Flow monitoring of stock water

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Sun, 02/03/2013 - 14:07 #1

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barra
Last seen: 08/15/2017 - 15:44
Joined: 11/07/2012 - 16:02

Flow monitoring of stock water

Does anyone know of a water meter for 25mm p/pipe, that can report to a house computer so the flows can be monitored on a daily basis? 2 of my padocks are watered only by troughs , and im not always on the farm to check. Have talked to various experts and none have a cost effective solution. ( one guy quoted $30k)

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Tue, 02/05/2013 - 09:37 #2
rmcpb
Last seen: 03/08/2018 - 21:05
Joined: 10/22/2012 - 11:13

I don't reckon there is an electronic cost effective solution to this problem. Even if you went for a micro switch on a tank level monitor you would then have to get a signal from the switch to your computer which would be a wireless setup with significant range plus software to interpret the signals.

If your tanks are purposely set up so they are overlarge for the water used you would be fairly safe between visits baring any leaks. Maybe that is the way to go?? Ensure you dig in all supply pipes so the cattle cannot disturb them and have a strong cover over the float valve on the trough. Afterall, few farmers would actually get out to every trough on their farm each day so the same plan should work for your situation.

Good luck
Rob.

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Tue, 02/05/2013 - 16:27 #3
barra
Last seen: 08/15/2017 - 15:44
Joined: 11/07/2012 - 16:02

Thanks for that advice.

I should add that the tanks are close to 240v power and I could run a 40m data cable to the house computer, from the poly pipes.

The computer has sat data link to bigpond internet.

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Wed, 02/06/2013 - 08:24 #4
rmcpb
Last seen: 03/08/2018 - 21:05
Joined: 10/22/2012 - 11:13

Even though you have the data links it would be expensive for what you get IMO. I would still stick to the proven method used by many farmers across the country. What fills your tanks? If its an electric pump you could easily wire it up so that it automatically fills when the tank gets to a predefined low level.

Cheers
Rob.

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Wed, 02/06/2013 - 21:09 #5
barra
Last seen: 08/15/2017 - 15:44
Joined: 11/07/2012 - 16:02

No its a diesel that i have to cart to the creek but the tank is 10k ltr. 

Just found a mob called Watersave. Seem to have the answers ,cheap.

Ethernet / solar charged / back to base, and seems to be simple, will follow up.

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Mon, 02/18/2013 - 14:34 #6
rmcpb
Last seen: 03/08/2018 - 21:05
Joined: 10/22/2012 - 11:13

For those interested the link to the product mentioned is http://www.watersave.com.au/smartmeter/

Looks interesting.

Rob

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Tue, 02/19/2013 - 17:49 #7
barra
Last seen: 08/15/2017 - 15:44
Joined: 11/07/2012 - 16:02

Ok , more info on the meters, have had the monitoring box on site for a few days  

No problems, signal reporting every hour, had to put it on the top of the machinery shed to get a signal, AND it's battery powered, told it will last for 2 years.

Will install meter in poly pipe soon.

Meter appears to be Brass, it is conected to box with cable, but im not sure of the maxiumn run, dont care as mine is 3-4 meter

Will report results

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