Remote pump wireless control

Thread Starter

melaku1990

Joined Jan 11, 2025
1
Hi everyone, i need help on the issue below, thanks for taking the time to read this and support me.
I have a pump and a reservoir tank far apart from eachother, around 2-3km away. So, i have to get the water level signal from the float switch of the reservoir tank to the pump control with wireless communication. So, my question is that, what sort of device do i need for this application ? Thanks
 

MisterBill2

Joined Jan 23, 2018
27,323
My first question is what part of the world are you in?? The rules about radio transmissions vary widely around the world.
What sort of power does your pump use?? There are also wired communications over power lines that can work quite well. I
For in the USA, , there are license-free CB radio frequencies available, along with wireless control equipment.
 

wayneh

Joined Sep 9, 2010
18,096
Can we assume these are remote locations without wifi? The solution is a fairly simple IoT project if there is an internet connection in both locations. Cell service would work but there are probably cheaper options.
 

Ya’akov

Joined Jan 27, 2019
10,226
Welcome to AAC.

With the limited information, this seems to be an application for LoRa, and mentioned by @Jerry-Hat-Trick. LoRa is legal in most places (if you operate in the correct band).

It is very low bandwidth, which seems like it would work for you. It's uses very little power and can be used with solar-powered batteries. This can be an advantage if the remote site could lose power since it would still be able to send an alarm.

LoRa is relatively complicated but the modules can simplify things. You will have to decide how you want to use it, that is, what will be doing the monitoring and sending the data.

One other possibility is Wi-Fi Halow (802.11ah). This is a low band version of Wi-Fi that uses 900MHz to increase operating distance substantially. You can get the hardware for a point-to-point network bridge for under $50. You would need something to use that network connection, of course.

Your jurisdiction my not allow 802.11ah, so be sure to check, and for that matter, make sure you are using a permitted band for LoRa if you choose that.
 

ronsimpson

Joined Oct 7, 2019
4,662
We probably need to assume there is no WiFi and no electricity on the reservoir tank end. (worse case)
Do not use 2.4ghz outdoors. It will not work if there is water in the air. My 5ghz works in the rain.
I have used 900mhz over long range.
All of these are "line of sight". The two antennas must see each other. The 2.4ghz will not shoot through tree leaves, while 900mhz and 5ghz do.
I have not used LoRa. I have heard good things. It works good on batteries. Not like WiFi.
I have used Zigbee and WiFi at 900, 2.4 and 5 for 8km. (with a good antenna)
 

MisterBill2

Joined Jan 23, 2018
27,323
There still is, even after 50 years still CB remote control channels, with a FIVE WATT output legal and convenient. At a 3kM distance reliable control should be easy. One command to start and a second, longer command to stop. But now I am asking about what is powering that pump. The challenge will be locating a CB radio that can be tuned to the radio control frequencies.
 
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