Wiring a leak detector to a Apex break out box

[ReefZ1lla84]

So I bought a apex break out box and was curious to see if I can wire up a leak detector to it? Has anyone done this before?

 

[Ranjib]

should be possible. since its a generic digital I/O module. I am not an apex user, lets see if someone else can answer

 

[ca1ore]

Do you mean a purchased leak detector or something you make yourself? I have used thin speaker wire with soldered ends. Attach the wire to the breakout box and place the soldered ends close to each other on a paper towel. If the towel gets wet it makes a connection between the soldered ends and closes the switch.

 

[MSB123]

Do you mean a purchased leak detector or something you make yourself? I have used thin speaker wire with soldered ends. Attach the wire to the breakout box and place the soldered ends close to each other on a paper towel. If the towel gets wet it makes a connection between the soldered ends and closes the switch.

Same here. Super easy.

 

[don_chuwish]

I found that the detection works best with more wire exposed. So my DIY sensors look like this:

 

[ReefZ1lla84]

Wow that looks easy enough I think I have some speaker wire too. So I just need something to absorb water then?

 

[DaneGer21]

I made these about a year ago. I used extra mesh from my ATS. They work great.

 

[ReefZ1lla84]

Is that just plastic u wrapped the wires around? How did u program it into ur apex break out box?

 

[DaneGer21]

Mine is made from a plastic mesh from a craft store. I stripped the wires back and wove them through. At the ends I looped them back and soldered them to themselves to help “hold” the wires in and keeping them from simply sliding out.

Then I’ll insert this command into my return pump programming, my skimmer programming, etc etc...

If Leak1 = On then Off

 

[don_chuwish]

Mine are just wire wrapped around some scrap plastic hunks - HDPE. And electrical tape to hold it together.

 

[don_chuwish]

I have two, so in the alarms:
If Sw1 CLOSED Then ON
If Sw2 CLOSED Then ON

Then in specific devices like skimmer, ATO, and return pump:
If Sw1 CLOSED Then OFF
If Sw2 CLOSED Then OFF

 

[JDowns]

Since your only testing continuity across two leads. Any rain sensor would do the job. You can get them all day long for less than $5.

 

[DaneGer21]

Since your only testing continuity across two leads. Any rain sensor would do the job. You can get them all day long for less than $5.

Absolutely. Here is a screenshot of what I did...

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2631653

 

[BZOFIQ]

I dont think you need line #2 of your programming.

 

[DaneGer21]

I dont think you need line #2 of your programming.

Maybe maybe not, but it’s not hurting

 

[BZOFIQ]

Maybe maybe not, but it’s not hurting

It's not hurting for sure....it just doesn't make sense

 

[HelstonReefKeeper]

So I bought a apex break out box and was curious to see if I can wire up a leak detector to it? Has anyone done this before?

The leak detector is a very basic piece of kit. It's just an open circuit which, when bridged by water, closes the loop and causes an alert to the logic so yes, it should work with the break-out box. FYI: I have not tried this theory however, I did try a float switch on my spare FMM ports and cannibalised an old Modem cable to do so. Works just fine as, again, it only uses two wires (open/closed) to trigger an alert to the logic. Give it a go, if I can help, give me a shout.

Cheers
Alex

 

[HelstonReefKeeper]

Absolutely. Here is a screenshot of what I did...

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2631653

Did very similar, myself and guess what! two years later and a few spills, it still working a treat. I find that Solder does not corrode as badly he factory units so, I also tinned all my factory units with Solder, in my pump room and piece and quiet, since. Strange is that!

 

[Engloid]

I've used the rain sensors on amazon, and they work well.

 

[HelstonReefKeeper]

I've used the rain sensors on amazon, and they work well.

Nice idea, I had not thought of that.