Contactless level sensor for APEX

androidx1 · Nov 18, 2020

I am thinking about bringing in and modifying some electronic non-contact level sensors similar to what is shown in the below photo. They would hook directly up to the Break out box. The big advantage is they are mounted on the outside of the container/aquarium and thus have no contact with the liquid so less chance of problems compared to the float or even the optic sensors.

im not 100% sure but im thinking they would have a similar price to the optic sensors.

Is there any interest out there for this type of sensor to be used with Apex??

Reefing Madness · Nov 19, 2020

um_fan5 · Nov 20, 2020

androidx1 · Nov 20, 2020

Well........i wasnt thinking strait. They wont hook up to the standard BOB......they would require to be used with an aftermarket BOB that was designed to be used with the optic level sensors you can buy on ebay, amazon, etc.......

androidx1 · Dec 1, 2020

mbertalha said:
Hi androidx1,

how is the project?
very interesting...

Well.......I have them working on my system but you cannot use a BOB becuase there is no power to the BOB and those contactless sensors need power.

Now I guess you could supply a power supply to the sensor seperately, but my feeling is this would not be an ideal set up (too many wires, and not everyone would be comfortable doing). I have it working on a DIY powered breakout box that "Cusereefer" over at the Neptune Systems Community Forum developed. His BOB has two Rows of connections (one powered for use with the optical sensors, and another row non powered for items like regular float switches.).

I'm assuming not many people are using his break out box, so I have to look at the possibility of being able to hook the contactless sensor up to the Apex FMM module. I dont have an FMM module, so I need to do some research to confirm a couple of items to confirm that it will power the contactless sensor appropriately.

by the way...the BOB that Cusereefer developed are Amazing. They are like having an FMM and a standard BOB in one small package. They can run the aftermarket optical sensors which cost a fraction of the apex sensors, and can also run things like float switches, etc. It was a great idea by Cusereefer.....not sure if he is still makeing them or not. Anyway......I once i get some time to do a little research on the FMM module, I will let you know whether this is feasible or not......