Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: A-W-C on November 18, 2013, 04:15:20 pm

Title: cheap pump controller
Post by: A-W-C on November 18, 2013, 04:15:20 pm
Hi,just wondering if any of you recon this woud work ?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DC-12V-8A-LED-Light-Strip-Dimmer-Adjustable-Bright-Controller-Single-Color-/151100387543?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Lighting_Parts&hash=item232e48f0d7

Title: Re: cheap pump controller
Post by: jarvy on November 18, 2013, 04:47:15 pm
May work, I think the amp draw on sureflo pumps is around 7. Worth trying one to see.
Title: Re: cheap pump controller
Post by: A-W-C on November 18, 2013, 05:02:14 pm
Thanks Jarvy,for that price its worth a shot,i want fit a flow controller on a 33L trolley with a small pump not shurflo
Title: Re: cheap pump controller
Post by: Spruce on November 18, 2013, 05:22:01 pm
Hi,just wondering if any of you recon this woud work ?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DC-12V-8A-LED-Light-Strip-Dimmer-Adjustable-Bright-Controller-Single-Color-/151100387543?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Lighting_Parts&hash=item232e48f0d7



A dimmer switch isn't suitable as a controller. You need to find something with PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) which will be more expensive.
Title: Re: cheap pump controller
Post by: A-W-C on November 18, 2013, 06:40:17 pm
Hi,just wondering if any of you recon this woud work ?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DC-12V-8A-LED-Light-Strip-Dimmer-Adjustable-Bright-Controller-Single-Color-/151100387543?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Lighting_Parts&hash=item232e48f0d7



A dimmer switch isn't suitable as a controller. You need to find something with PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) which will be more expensive.

Spruce,i just found this same one and it is PWM

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PWM-Dimming-Controller-For-LED-Lights-or-Ribbon-3528-5050-Strip-12V-8A-Dimmer-/200975207637?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ecb0e4cd5
Title: Re: cheap pump controller
Post by: A-W-C on November 18, 2013, 06:52:12 pm
Also found this at Maplins

http://www.maplin.co.uk/panel-mounted-speed-regulator-module-30310
Title: Re: cheap pump controller
Post by: davids3511 on November 18, 2013, 09:02:16 pm
Also found this at Maplins

http://www.maplin.co.uk/panel-mounted-speed-regulator-module-30310
Only 3a though.
Title: Re: cheap pump controller
Post by: Spruce on November 18, 2013, 09:10:28 pm
Hi,just wondering if any of you recon this woud work ?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DC-12V-8A-LED-Light-Strip-Dimmer-Adjustable-Bright-Controller-Single-Color-/151100387543?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Lighting_Parts&hash=item232e48f0d7



A dimmer switch isn't suitable as a controller. You need to find something with PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) which will be more expensive.

Spruce,i just found this same one and it is PWM

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PWM-Dimming-Controller-For-LED-Lights-or-Ribbon-3528-5050-Strip-12V-8A-Dimmer-/200975207637?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ecb0e4cd5

You need a motor controller. I don't know much about electronics but dimming is usually associated with reduced voltage. I have never come across a PWM dimmer TBH. A PWM motor controller works by sending a full 12v pulse to the motor but for a very short duration. The slower the motor speed dialed the shorter the pulse. This allows for the speed of the motor to be reduced but not at the expense of the motors torque. Using a voltage dimmer reduces torque.

This might be worth looking at

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12v-24V-PWM-DC-Motor-Speed-Control-10A-Pulse-Width-Controller-Switch-Control-/281148514881?pt=UK_BOI_Industrial_Automation_Control_ET&hash=item4175c1e241#ht_2597wt_904

or

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-30A-DC-Motor-Speed-Control-PWM-HHO-RC-Controller-/221039328668?pt=UK_BOI_Industrial_Automation_Control_ET&hash=item3376f87d9c#ht_5892wt_1161

These would have to be mounted in a proper enclosure.

These are simple motor controllers so need to be connected up inconjuction with the pumps pressure switch which must be fully operational.

Title: Re: cheap pump controller
Post by: Spruce on November 18, 2013, 09:11:51 pm
Also found this at Maplins

http://www.maplin.co.uk/panel-mounted-speed-regulator-module-30310
Only 3a though.

I agree with you; it's not big enough.
Title: Re: cheap pump controller
Post by: Gordon_Taylor on November 18, 2013, 09:46:34 pm
I'm sure there's a chap called Richard clues I think who made one from something similar.
Title: Re: cheap pump controller
Post by: Ian Sheppard on November 19, 2013, 08:30:41 am
A dimmer is switch is not really suitable for control of a pump Spruce puts it very nicely. Consider if the retail price is so low that the quality of the components will also be low.
You may find these lower cost units short out quickly particularly if the connectors blocks are exposed to moisture.

A purpose built Controller is in a IP65 rated enclosure to protect the electronics. Plus we have spent 8 + years developing the V11 range which is purpose designed for the job, and have all these additional features

Pressure switch detection: The control monitors pressure in the system yet does not activate the pressure switch. If the pressure switch activated due to very high pressure, the control is telling you that something is causing the high pressure, it could be a twisted or kinked hose, dirt or grit in the hose line or jets, an air lock, a failed connector or possibly worn cable or a poor connections.

Auto calibration: The control while being a very technical piece of kit is easy to use, Follow the steps or online video to set the calibration to your system. Once calibrated the control will detect when the water flow has stopped and shut down the pump well before the Pressure switch activates.
You can also manually calibrate the control if necessary just to tweek the calibration. By calibrating the unit we are allowing the control to see the normal operating pressure. Simply use the auto cal feature and in moments you are ready to work. It works with any hose or Microbore.

Volt meter: We have added the volt meter to our controls over the last 4 years as it makes fault finding over the phone very easy. Spotting high levels of volt drop – worn batteries and cables or perhaps poor connections.

Auto adjust Once correctly calibrated the control will automatically adjust the pump speed to ensure the selected water flow is maintained as the pole is extended or retracted, ensuring the desired flow of water is delivered at all times to the window.

Low Battery cut off Similar to a number of controls on the market the low battery warning and cut of protects the battery from long term damage, Our latest control has an easy to use over ride feature selectable from the main menu, Complete the days work then re charge as normal. Note: It is not recommended that the low battery cut off permanently disabled as the pump will completely drain the battery damaging the cells,

Advanced Micro DE retest: Once the control detects the water flow has stopped it, will shut down the pump. However the control needs to know when to restart the pump so the controller re tests for flow stopped every few seconds by turning the pump for a fraction of a second, The test checks for restored flow howver it does this without any increase in system pressure, meaning the control could be left in DE for long periods of time with no risk to the system

12 month manufacturers warranty; We offer a full 12 month warranty together with online support and advice services both via our distributor netwok and directly if necessary. We believe ongoing support is essential as it keeps you earning together with regular updates. You can be assured you are dealing with an established UK manufacturer with a long history in electronics.
Title: Re: cheap pump controller
Post by: Spruce on November 19, 2013, 09:22:09 am
A dimmer is switch is not really suitable for control of a pump Spruce puts it very nicely. Consider if the retail price is so low that the quality of the components will also be low.
You may find these lower cost units short out quickly particularly if the connectors blocks are exposed to moisture.

A purpose built Controller is in a IP65 rated enclosure to protect the electronics. Plus we have spent 8 + years developing the V11 range which is purpose designed for the job, and have all these additional features

Pressure switch detection: The control monitors pressure in the system yet does not activate the pressure switch. If the pressure switch activated due to very high pressure, the control is telling you that something is causing the high pressure, it could be a twisted or kinked hose, dirt or grit in the hose line or jets, an air lock, a failed connector or possibly worn cable or a poor connections.

Auto calibration: The control while being a very technical piece of kit is easy to use, Follow the steps or online video to set the calibration to your system. Once calibrated the control will detect when the water flow has stopped and shut down the pump well before the Pressure switch activates.
You can also manually calibrate the control if necessary just to tweek the calibration. By calibrating the unit we are allowing the control to see the normal operating pressure. Simply use the auto cal feature and in moments you are ready to work. It works with any hose or Microbore.

Volt meter: We have added the volt meter to our controls over the last 4 years as it makes fault finding over the phone very easy. Spotting high levels of volt drop – worn batteries and cables or perhaps poor connections.

Auto adjust Once correctly calibrated the control will automatically adjust the pump speed to ensure the selected water flow is maintained as the pole is extended or retracted, ensuring the desired flow of water is delivered at all times to the window.

Low Battery cut off Similar to a number of controls on the market the low battery warning and cut of protects the battery from long term damage, Our latest control has an easy to use over ride feature selectable from the main menu, Complete the days work then re charge as normal. Note: It is not recommended that the low battery cut off permanently disabled as the pump will completely drain the battery damaging the cells,

Advanced Micro DE retest: Once the control detects the water flow has stopped it, will shut down the pump. However the control needs to know when to restart the pump so the controller re tests for flow stopped every few seconds by turning the pump for a fraction of a second, The test checks for restored flow howver it does this without any increase in system pressure, meaning the control could be left in DE for long periods of time with no risk to the system

12 month manufacturers warranty; We offer a full 12 month warranty together with online support and advice services both via our distributor netwok and directly if necessary. We believe ongoing support is essential as it keeps you earning together with regular updates. You can be assured you are dealing with an established UK manufacturer with a long history in electronics.

Brilliant Ian.

Whilst the initial outlay of a 'proper' controller is much more than the price of this O/P's original dimmer switch, they will pay for themselves over and over again. PureFreedom choose to fit a proper controller to their trolley system rather than skimp on something simple.

Having a trolley is all about water management and power management. Having a proper controller allows you to reduce and increase water flow as needed (what the O/P wants it for) and reduce the pressure to below the pumps pressure switch setting. By being able to reduce that pressure setting electronically, he wouldn't be wasting extra power everytime he switched his tap off.
Title: Re: cheap pump controller
Post by: mark m on November 19, 2013, 11:16:26 am
you could make your own very cheaply , I made a trolley pump/battery box  for less £80 if I remember right the controller was less than £5   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rpVtZWUiq4
Title: Re: cheap pump controller
Post by: paul jonesey on November 25, 2013, 10:06:41 pm
I will be producing flo controllers analogue and digital along with pump boxes, trolleys and remote controll units shortly. The flo controllers will be ready before xmas and will sell for around £40.00 with a years warranty which can be extended for another year for a small cost. We also intend to import carbon fibre poles from China 18-84 feet. Oh, Im Paul, my brother is a window cleaner i have a history in electronics and know for a fact the componants for a flo control are not that expensive. Cheers Paul
Title: Re: cheap pump controller
Post by: Pete Thompson on November 25, 2013, 11:28:07 pm
This is the one you want:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-40V-10A-Pulse-Width-Modulator-PWM-DC-Motor-Speed-Control-Switch-Governor-/370827802182?pt=UK_BOI_Industrial_Automation_Control_ET&hash=item56570f3646 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-40V-10A-Pulse-Width-Modulator-PWM-DC-Motor-Speed-Control-Switch-Governor-/370827802182?pt=UK_BOI_Industrial_Automation_Control_ET&hash=item56570f3646)

IMO you simply don't need any of that digital display, pressure switch detection etc etc.

As long as your pressure switch is wired so that it cuts the pumps power when the pressure reaches 100psi (this is that standard set up, as it comes wired out of the box) then this controller will work for you perfectly.

Just unplug your hose or kink your pole hose to stop the flow.  The pumps pressure switch kicks in and switches the pump off, simples.

And its about £8.  SO yes there's no warranty, but get 2 and you've still only spent £16.

I've been using one for about 8 months, and it works perfectly.  Stick it in a waterproof enclosure if you like, with just the k.n.o.b. sticking out.