Need one more sense port

[Jakerupe]

What would you all think is the most flexible option. I need an additional sense port for an RO Inline TDS meter for after my membrane. Have one at the output after DI. Seems like its going to be about $200 to add it (the sensor then an XS too).

So I guess my question is for future flexibility what would you suggest purchasing for this additional port?

Currently I have a Wavemaker and X4. I am assuming that there is no way to use the low voltage ports for this.

 

[Carlos]

It is a tricky request because you have not given us enough information. What are you trying to do? Are you using both Probe ports on your CX4? Are you running a calcium reactor? Are you thinking of running a calcium reactor? If you only foresee you needing sense ports, go with the XS. If you need additional drive ports, then go with the X2. If you need an additional pH probe, then go with the X3.

Unfortunately, you are the only one that can figure out precisely what you need based on what your plans are for the future.

 

[Jakerupe]

I'm just looking for the one that is most flexible, I seem get the sense port and probe ports confused. To answer your questions I just need an additional TDS meter that will warn me when the RO membrane is not working properly from the TDS reading. Just burned through two canisters of DI Resin in a month!

I am using the PH Probe, no calcium reactor atm I guess that would need a probe so I would use the second one on my X4 if I go that route.

With what you are saying though I think you gave me the info I needed and XS is the right route. Thanks Carlos.

 

[Danny]

Do you plan on controlling the RODI to fill any containers you have? I do this with my RODI system and use the drive ports to power the solenoids to do it with. That would require you have drive ports and some sense ports for the level sensors. If so you might need a X2. You cannot go wrong since if you do need a port you don't have in the future all you have to do is add another controller with that type of port. I have 9 controllers and all the inputs but 3 0-10v inputs are in use right now. The inputs seem to get used up first so adding 4 inputs with an XS is not a bad idea. I have two of those in my system.

 

[Jakerupe]

I have a pump for the RODI set up that runs on a schedule to keep the container full and to keep the TDS creep at bay, then a float to keep it from flooding. I still don't trust optical sensors for that. So no plans on controlling it, maybe kill the power to the plug if the TDS hits a number.

Are all 9 of yours on one system?!

I have to say everything about these controllers have been as advertised and love them. Hate to admit it but I have spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to manipulate the settings so it can run how I think I need only to find that it is already an option when I choose the appropriate device. Keep up the great work Carlos and your advice Danny!

 

[Danny]

I have a pump for the RODI set up that runs on a schedule to keep the container full and to keep the TDS creep at bay, then a float to keep it from flooding. I still don't trust optical sensors for that. So no plans on controlling it, maybe kill the power to the plug if the TDS hits a number.

Are all 9 of yours on one system?!

I have to say everything about these controllers have been as advertised and love them. Hate to admit it but I have spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to manipulate the settings so it can run how I think I need only to find that it is already an option when I choose the appropriate device. Keep up the great work Carlos and your advice Danny!

Yes all of my controllers are in the same collective. I do use the Hydros to control my RODI. I use float switches for the level sensors, but they were already in place from my previous controller. I also have a float valve on each of fill inputs on each container. I also have leak detectors near the tanks. Also a maximum on time is setup for the RODi so if that is exceeded it will turn off the output and send an alert. My storage tanks, ATO pump and AWC pump are in the garage about 35ft from the tank. I have 5 of the controllers in the garage. My only X4 is in the garage also. I use the 0-10v inputs for water level in my three storage tanks. The forth 0-10v input is for push button switch inputs. The RODI fills the DI storage and Mix tanks. I also have it refilling a RO bladder tank for the ice maker and water fountain on the fridge so there is a timer set to turn on the the RODI input solenoid for 10 minutes every hour. Below is a screenshot of my RODI page.

 

[Jakerupe]

LOL you are the the Hydros whisperer!

I have float valve but I see you have float switches....where can I get those?

 

[Danny]

I already had the float switches installed in the containers. I just had to hook them to the sense ports. I added the 4 pin GX12 connectors to the float switch cables but you can use the 3.5mm cable that Hydros sells. Here is a link to the pinout in the DIY section Switch Input on Sense Port .

Here is some photos these are of the mix tank except for the one of all three under my work bench. The grey PVC is 1/4" schedule 80 I just tapped one end so I could screw in the float switches. yes as you can tell I use Reef Crystals from the residue in the tank. The pump is used to transfer the water from this tank to the fresh saltwater tank when it goes low and the mix tank is ready to use. The second photo is the lid from the top of the same tank. The switch signals and the signals from the water level sensor circuit are run through CAT 5 cables from the tanks to the control board. There is a manual shut off valve on the 1/4" line from the RODi unit and also a manual shut off valve on the 3/8" tubing for the pump. I can shut them off if I need to for some reason like here I have the one for the RODi shut off since I had the lid off for the earlier photo. The third photo is all three tank where they are normally kept under my work bench in the garage. The other two tanks also have the same type pumps so I can dispense water from them into containers as needed.