Hi.
I am planning on making automatic water filling system including red water level sensor as shown here:
Can I insert the whole sensor into a full bucket? such that the whole piece will be wet, including the pins?
Thanks.
Does it look waterproof to you?
How do the instructions or examples state it should be mounted?
adwsystems:
Does it look waterproof to you?How do the instructions or examples state it should be mounted?
I don't know, that's why I am asking here.
It didn't came with any instructions.
It's a very popular sensor where you can buy online very cheap so I thought someone here might know the answer.
I will plug it to arduino's ground, 5V and analog pin.
Lets just say if it works, then it it NOT waterproof. IF it was waterproof, it would not work.
Paul
you're right, these sensors are very cheap and popular, but that does not mean they are effective or wise to use. depending on your application, they may be beneficial, or they may be awful.
these sensors are prone to corrosion, and may give false readings if water is beaded up on them, or if residue from dissolved solids in the water forms a bridge across the conductors, or if there is additional source of voltage in the tank (like a TDS or pH meter, possibly pump motor), and these sensors are actually introducing their own stray voltage which may impede other sensors. I would only personally recommend these in cases of only transient-exposure to water such as if they're used as a raindrop sensor. And even then, you should use a transistor or mosfet to switch them on only when you're taking a reading. If you leave them constantly powered-up, then they'll basically be electro-etching themselves the whole time they're submerged and have a very short life.
what I would recommend if it works in your particular arrangement is a photoelectric water level sensor. These are super-durable, quite reliable, and still only cost a few dollars.
alternatively, you could also use a capacitive water level sensor. These can be mounted externally to your container (as long as its not metal), which is a plus over the photoelectric sensors. The limitations of these guys are a relatively slow sample rate (500 ms, IIRC), and can be influenced by things like pumps or motors that may be inside your tank.
Paul_KD7HB:
Lets just say if it works, then it it NOT waterproof. IF it was waterproof, it would not work.Paul
Are you troll?
silly_cone:
you're right, these sensors are very cheap and popular, but that does not mean they are effective or wise to use. depending on your application, they may be beneficial, or they may be awful....
Thank you very much for the informative answer!
However since I already have this sensor I will use it for my little project instead of buying expensive one.
I am planning to keep this sensor inside my dog's water bowl and whenever it senses that the water level dropped an arduino will fill the bowl with fresh water using water pump.
As dogs seems to be sloppy when drinking water, I might predict that the water sensor will easily get wet.
That includes the little electric components on top which I can't identify, so I wanted to ask if it is water safe?
If you think it's a bad idea please let me know
adiadi:
Are you troll?Thank you very much for the informative answer!
However since I already have this sensor I will use it for my little project instead of buying expensive one.
I am planning to keep this sensor inside my dog's water bowl and whenever it senses that the water level dropped an arduino will fill the bowl with fresh water using water pump.
As dogs seems to be sloppy when drinking water, I might predict that the water sensor will easily get wet.
That includes the little electric components on top which I can't identify, so I wanted to ask if it is water safe?If you think it's a bad idea please let me know
No, not a troll. Just considered such things to monitor water level in irrigation storage tank and discarded that idea for the reasons given.
Be aware, the copper salts from the board traces will dissolve in the water and may poison your dog. Google the use of "copper sulfate".
Paul
adiadi:
As dogs seems to be sloppy when drinking water, I might predict that the water sensor will easily get wet.
That includes the little electric components on top which I can't identify, so I wanted to ask if it is water safe?If you think it's a bad idea please let me know
I see chips and resistors near the top of the sensor with no covering or waterproofing therefore not waterproof. I see a non-waterproof connector, therefore not waterproof.
OK everybody, thank you
These things are water sensors (water/no water). Not water level sensors - the level they indicate depends highly on how many minerals there happen to be in the water.
yeah, don't put this in your dog's drinking water! It will contaminate it via electrolysis of the conductors.
why do you say the photoelectric ones are expensive? They're only like $4. which, while yes it may be double the cost of the original one you bought, it will last more than a week before it needs replaced, and won't poison your dog through its normal operation. those "cheap" ones end up being pricier in the long run because they need to keep being replaced.
one thing you need to ask yourself, though, is "just because I can does that really mean I should?" For an application like this where you just need something to stay topped-off, consider a float-valve instead. They make small plastic ones for aquariums that are cheap and reliable, are way less complicated, and will continue to keep your dog from dehydrating in the event of a power-outage. More complexity = greater chance of failure.
adiadi:
Hi.I am planning on making automatic water filling system including red water level sensor as shown here:
Can I insert the whole sensor into a full bucket? such that the whole piece will be wet, including the pins?
Thanks.
It won't last forever as it will corrode (its not waterproof, its a cheap hobby sensor). For continuous use
something more robust is required, but for proof of concept it should work.
Note that the circuitry at the end of the board should be conformally coated to prevent electrolytic action
between the supply rails.
Like a number of things in the Arduino "hobby" universe, this is a toy, to be used for demonstration purposes only. That is to say, you connect it to an Arduino on your table, write a sketch to match and show people that when you drop tap water on it, it generates a signal. Then you dry it off, put it away, and move on to other demonstrations.
Its "brother" - the "soil moisture sensor" is the same. You can demonstrate that over 48 hours, stuck in a plant pot, it will tell if the soil goes dry and respond when you add water. After a week, forget it!