Understanding ATO setup on Apex

[Mr.BobDobalina]

I have my RODI plumbed directly to the float valve in my sump. I would like to be able to have something besides the float valve to trigger the RODI unit to turn off when the sump is full. So I am thinking I need a FMM module, solenoid valve, 1/4" flow sensor and optical sensor to make this happen with the Apex? I would plug the FMM into the EB832 and connect the solenoid and both sensors to the FMM. If the water reaches the level of the sensor it will trigger the RODI to turn off, yes? I am trying to wrap my head around it so if you have advice, Id appreciate it.

 

[millered]

No need for the flow sensor, you're only needing to read the water level in the sump and shut it off with the solenoid valve. The FMM module is needed if you have the older Apex unit that does not have it built in, the A3 models all have that already unless you've used up all the available ports.

 

[Mr.BobDobalina]

No need for the flow sensor, you're only needing to read the water level in the sump and shut it off with the solenoid valve. The FMM module is needed if you have the older Apex unit that does not have it built in, the A3 models all have that already unless you've used up all the available ports.

Excellent. Thank you.

 

[Mr.BobDobalina]

I now have the solenoid and the optical sensor set up. Used the wizard to program it, but it's not working. Any idea what could be wrong with the setup?

 

[Tangdora]

Not working as in not turning off? Or not turning on.

 

[Mr.BobDobalina]

Not working as in not turning off? Or not turning on.

RO is not kicking on even when the solenoid is on. The code seemed to work. For example, when the high water level was reached the optical sensor closed and so did the solenoid. But when it was open, no RO was dripping into the sump. It's hooked up inline between float valve and RO output.

 

[areefer01]

May have already seen it but here is a good tutorial on ATO's.
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/neptu...torials-part-3-automatic-top-off-kit-atk.692/

 

[Tangdora]

RO is not kicking on even when the solenoid is on. The code seemed to work. For example, when the high water level was reached the optical sensor closed and so did the solenoid. But when it was open, no RO was dripping into the sump. It's hooked up inline between float valve and RO output.

Is your float still engaged. Your float should be adjusted so that it begins to engage after the water hits the vysrdd CD height of your optical sensor. Also if you’re only using 1 sensor you need to apply additional coding like defers and mins to prevent excess tripping of the solenoid. Something like

Set on.
If highato closed then off
Defer 00:10 then off
Min 030:00 then off

Defer ensure the optical reads the same state for 10 seconds before turning off. If there are ripples in your sump. The min prevent it from turning back on for 30 mins you can set this to whatever but prevent the solenoid from tripping on and off too frequently.

 

[Mr.BobDobalina]

Is your float still engaged. Your float should be adjusted so that it begins to engage after the water hits the vysrdd CD height of your optical sensor. Also if you’re only using 1 sensor you need to apply additional coding like defers and mins to prevent excess tripping of the solenoid. Something like

Set on.
If highato closed then off
Defer 00:10 then off
Min 030:00 then off

Defer ensure the optical reads the same state for 10 seconds before turning off. If there are ripples in your sump. The min prevent it from turning back on for 30 mins you can set this to whatever but prevent the solenoid from tripping on and off too frequently.

Thank you so much. I was reading about the defer codes in the article above, but never thought about only having the 1 sensor. I will try this coding this weekend when I am home to monitor. I am going to adjust the float, as well.

 

[Mr.BobDobalina]

Is your float still engaged. Your float should be adjusted so that it begins to engage after the water hits the vysrdd CD height of your optical sensor. Also if you’re only using 1 sensor you need to apply additional coding like defers and mins to prevent excess tripping of the solenoid. Something like

Set on.
If highato closed then off
Defer 00:10 then off
Min 030:00 then off

Defer ensure the optical reads the same state for 10 seconds before turning off. If there are ripples in your sump. The min prevent it from turning back on for 30 mins you can set this to whatever but prevent the solenoid from tripping on and off too frequently.

Great news! Your code worked and water was flowing. Bad news is the solenoid leaks lol. Get a new one and try again.

 

[Tangdora]

Is your float still engaged. Your float should be adjusted so that it begins to engage after the water hits the vysrdd CD height of your optical sensor. Also if you’re only using 1 sensor you need to apply additional coding like defers and mins to prevent excess tripping of the solenoid. Something like

Set on.
If highato closed then off
Defer 00:10 then off
Min 030:00 then off

Defer ensure the optical reads the same state for 10 seconds before turning off. If there are ripples in your sump. The min prevent it from turning back on for 30 mins you can set this to whatever but prevent the solenoid from tripping on and off too frequently.

Great news! Your code worked and water was flowing. Bad news is the solenoid leaks lol. Get a new one and try again.

Good on the code. Make sure the flow direction on the solenoid is right. Made that mistake before. Won’t fully seal if in the wrong direction