Apex DOS DIY level switch?

markstubb · Feb 12, 2020

Where’d you source the non contacts? I am definitely not in love with the opticals. They **** the bed pretty easy and MTBF is absolutely enormous. I’ve had some fail in a few weeks, others working fine for years. For example, I have 4 between two different RO storage vessels. On one of the storage containers, both sensors have failed at least once. On the other - been running fine for 4 years. The opticals in salt absolutely don’t last very long. The mechanicals are much more reliable.

androidx1 · Feb 12, 2020

markstubb said:
Where’d you source the non contacts? I am definitely not in love with the opticals. They **** the bed pretty easy and MTBF is absolutely enormous. I’ve had some fail in a few weeks, others working fine for years. For example, I have 4 between two different RO storage vessels. On one of the storage containers, both sensors have failed at least once. On the other - been running fine for 4 years. The opticals in salt absolutely don’t last very long. The mechanicals are much more reliable.

I actually didnt buy them.....my brother found them...im pretty sure he found them on amazon, but i think u can find them on ebay as well....just make sure u get the one in the pic....there are several versions and he said it had to be that one.......i did a quick search on amazon and it seems to come up....not sure if they are comming from the usa or china..if china...might be a priblem getting them right now with this crazy corona virus problem........

bozo · Feb 20, 2020

Just curious.

Which parts do I need to buy on top of the board?

The diodes and connectors ?

Thanks

JVU · Feb 20, 2020

TheHarold said:
You are fancy! I just used a generic 1mm header, some heat shrink, and shoved it in LOL.

Do you have links or other help on where you found the wired male/male plug and the resistor? Or the full male plug with individual wires? I went to several local electronics and computer supply stores with no luck.

TheHarold · Feb 20, 2020

JVU said:
Do you have links or other help on where you found the wired male/male plug and the resistor? Or the full male plug with individual wires? I went to several local electronics and computer supply stores with no luck.

That’s not something you can find With the resistor already there, I made it myself. Generic arduino wire, resistor, some heat shrink.

JVU · Feb 20, 2020

TheHarold said:
That’s not something you can find With the resistor already there, I made it myself. Generic arduino wire, resistor, some heat shrink.

Oh, I realize you put it together! I meant the parts. The wired 1 mm plug and specific resistor is what I was looking for. I guess I’ll just wastefully buy a big batch of resistors and full 6-pin plug online.

TheHarold · Feb 20, 2020

JVU said:
Oh, I realize you put it together! I meant the parts. The wired 1 mm plug and specific resistor is what I was looking for. I guess I’ll just wastefully buy a big batch of resistors and full 6-pin plug online.

Its just generic arduino header. Most definitly the wrong connector to use, but hey, it fit.

androidx1 · Feb 21, 2020

iammrhappy said:
Just curious.

Which parts do I need to buy on top of the board?

The diodes and connectors ?

Thanks

The actual board was supplied by Cusereefer. and to get the non contact sensors to work, you actually remove the two diodes on the board.
Not sure if that answers your question.

bozo · Feb 22, 2020

androidx1 said:
The actual board was supplied by Cusereefer. and to get the non contact sensors to work, you actually remove the two diodes on the board.
Not sure if that answers your question.

Gotcha.

Yea I saw his link to osh park with the board, but I'm not sure what comes with the board we get from him.

I've circled the parts that I'm not sure if it comes with the board or if we need to buy all of these individual parts.

My goal is to ultimately replace my current Break out box and use optical switches for ATO pump and RODI tank.

Thanks!

androidx1 · Feb 22, 2020

He is/was selling the boards with all the components included. he had two ways to order it.....one with the board already built, and another where he supplied everything, but you had to solder the components on.

He mentioned possibly making a new board that can use all three versions (Optical, mechanical, and non contact). but if you only want to use the optical then the board would work for you as is.

androidx1 · Feb 22, 2020

androidx1 said:
He is/was selling the boards with all the components included. he had two ways to order it.....one with the board already built, and another where he supplied everything, but you had to solder the components on.

He mentioned possibly making a new board that can use all three versions (Optical, mechanical, and non contact). but if you only want to use the optical then the board would work for you as is.

It also included the power supply

bozo · Feb 22, 2020

androidx1 said:
It also included the power supply

You’re a god amongst men.

Thanks so much for your response!

Purchasing now

androidx1 · Feb 22, 2020

tell that to my wife!!!

bozo · Feb 22, 2020

androidx1 said:
tell that to my wife!!!

Hehe!

Another question.

When I add the board to the cart, why does it say I added 3 for $23?

Also do you know how I can have the option to receive it already built ?

Thanks !

androidx1 · Feb 22, 2020

what you are looking at is just the board only. When I purchased it, I bought the board and all the components from the following link. Though I think you should contact Cusereefer before you purchase to make sure he is still selling them.

APEX Optical Sensor BOB Kit

This form is used for signing up for the waiting list for my PCB assembly that allows you to connect up to 5 ebay optical sensors to your Apex IO port. By filling this out you are not committing to a purchase. As kits are available I will message you via the neptune or reef2reef forums to...

docs.google.com

bozo · Feb 23, 2020

androidx1 said:
what you are looking at is just the board only. When I purchased it, I bought the board and all the components from the following link. Though I think you should contact Cusereefer before you purchase to make sure he is still selling them.

APEX Optical Sensor BOB Kit

This form is used for signing up for the waiting list for my PCB assembly that allows you to connect up to 5 ebay optical sensors to your Apex IO port. By filling this out you are not committing to a purchase. As kits are available I will message you via the neptune or reef2reef forums to...

docs.google.com

I just filled the form and also tried to dm him but it looks like r2r blocked private dms.

TheHarold · Feb 23, 2020

iammrhappy said:
I just filled the form and also tried to dm him but it looks like r2r blocked private dms.

Yup. My guess is powerful people did not want him making these

bozo · Feb 23, 2020

TheHarold said:
Yup. My guess is powerful people did not want him making these

Is there another method to getting this board ?

Anyone selling their board ?

Lol

androidx1 · Feb 23, 2020

I sent him a note over on neptunes apex community...lets see what he says

Worst case is u get the board and buy the compone ts at mouser or other...

androidx1 · Feb 23, 2020

iammrhappy said:
Hehe!

Another question.

When I add the board to the cart, why does it say I added 3 for $23?

Also do you know how I can have the option to receive it already built ?

Thanks !

If you find that Cusereefer is no longer selling them, and you have no means to do the soldering of the board, I can offer to solder the components for you......You would have to send me the board and components and I can get it all soldered up. I am sure you can get the components here:

https://www.mouser.com/