neptune optical sensor with skimmer

[ask499]

I have been trying to set up a optical sensor to cut my skimmer off to prevent the cup from overflowing. I would also like to be notified when it is full. Can someone assist with the programming.

Thank you

 

[blaxsun]

@SuncrestReef

 

[ReefRondo]

Following as I’d love to do this too.

 

[SuncrestReef]

First of all, before discussing the optical sensor idea, I want to point out you're misunderstanding how the Defer timers work. The Apex only allows a single Defer ON and a single Defer OFF per output. It does not execute the Defer delays in sequence with the commands above or below it. Instead, Defer is a global option that is applied after the decision has been made to change the output from off to on, or from on to off. The placement of Defer, Min Time, When, and Fallback do not make any difference in how they behave.

I created this illustration to better explain it:

So your code can be simplified down to this:

Fallback ON
Set ON
If FeedA 030 Then OFF
If Output vFeed = ON Then OFF
If Output Vector = OFF Then OFF
If Skim1 CLOSED Then OFF
Defer 005:00 Then ON

Any of the conditions that tell it to turn OFF will happen right away. But each time it turns back ON, it will always have the 5 minute delay due to that single Defer timer. See my tutorial on Apex Timers for more details:

Neptune Apex Programming Tutorials, Part 2: Timers

Part 2 of a series on learning how to program your Neptune Apex. Today's article is all about timers: OSC, If Time, DOW, Defer, When, and Min Time.

www.reef2reef.com

OK, now about the optical sensor. In general optical sensors are not a good choice for a skimmer. They are very susceptible to false readings if the sensor is dirty, and a skimmer cup is commonly filled with foamy skimmate that will stick to the sensor. Float switches are also a bad choice since foamy skimmate can eventually gum up the movement of the float. The only reliable type of sensor for a skimmer is an air pressure switch connected to a tube. As the skimmate level rises, it causes the air pressure in the tube to increase until the switch is triggered. The skimmate never actually comes into contact with the switch, so it can't get gummed up. I have my skimmer drain into a separate skimmate locker from Avast Marine that's monitored by a pressure switch. It has worked flawlessly for about 4 years now. You could probably incorporate the same air pressure tube into the skimmer cup directly.

 

[xabo]

First of all, before discussing the optical sensor idea, I want to point out you're misunderstanding how the Defer timers work. The Apex only allows a single Defer ON and a single Defer OFF per output. It does not execute the Defer delays in sequence with the commands above or below it. Instead, Defer is a global option that is applied after the decision has been made to change the output from off to on, or from on to off. The placement of Defer, Min Time, When, and Fallback do not make any difference in how they behave.

I created this illustration to better explain it:

So your code can be simplified down to this:

Fallback ON
Set ON
If FeedA 030 Then OFF
If Output vFeed = ON Then OFF
If Output Vector = OFF Then OFF
If Skim1 CLOSED Then OFF
Defer 005:00 Then ON

Any of the conditions that tell it to turn OFF will happen right away. But each time it turns back ON, it will always have the 5 minute delay due to that single Defer timer. See my tutorial on Apex Timers for more details:

Neptune Apex Programming Tutorials, Part 2: Timers

Part 2 of a series on learning how to program your Neptune Apex. Today's article is all about timers: OSC, If Time, DOW, Defer, When, and Min Time.

www.reef2reef.com

OK, now about the optical sensor. In general optical sensors are not a good choice for a skimmer. They are very susceptible to false readings if the sensor is dirty, and a skimmer cup is commonly filled with foamy skimmate that will stick to the sensor. Float switches are also a bad choice since foamy skimmate can eventually gum up the movement of the float. The only reliable type of sensor for a skimmer is an air pressure switch connected to a tube. As the skimmate level rises, it causes the air pressure in the tube to increase until the switch is triggered. The skimmate never actually comes into contact with the switch, so it can't get gummed up. I have my skimmer drain into a separate skimmate locker from Avast Marine that's monitored by a pressure switch. It has worked flawlessly for about 4 years now. You could probably incorporate the same air pressure tube into the skimmer cup directly.

Would this sensor be the same/similar to the one Avast uses for the ATO switch?

Pressure Sensor Tube

Replacement sensor tube for all pressure sensor switches, including our ATOs and Davy Jones' Skimmate Lockers. Comes complete with sensor, 5-6' tubing and John Guest coupler.

www.avastmarine.com

 

[blaxsun]

I'd echo the sentiments about the optical sensors. These even get coated and fail to register in the Neptune DDR reservoirs, which are relatively free of gunk.

 

[SuncrestReef]

Would this sensor be the same/similar to the one Avast uses for the ATO switch?

Pressure Sensor Tube

Replacement sensor tube for all pressure sensor switches, including our ATOs and Davy Jones' Skimmate Lockers. Comes complete with sensor, 5-6' tubing and John Guest coupler.

www.avastmarine.com

Yes, that's half of the setup, but you also need the actual switch that measures the pressure in the tube: https://www.avastmarine.com/products/pressure-switch?_pos=1&_sid=c15f15fa1&_ss=r

 

[ask499]

First of all, before discussing the optical sensor idea, I want to point out you're misunderstanding how the Defer timers work. The Apex only allows a single Defer ON and a single Defer OFF per output. It does not execute the Defer delays in sequence with the commands above or below it. Instead, Defer is a global option that is applied after the decision has been made to change the output from off to on, or from on to off. The placement of Defer, Min Time, When, and Fallback do not make any difference in how they behave.

I created this illustration to better explain it:

So your code can be simplified down to this:

Fallback ON
Set ON
If FeedA 030 Then OFF
If Output vFeed = ON Then OFF
If Output Vector = OFF Then OFF
If Skim1 CLOSED Then OFF
Defer 005:00 Then ON

Any of the conditions that tell it to turn OFF will happen right away. But each time it turns back ON, it will always have the 5 minute delay due to that single Defer timer. See my tutorial on Apex Timers for more details:

Neptune Apex Programming Tutorials, Part 2: Timers

Part 2 of a series on learning how to program your Neptune Apex. Today's article is all about timers: OSC, If Time, DOW, Defer, When, and Min Time.

www.reef2reef.com

OK, now about the optical sensor. In general optical sensors are not a good choice for a skimmer. They are very susceptible to false readings if the sensor is dirty, and a skimmer cup is commonly filled with foamy skimmate that will stick to the sensor. Float switches are also a bad choice since foamy skimmate can eventually gum up the movement of the float. The only reliable type of sensor for a skimmer is an air pressure switch connected to a tube. As the skimmate level rises, it causes the air pressure in the tube to increase until the switch is triggered. The skimmate never actually comes into contact with the switch, so it can't get gummed up. I have my skimmer drain into a separate skimmate locker from Avast Marine that's monitored by a pressure switch. It has worked flawlessly for about 4 years now. You could probably incorporate the same air pressure tube into the skimmer cup directly.

Sincerestreef,

Thanks a lot for your help! I updated that programming with the "defer". I will looking into the air pressure switch.

Thanks!

 

[piranhaman00]

You want a float switch not an optical sensor

 

[ask499]

First of all, before discussing the optical sensor idea, I want to point out you're misunderstanding how the Defer timers work. The Apex only allows a single Defer ON and a single Defer OFF per output. It does not execute the Defer delays in sequence with the commands above or below it. Instead, Defer is a global option that is applied after the decision has been made to change the output from off to on, or from on to off. The placement of Defer, Min Time, When, and Fallback do not make any difference in how they behave.

I created this illustration to better explain it:

So your code can be simplified down to this:

Fallback ON
Set ON
If FeedA 030 Then OFF
If Output vFeed = ON Then OFF
If Output Vector = OFF Then OFF
If Skim1 CLOSED Then OFF
Defer 005:00 Then ON

Any of the conditions that tell it to turn OFF will happen right away. But each time it turns back ON, it will always have the 5 minute delay due to that single Defer timer. See my tutorial on Apex Timers for more details:

Neptune Apex Programming Tutorials, Part 2: Timers

Part 2 of a series on learning how to program your Neptune Apex. Today's article is all about timers: OSC, If Time, DOW, Defer, When, and Min Time.

www.reef2reef.com

OK, now about the optical sensor. In general optical sensors are not a good choice for a skimmer. They are very susceptible to false readings if the sensor is dirty, and a skimmer cup is commonly filled with foamy skimmate that will stick to the sensor. Float switches are also a bad choice since foamy skimmate can eventually gum up the movement of the float. The only reliable type of sensor for a skimmer is an air pressure switch connected to a tube. As the skimmate level rises, it causes the air pressure in the tube to increase until the switch is triggered. The skimmate never actually comes into contact with the switch, so it can't get gummed up. I have my skimmer drain into a separate skimmate locker from Avast Marine that's monitored by a pressure switch. It has worked flawlessly for about 4 years now. You could probably incorporate the same air pressure tube into the skimmer cup directly.

Suncrestreef,

I just plugged in my Avast Marine skimmate locker. This is a beautiful piece of equipment. I got the breakout box that connect to directly to the apex. This is my programming for the skimmer outlet.


Fallback ON
Set ON
If FeedA 030 Then OFF
If Output VFeed = ON Then OFF
If Output Vectra = OFF Then OFF
IF LOCKER OPEN THEN OFF
Defer 005:00 Then ON

 

[SuncrestReef]

Suncrestreef,

I just plugged in my Avast Marine skimmate locker. This is a beautiful piece of equipment. I got the breakout box that connect to directly to the apex. This is my programming for the skimmer outlet.


Fallback ON
Set ON
If FeedA 030 Then OFF
If Output VFeed = ON Then OFF
If Output Vectra = OFF Then OFF
IF LOCKER OPEN THEN OFF
Defer 005:00 Then ON

Looks good!

 

[ask499]

when testing the skim mate locker the problem I am running into is, the "locker" sensor remains in the "closed" position even when it cuts off the skimmer. is there something I am doing wrong?

 

[ask499]

???

 

[DrMMI]

Can the pressure sensor be used with a recirculating CO2 scrubber? I'm concerned that my skimmer will overflow and get into my scrubber canister.