Bilge Pump - Resettable Hour Meter

[rogerthebodger]

It's the same device. If you read the listing for 10 different listing, by 10 different sellers,you'll find lots of them have differing descriptions of the same device.

Having 10 different with 10 different descriptions for the same device begs the question which on is correct and also gives lots of confidence in what you are buying.

Just like the one I purchased some time ago did not do what I wanted so went for the ones that I posted that would do what was necessary.

This is the problem with internet searching and buying online you really cannot go back and verify as in a lot of cases the supply really don't understand what they are selling.

My way of solving this is if I cannot be sure I don't buy and use an arduino and program it to my requirements but I know that option is not open to everyone on he forum.

 

[Stemar]

If you want a cheap way to do it

vauxhall 80's quartz clock nova astra cavailer etc free post
Condition:Used
Price:
£3.99

 

[rogerthebodger]

If you want a cheap way to do it

vauxhall 80's quartz clock nova astra cavailer etc free post
Condition:Used
Price:
£3.99

Yes but can this clock start when the bilge pump runs and stop when the bilge pump stops and can it be reset to zero.

 

[Stemar]

I'm sure it can be set to zero - any clock will have a way of setting it right and zero is simply 1200. I don't know for sure it'll start, but I'd expect it to. Car batteries have to be disconnected from time to time and an 80s car won't have any silly electronics to cause that sort of trouble.

 

[PaulRainbow]

I'm sure it can be set to zero - any clock will have a way of setting it right and zero is simply 1200. I don't know for sure it'll start, but I'd expect it to. Car batteries have to be disconnected from time to time and an 80s car won't have any silly electronics to cause that sort of trouble.

Sorry Steve, those Vauxhall clocks won't do the job. When you turn the ignition on/off the display goes on/off, but the clock has a permanent live connection to retain the time. If the power is disconnected (battery disconnected etc) it will lose the time. Connected to the bilge pump, it would come on and advance the time while the pump is running, but as soon as the pump stops it will go off and lose the recorded time.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I'm sure it can be set to zero - any clock will have a way of setting it right and zero is simply 1200. I don't know for sure it'll start, but I'd expect it to. Car batteries have to be disconnected from time to time and an 80s car won't have any silly electronics to cause that sort of trouble.

I don't know this clock but the smith type clock were clock work and wound by power when the car ignition was on.

This clock say quarts which instead of an escapement movement controlled the timing element. Too many unknowns for me.

 

[Jokani]

I was hoping to put something together with a re-settable hour meter, but I don't that is going to be possible. I'll move forward with Paul's suggestion back in post #2 - Thanks Paul.

 

[salar]

I made a bilge monitor with an indicator that flashes a light if the bilge pump has come on while I was away. It also runs a buzzer so I know if the auto pump has activated without me seeing it. Details here: How-to Guide: Make a Bilge Monitor - Boat Angling

 

[superheat6k]

On the engine and boat monitoring system I am building I will be monitoring both run time and run count, with a remote alert via email should the bilge pump run for a pre-defined period, i.e. > 30 seconds, with possibly a further alert should it operate say more than 6 times in one hour. These alerts periods / counts will be fully adjustable.

That said now I have PSS seals fitted my bilge pump operation should be so infrequent that the entire bilge should be normally dry.

The alert will prompt me to log in remotely to the controller, where I will be able to view pump operation time and cycles - today, yesterday and total. I am also considering using a spare relay output to drive a manual run override should the operations appear excessive whilst I get my arse down to the boat, or call the yard if too far away. Another option is to wire the float switch on a secondary pump in a usually completely dry position to drive the alert as a "I really am in trouble" alert.

However, I will also be able to view the engine room camera, as long as it isn't immersed, and if it is then likely time to call the insurers !