DIY Timer Board

electricbluelizzy · 11-09-2006, 12:05 PM

Hey everybody! Has anyone ever seen someone build a DIY Timer / power board with enough plugs to really time all of TRT equipment? Not really looking for a PLC. Anyone know of any cheap timers you can wire in directly without using the plugs?

Rippey · 11-09-2006, 12:31 PM

Are you looking for 1 timmer to run every thing or a mess of timers to run everything

Rippey · 11-09-2006, 12:40 PM

This is a simple timer with G.F.I. outlets. Use the black wire with the small prong of the 3 prong outlet.

Fly Guy · 11-09-2006, 01:07 PM

like this??

14 outlets 10 of which have their own individual switches...the other 4 are on the timers and the timers each have a manual override so you can flip them on and off easily.

The entire unit is supplied by its own 20 amp breaker in the house main

You said cheap though...........this isnt. Each timer is about $24.

electricbluelizzy · 11-09-2006, 02:50 PM

Rippey: Isn't that one timer running 4 plugs at once? I need a pump cycle, fan cycle and 2 light cycles. I'd also like to have the ability to add later. Each of those cycles run 2 units... Might be able to do it simply.... maybe make 4 units like that or something.... and house it all in a breaker box or something.

FlyGuy: Yes, exactly like that... $75 bucks for timers is cheaper than a PLC. Plus, even if I don't do that I still have to buy the timers. Basically just can't stand the idea of having 8 million wires running through 5 electrical gadgets and 3 power strips in a room full of water equipment... Seems like an accident waiting to happen, so $75 is a lot cheaper than the ER. (yes I understand this is not $75 for project total) This is all built under my stairs, so I can put wiring in the walls if I need to. Its all pretty permanent. Have the dedicated breaker, have lots of electrician friends. Husband works construction. Looks very doable.

What type of timers did you use? Do have have any build specs? Did you buy all that stuff at an electrical supply place or what?

Thanks! Thats exactly right! If nothing else I could at least print the photos so these guys have an idea of what I want....

Fly Guy · 11-09-2006, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by electricbluelizzy

FlyGuy: Yes, exactly like that... $75 bucks for timers is cheaper than a PLC. Plus, even if I don't do that I still have to buy the timers. Basically just can't stand the idea of having 8 million wires running through 5 electrical gadgets and 3 power strips in a room full of water equipment... Seems like an accident waiting to happen, so $75 is a lot cheaper than the ER. (yes I understand this is not $75 for project total) This is all built under my stairs, so I can put wiring in the walls if I need to. Its all pretty permanent. Have the dedicated breaker, have lots of electrician friends. Husband works construction. Looks very doable.

I didnt design or build the unit...........my father did. Its about $200 total in parts, but it is definitely one of the sweetest pieces of reefing equipment i own.

Its pretty straightforward. line in to 6 different fuse boxes appropriately gauged for whatever load they are going to then out to either the timers or the sockets....... Everything used can be picked up at any electrical supply store. You could save a few bucks by using a little cheaper components......he didnt cut any corners.....

koko · 11-09-2006, 03:23 PM

This was my approach to the problem

Serial box $70
Old Computer $free
assorted outlets and wiring $50

see toward the bottom of the thread:
http://thereeftank.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59821

electricbluelizzy · 11-09-2006, 03:37 PM

Koko... Using the old computer is a great idea, I have about 4 of those sitting around... Trouble is, I don't trust them not to lock up at any given moment, hence 4 unused half-*ssed computers... If I can't use them for work b/c they are unreliable, I really don't want my expensive fish & corals relying on them. BTW, how much did that relay run you?

Fly Guy: Great! Your dad did it... I'm gonna get somebody else to do it for me too - don't trust myself not to burn the house down.

Maybe I'll wire it all up and have somebody check behind me. Anyway, it sure helps me to have pictures.

I explained what I wanted and they said "Sure, it can be done... I just can't exactly picture what you are going for." Thanks for connecting the dots! We have a great electrical supply place, plus I'm in good with all the construction guys so I get parts cheap!!