Detecting low water level in a water cooler

[sparkman]

This is the ones I ordered: http://www.ebay.com/itm/181512078779 which are the same as these I believe: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9375.

Hi Leo,

I have MySensors/HS3 working now (thanks to Henrik!) with the weight/pressure sensor. Looks like the ones I bought are far too sensitive to do what you need, so will likely need to look at a different version. Just barely squeezing them with my fingers gets them close to 90% of their range, so I expect these will max out with the weight of the empty water cooler without any jugs (full or empty) placed on it. I think the 22lbs spec is misleading. I think something like this one: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/8685 may be a better choice. Have you received any of your parts yet?

Cheers
Al

[sparkman]

Something like this may be an option too: http://www.ebay.com/itm/251947972992

[LeoS]

Hi Leo,

I have MySensors/HS3 working now (thanks to Henrik!) with the weight/pressure sensor. Looks like the ones I bought are far too sensitive to do what you need, so will likely need to look at a different version. Just barely squeezing them with my fingers gets them close to 90% of their range, so I expect these will max out with the weight of the empty water cooler without any jugs (full or empty) placed on it. I think the 22lbs spec is misleading. I think something like this one: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/8685 may be a better choice. Have you received any of your parts yet?

Cheers
Al

Hey Al,

Oh bummer ;( Maybe I can monitor the shift between 99% and 100% instead lol!
I've received two batches of arduino boards, some enclosures and just the wireless module so far. Still waiting for my pressure sensors (neither of which measure above 40kg like the one you linked).

I'll try ordering the 40kg part.

So what are you gonna do with your pressure sensor? Measure coffee pot's status?

[sparkman]

I've ordered the 40kg one as well. Not sure yet what I'll do with the pressure sensors. I bought a package of 5 from some guy on eBay. I was originally planning to test them as bed occupancy sensors and toilet occupancy sensors , but they're likely too sensitive for that as well.

Cheers
Al

[LeoS]

I've ordered the 40kg one as well. Not sure yet what I'll do with the pressure sensors. I bought a package of 5 from some guy on eBay. I was originally planning to test them as bed occupancy sensors and toilet occupancy sensors , but they're likely too sensitive for that as well.

Cheers
Al

Ahh good idea I might try those too. The bed sensor... sounds tricky, with its weight distribution and different materials. Are you gonna stick it on the feet or under the mattress?

[sparkman]

Ahh good idea I might try those too. The bed sensor... sounds tricky, with its weight distribution and different materials. Are you gonna stick it on the feet or under the mattress?

I was going to try both to see what would work best. Our bed has a solid piece of wood at the head and the foot ends rather than legs/feet at the corners so weight should be fairly well distributed, and hopefully the sensors I have will still work for that.

Cheers
Al