YBeNormal October 7, 2007 Share October 7, 2007 Here's a very abbreviated DIY thread for a DIY ATO. This unit has redundant float switches for the sump, another float switch to be placed in the top off reservoir as a low level cutoff, LED lights to show when the unit is powered, the pump is running and when the reservoir is low. Start with a large workspace, lots o' wires, relays, LEDs and assorted gadgets Try not to get confused as you wire everything together (It's really not as bad as it looks!) Here's the Master of Disaster (a.k.a. jnguyen4700) Smile for the camera! And end up with this If you feel like trying this yourself, heres a link to a discussion and plans for several versions of this ATO. The one we built is modeled after the third graphic on the second page of the thread. We substituted a few parts and added an on/off switch to the design when we built this one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigJPDC October 7, 2007 Share October 7, 2007 Pretty cool. It's about time somebody took the ATO to this level. I wonder when they'll start showing up on ebay now? That diagram fits perfectly on a single page when printed out, and the colors make the connections very obvious. thanks YB! jp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YBeNormal October 7, 2007 Author Share October 7, 2007 I built one of these a couple of years ago and it has been running since then with no problems (other than me accidentally slicing through the float valve wires). I needed a 12v supply to run a couple of 4" IceCap fans this summer and I was able to slave power off of the ATO unit for this as well. I now have a single wall wart powering the ATO and two fans. If you take the "spare no expense" route, the total cost for parts can be pretty close to the cost of a brand new JBJ ATO. Hardwire everything directly to the relays instead of using plug-in connectors (e.g. DC jack) and you can cut the cost down considerably. IMO, the main reasons to build this kit rather than purchase a ready-made ATO is that it is fun to do; it can be customized to fit your needs; and you will be able to repair it if any part ever breaks or wears out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dandy7200 October 7, 2007 Share October 7, 2007 Nice jointer bro! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YBeNormal October 7, 2007 Author Share October 7, 2007 Nice jointer bro! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jnguyen4007 October 7, 2007 Share October 7, 2007 I have to Thank Bob for helping me with this. Bob helped me made sense of the wiring from the diagram and such. The last time I worked on anything similar to this was back in 8th grade. With Bob assisting me, working on the ATO made me felt like a kid again. I had a lot of fun doing it. James Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason the filter freak October 8, 2007 Share October 8, 2007 Looks great. do you mind posting a cost analysis? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YBeNormal October 8, 2007 Author Share October 8, 2007 Parts list and costs are listed on the first page of the RC thread I linked to above. Cost can be much cheaper to much higher though depending on the options and parts you choose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason the filter freak October 8, 2007 Share October 8, 2007 Any one want to do a wamas group build for these? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Ward October 9, 2007 Share October 9, 2007 Any one want to do a wamas group build for these? I could be interested in that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txaggies07 October 31, 2007 Share October 31, 2007 I would be very interested in a group build. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discretekarma October 31, 2007 Share October 31, 2007 I wouldn't mind building another depending on timing and location just for S & G's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carl October 31, 2007 Share October 31, 2007 I'm in on a group build! I can supply tools, garage, and workbench to do the work...but not the knowledge to order the parts, or guarantee it would work. -Carl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason the filter freak October 31, 2007 Share October 31, 2007 Can anyone in DC host to make this fair? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discretekarma October 31, 2007 Share October 31, 2007 Are you volunteering Jason? Can anyone in DC host to make this fair? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason the filter freak November 1, 2007 Share November 1, 2007 I don't live in DC or I would, I want it to be a central point for every one interested in the build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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