I would like to monitor my sump pit / pump in my basement. If I can get this data to my computer somehow then I can graph it, send myself a text message if there is a problem, etc.
I've been researching water level sensors/systems for quite a while but haven't found a good solution. I finally realized that it might be easier, and in fact even better, to monitor the pump running. I get a constant trickle of water, so the pump runs every 5-10 minutes or so. So if I can log when the pump runs I can tell if the interval is getting too short (lots of water) or if it stops (failed pump). I'd settle for just knowing when the pump starts, I don't even necessarily need to know how long it runs for.
I thought about using a vibration sensor on the drainage pipe, or maybe some kind of current sensor on the 120vac pump power cord?
I'm a complete newbie to micro-controllers. But I've done plenty of soldiering before, and I do programming for a living so I think this is something I can do.
I see there are tons of different options for microcontrollers. Something wireless would be ideal, but if necessary I could run a cable from the basement to my computer upstairs. I'd like to keep the budget under $100.
I would appreciate any input.
I've been researching water level sensors/systems for quite a while but haven't found a good solution. I finally realized that it might be easier, and in fact even better, to monitor the pump running. I get a constant trickle of water, so the pump runs every 5-10 minutes or so. So if I can log when the pump runs I can tell if the interval is getting too short (lots of water) or if it stops (failed pump). I'd settle for just knowing when the pump starts, I don't even necessarily need to know how long it runs for.
I thought about using a vibration sensor on the drainage pipe, or maybe some kind of current sensor on the 120vac pump power cord?
I'm a complete newbie to micro-controllers. But I've done plenty of soldiering before, and I do programming for a living so I think this is something I can do.
I see there are tons of different options for microcontrollers. Something wireless would be ideal, but if necessary I could run a cable from the basement to my computer upstairs. I'd like to keep the budget under $100.
I would appreciate any input.