I've been looking around at the various bilge pump options for my boat (It has a manual switch pump) and I didn't like what I found. So I decided to build a better mouse trap.:naughty:
The Bilge control is based around an Arduino. This is a self contained, cheap ($25), microprocessor. http://www.arduino.cc/
I added an expansion board ($13) and an RTC (real time clock) ($7).
The bilge level is detected by a Differential Pressure Transducer ($11)
Since the bilge in a 352 is as big as my fist and occupied with the electric pump and hand pump suction lines, there is no room for a conventional switch.
This unit detects a change in pressure when water is added to the bilge.
I can select at what level the pump comes on, how fast it comes on and how long after the bilge is empty that the pump continues to run.
I can also log how many times the pump turns on and at what time.
The next step is to add (already ordered) the cell phone option.
http://www.geekonfire.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7_49&products_id=78
I will then have the option for the bilge pump to call home in the event of a major problem. You could also tie in other boat information, security, to the unit and send that home via a text message.
All this for under a 100 bucks
I love gadgets
Ps: Update: Added Cell phone attachment and tested. works great and easy to program (C++ Language) As I said before you can monitor the security of your boat, ie Battery condition, Hatches open, Bilge condition etc etc.
The Bilge control is based around an Arduino. This is a self contained, cheap ($25), microprocessor. http://www.arduino.cc/
I added an expansion board ($13) and an RTC (real time clock) ($7).
The bilge level is detected by a Differential Pressure Transducer ($11)
Since the bilge in a 352 is as big as my fist and occupied with the electric pump and hand pump suction lines, there is no room for a conventional switch.
This unit detects a change in pressure when water is added to the bilge.
I can select at what level the pump comes on, how fast it comes on and how long after the bilge is empty that the pump continues to run.
I can also log how many times the pump turns on and at what time.
The next step is to add (already ordered) the cell phone option.
http://www.geekonfire.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7_49&products_id=78
I will then have the option for the bilge pump to call home in the event of a major problem. You could also tie in other boat information, security, to the unit and send that home via a text message.
All this for under a 100 bucks
I love gadgets
Ps: Update: Added Cell phone attachment and tested. works great and easy to program (C++ Language) As I said before you can monitor the security of your boat, ie Battery condition, Hatches open, Bilge condition etc etc.
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