Re: [Emc-users] Monitoring coolant level
The low-tech method is a piece of clear vinyl tubing with one end connected to the bottom of the coolant tank, the other end connected to the top of the coolant tank, and the middle of the tubing routed as a vertical sight gauge on the front of the machine. Added Bonus: It's an analog gauge so you're monitoring the actual level in real time, as opposed to getting a digital indication of FULL or NOT FULL, which is much more useful information when topping off the coolant tank. You can also use heat shrink tubing or electrical tape to mark the acceptable high and low range, like the marks on an oil dipstick. I use a float switch to shut down the laser if the coolant level is too low and I use a flow switch to shut down the laser if the coolant pump decides to take a vacation, but I prefer a sight gauge for monitoring the coolant level. On 04/12/2018 02:37 PM, andy pugh wrote: It isn't easy to get to the coolant tank on my mill (because the tool cart is there) so I top up the coolant by pouring it in the top. It's hard to know when to stop, and also to know when it is low. So I installed one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Plastic-Liquid-Sensor-Double-Floaters/dp/B01EZZKM8U/ Works nicely. In conjunction with the HAL "message" function I now get a "coolant high" or "coolant low" message when the machine starts up. Other versions are available, with more or less range, right-angle mounting and in stainless steel. NB. There are two black wires for one switch and two red ones for the other. It took me a while to figure out what was wrong when I wired as two red/black pairs. -- Check out the vibrant tech community on one of the world's most engaging tech sites, Slashdot.org! http://sdm.link/slashdot ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Monitoring coolant level
Andy, it sounds to me like you need to further automate the coolant refill process, with a pump and a remote bulk tank. :-) Dave On 4/12/2018 2:37 PM, andy pugh wrote: It isn't easy to get to the coolant tank on my mill (because the tool cart is there) so I top up the coolant by pouring it in the top. It's hard to know when to stop, and also to know when it is low. So I installed one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Plastic-Liquid-Sensor-Double-Floaters/dp/B01EZZKM8U/ Works nicely. In conjunction with the HAL "message" function I now get a "coolant high" or "coolant low" message when the machine starts up. Other versions are available, with more or less range, right-angle mounting and in stainless steel. NB. There are two black wires for one switch and two red ones for the other. It took me a while to figure out what was wrong when I wired as two red/black pairs. -- Check out the vibrant tech community on one of the world's most engaging tech sites, Slashdot.org! http://sdm.link/slashdot ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
[Emc-users] Monitoring coolant level
It isn't easy to get to the coolant tank on my mill (because the tool cart is there) so I top up the coolant by pouring it in the top. It's hard to know when to stop, and also to know when it is low. So I installed one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Plastic-Liquid-Sensor-Double-Floaters/dp/B01EZZKM8U/ Works nicely. In conjunction with the HAL "message" function I now get a "coolant high" or "coolant low" message when the machine starts up. Other versions are available, with more or less range, right-angle mounting and in stainless steel. NB. There are two black wires for one switch and two red ones for the other. It took me a while to figure out what was wrong when I wired as two red/black pairs. -- atp "A motorcycle is a bicycle with a pandemonium attachment and is designed for the especial use of mechanical geniuses, daredevils and lunatics." — George Fitch, Atlanta Constitution Newspaper, 1916 -- Check out the vibrant tech community on one of the world's most engaging tech sites, Slashdot.org! http://sdm.link/slashdot ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
