Float switch troubles

[The R/C Man]

Everyone,

Well I have installed a solenoid for my RO/DI to top of my tank when the float switch drops a bit. Unfortunately the switch is to sensitive and causes the relay to chatter. I have installed the switch inside a piece of PVC to keep down the water movement to no evail. These switches worked great when operating a pump for topping off. Anyone have any ideas on how to fix it?

Thanks!

 

[wrightme43]

Can you extend the the float out so it is longer and has to travel more to make the switch make a connection? Just a thought.
Also the possibilty of a S shaped arm. It works on race car throttles to give more throw and finer control. HTH in some way Steve

 

[The R/C Man]

Maybe I should have put this link up before. It is a small switch with very little travel.... http://www.floatswitches.net/floatswitch.html

 

[wrightme43]

I looked at it and I am up a tree on this one. LOL I dont know how to wire or make a delay circuit. I would guess that would do, If it had to keep the contacts closed or open for 2 seconds to operate the relay. I just dont have any idea how or what would do that for you. Sorry man. Steve

 

[The R/C Man]

Steve,

A time delay sounds like a good idea... I will try to find a way to do that. In the mean time do you think adding some weight to the float will help?

 

[randythereefer]

I used to have a similar float switch that I got from Granger. It was a little bit bigger but very similar in design. I had to put a cage around mine to make it work without tripping a relay all the time. I felt uncomfortable using 120 through the little puppy so I setup a 12v relay system. Anyways after it got some algae growing on it the problem went away. Another issue I had with it was a snail or urchin would and could make it think it needed to fill indefinetly thus dumping 10 gallons of water on the floor. This was another reason I built a cage around it. I used lighting grate (that white grid stuff) but I think you could use acrylic or something with some slits in it to really reduce any ups and downs. In my case wave action was my worst enemy. I hope this helps.

Randy

 

[DonW]

Turn it over and make it a high level instead of a low level.

Don

 

[wrightme43]

I guess dons way would work, or like you said weight would increase the force needed to move it. I dont know. Steve

 

[The R/C Man]

Don,

You mean flip over the float and then turn the whole switch upside down?

Steve,

If the flip thing doesn't work I might try eclosing the switch with just a couple of holes drilled into the pvc. That should just about eliminate any bobing...