this straight...
you plug the CAP controller into the cycle timer. that way every X minutes the CAP starts its thing... that being...what? looks like it will trigger somthing....a pump...? so for X minutes the CAP will make sure that the water is atleast a certin level.... then when cycle timer turns off the water ....goes where? back into the 55gal? sounds like itll stay in the system....

or do you want to use the 55gal to top-off the EBB every X minutes of the cycletimer..??

id like to help. wormsway looks GREAT! i wish i had one near me in CALI...

 

[Stealthy]

Hey Digital,

It says "A float switch automatically triggers the submersible pump when the water reaches a preset level, then turns it off when the water level goes back down."

Here's what I'm thinking...

Plug the main res pump into the cycle timer which is plugged into a wall outlet. The controller pump would be plugged into the controller unit itself and the unit would be plugged into a wall outlet...this is what I hope will happen...

The cycle timer kicks on and starts pumping water from the main res to the controller. From there gravity would slowly fill the controller and all the buckets. After gravity has filled all the buckets (and controller) the float valve in the controller kicks the controller unit/pump on which pumps the water from controller back to the main res. Shortly after that the cycle timer kicks off killing power to the main res pump but the controller pump continues to run until the buckets eventually are pumped empty and the controller float valve lowers and shuts off the controller pump. All is well until the cycle stars again

Only problem is I don't know where the float is located and how high/low it goes. I'm confusing myself

Hope this helps you help me...

think it'll work DH?

 

[PurplePotion]

Sounds like it will work, just make sure you don't outflow the drain pump in the CAP AutoDrain.. could make for a mess.

 

[Stealthy]

Purple,
If I use two pumps that are the same GPH and get the cycle timer set to cut off shortly after the flood then I should be able to avoid any problems. Sound feasible?

 

[PurplePotion]

Sounds good to me. You may want to add an overflow fitting running to a drain or another small reservoir just to be safe.. I'd have to see the unit in person to figure out exactly how I'd do it, but I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out. Next time I'm at Worm's Way (probably this weekend or next week), I'll be able to physically check it out.

 

[Stealthy]

LOL...I was just at WW and forgot to look at one!! Don't know why but I always get scatterbrain when I walk through the door. I usually forget 1/2 of what I go for.
Thanks PP.

 

[PurplePotion]

Haha, I'm the same way when I go in there. There's just so much stuff to look at compared to any other hydro store .. I just get lost looking at everything. Good luck bro.

 

[Budweiser13]

Hey Stealty have you seen this thread http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=6341 I have built a couple of these for some friends and they love them.........

 

[Stealthy]

Yeah I had a look at that thread but I seemed to get lost pretty quick. Besides, I don't have the time to order and wait on all the items that need to be purchased for the build.
It's beyond me at this point.
I'm the kind of guy that won't understand something for years and then someone will explain in a way that clicks with me and I'm like...oh shit that is so easy.
This is probably what's going to happen as soon as I purchase some expensive controller, see how it works and say "aw shit I coulda done that myself".

I'm baked...think I'll hit the sack now. Thanks guys...I expect at least 10 more replies by the morn

 

[dongle69]

Only $238.46 for a nice pre-made...

http://www.humboldthydroponics.com/Greentrees-Hydroponics_Greentrees-Multi-Flow-Controller.htm

 

[Stealthy]

If I don't get a concrete answer from one of the senior E&F bucket members here then I may purchase that one but I'm hoping to get away with using the CAP controller...it's only 159.99!
Thanks for the heads up on that unit dongle69.

 

[PurplePotion]

Stealthy.. Yes, it will work bro! Like I said, just make sure your flood pump doesn't outflow your drain pump.

 

[humble1]

If you're still worried about outflow or overflow it's real easy.
Put a larger pump in the bucket than the one coming from the reservoir.
It sounds stupid, right? How could you go wrong, though?
Peace, Love & Coco

 

[ogatec]

i would get on the horn & call the tech support # for CAP,. im sure they can answer your question. its sounds like a good idea to me. if you get it to work make sure & do a post cause i wanted to build a multiflow myself.

 

[Stealthy]

Humble1,
your right...if the controller pump put out more GPH then there shouldn't be any problems!! I'm gonna try it. I'll post the outcome soon.