Hello,
The problem: I have a home with a well with high iron content and we have 2 unused toilets that get iron rings around them.
What I would like to do is create a timed flushing unit by retrofitting one of Kohler's touchless toilet flushing units.
I have been scanning the internet for the best way to accomplish this and ran across the microcontroller as a viable option. However I have nearly zero experience with C++.
What I would like the microcontroller to do is act like a switch which would turn on a small electric motor for a few seconds, (pulling up the plunger in the toilet) and then reversing the current for a few seconds to return the plunger back in the original position and wait for 12 hours to repeat this process. Ideally I would have a limit switch at the highest position to cut power to the motor and return the plunger down.
Here is a video of the flushing unit:
If anyone can point me in the right direction in regards to what code would be useful for creating a the timing circuit, that would be really helpful. I was thinking of using a ATtiny microcontroller, but am certainly open to suggestions.
This solution is one way, but in my mind overly complex. Simply put, you want to flush the lo every 12 hours - confirm that is correct.
If so, bearing in mind I can build this sort of stuff, I would source a washing machine (or similar) water control valve. They are readily available and can be 12vac/dc 24vac,120vac, 240vac - choose what works for you. then, any micro-controller can count (eg - millis() in the avr) ARDUINO) to 12 hours, flush the loo and reset the count.
What's involved is :
connect a valve (of the type you choose) to a suitable driver circuit ( more help when we know what valve) to flush on demand, and program the micro-controller to issue a signal every 12 hours (more help when we know what micro-controller).
Given I do this for a job, I may be making it sound simple - to my mind it is simple. let me help with details when you've had a think about the approach.
If you are thinking of an out of the box solution, then I am not sure there is a ready made one.
If anyone can point me in the right direction in regards to what code would be useful for creating a the timing circuit, that would be really helpful.
Are you looking for someone to write the code for you? If so please post in Gigs and collaborations and be prepared to pay.
If you want to do it yourself please work through the various tutorials, especially blink and blink without delay. When you get stuck ask for help on here.