Level sensor multi function capability? Also, Optical sensor clearance?

[AZfishkeeper]

I’m working on trying to efficiently utilize my level sensors for ATO and AWC functions. Which is best and feasible? Can ATO and AWC utilize or share the same sensor?

Imagine that the sensors are stacked top to bottom on the sensor holder rod.

1.
AWC & ATO top optical sensor shared
ATO low level, optical sensor
AWC Low level, optical sensor

2.
AWC top & ATO (single sensor function) Optical sensor, shared Or is a float sensor prefered?
AWC low, optical sensor


Second question is, does the optical sensor need a certain amount of clearance from the point to any surface? For instance, when the sensor is mounted on it’s GHL mount the clearance between the acrylic rod mount and sensor is very small when set up this way.... Hope that makes sense.

[MatthiasF]

Hi,

yes, you can share the level sensors for ATO and AWC.
We've been asked this many times and made a sticky post, which you might want to have a look at:
https://forum.aquariumcomputer.com/showthread.php?15304-Which-type-of-level-sensor-to-use <https://forum.aquariumcomputer.com/showthread.php?15304-Which-type-of-level-sensor-to-use>

[AZfishkeeper]

@matthiasF
Can you please answer the second question in the above?
Thanks

[MatthiasF]

The optical sensor can be installed next to the glass as mentioned in the linked thread.

[AZfishkeeper]

The link you mention refers to 3 different sensors. Optical, Float and contactless. I am only referring to the Optical. If you look at how the optical is mounted on the brackets and acrylic Rod it can’t be used externally like a contactless. Also as far as I can see you don’t sell the contactless sensor anymore.

To be honest It looks like your default answer is to go to that thread and that thread doesn’t answer any of my questions. When you refer people to a outdated 9 year old thread that doesn’t answer their questions it frustrates your customers.

[MatthiasF]

You are right, the contactless sensors are not sold anymore. Sorry for the confusion.
Optical sensors react on liquids at the tip point and it is no problem to install it to the provided rod.

[Vinny]

Regarding the second question, if you're planning to mount the optical sensor to your own rod just give the sensor about 0.5 inch space between the tip and the side-wall.

[AZfishkeeper]

Thanks, the big concern was having a black rod mount nut from another sensor interfering with the reading because the optical sensor is to close.