DIY Optical Sensor Outlet???

[Coastie Reefer]

So, I have way too many tanks to go out and buy off the shelf ATOs. I know how to build a simple float switch relay, and may end up going that route, but I'd like optical sensor a lot better.

Anyone have a decent guide for a diy version of this?

https://premiumaquatics.com/product...MItMHZqIz74gIVBcpkCh3ICg-jEAQYBCABEgK_CfD_BwE

 

[Big G]

Bump

 

[Michael Lane]

It's not too complicated, but the optical sensor does require a different approach than the float switch. Do you have a link to the optical sensor you'd like to use?

 

[Coastie Reefer]

It's not too complicated, but the optical sensor does require a different approach than the float switch. Do you have a link to the optical sensor you'd like to use?

Looking at something like this but I’m also open to suggestions.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Optical-In...873375?hash=item1a7b9a831f:g:JHkAAOSw0kFaychw

 

[Gareth elliott]

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/r...tank-controller-based-on-raspberry-pi.289256/

Can take a look at this thread, not just an ato but a full controller if handy enough. The ato and temperature functions were actually all i ever got 100% setup when i made on lol

 

[Coastie Reefer]

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/r...tank-controller-based-on-raspberry-pi.289256/

Can take a look at this thread, not just an ato but a full controller if handy enough. The ato and temperature functions were actually all i ever got 100% setup when i made on lol

Cool. Just started looking at the ato and temp setups. My initial question is, do you need a Pi for each unit or can run each circuit on a single Pi?

 

[Gareth elliott]

Single pi can control everything. Just need more advanced circuitry the more you add. The program is rather straight forward. I stink at electronics so mine is a retro pie nitendo games now

 

[Chuk]

Optical sensor is basically the same as a float switch with the minor detail of needing power in addition to the switching circuit. Each sensor is a bit different my voltage and current wide but the wiring is basically the same. You can wire the switching circuit to a SSR or a dpdt relay and switch an outlet as usual. The loop power is typically a 12v dc circuit so red and black off a little 12v power transformer should do.

 

[AquaRaider44]

Hello, I would just use a Reef-Pi and control everything with one unit. I currently have a massive complex Reef-Pi with about everything you can add and more. Works great I love it.