Programming Apex Solenoid

LoneStarReef · Sep 29, 2017

I am trying to use an Apex solenoid to fill up my atomatic top off reservoir. I would like to program the solenoid to be open for X amount of time and then turn off. To kick off the refill (open solenoid), I will have an Apex optical sensor at the bottom of the ATO reservor and once the water level goes below the sensor, it will open up the solenoid to start refilling for X amount of time. Obviously, I will need to know how long to leave it open to fill up my reservior and then turn off. As a backup, I will have a float valve on the top of the ATO reservior to manually shut off the flow from the RODI.

My main question is will this work? Also, can I program the solenoid to only be open for X amount of time?

Any critiques of this system are welcome! Or if you want to say how this is a brilliant idea and that I am the smartest person ever, feel free to do that as well....

cilyjr · Sep 29, 2017

I don't know about the solenoid sold by apex but I have an ac120v 100% duty solenoid that can be programmed to run for as much time as you'd like. I'd assume their dc24v system would allow you to program it via a virtual outlet. Maybe ask on the neptune forums as well.

LoneStarReef · Sep 29, 2017

I think you are right about the virtual outlet (I saw a reference to it elsewhere) but I have no idea what exactly that means and how to do it. I will post in the Neptune forums too. Thanks!

cilyjr said:
I don't know about the solenoid sold by apex but I have an ac120v 100% duty solenoid that can be programmed to run for as much time as you'd like. I'd assume their dc24v system would allow you to program it via a virtual outlet. Maybe ask on the neptune forums as well.