On Sat, 10 Sep 2005 17:56:42 +0100, "Peter Stockdale"
wrote:


Q1. Are these devices good or is there a better way please?

Yes - these devices work well.

If your side passage restricts the size of butt -why not extent the diverter
output with additional hose, to a place where you can site a normal size
butt conveniently.

A good idea but in this case pretty impossible Pete (even with a 5m
extension hose!). In reality I don't see either design causing any
issues .. in the worst case the water could be dumped out and the
butts moved?

These specially shaped narrow butts tend to be on the
pricey side as well.

The one in B&Q (100L?) was £17.99 (I believe with tap and lid) and
that was cheaper than the more std shaped / sized one at £24.99 or
similar? How do those prices compare with what you have seen please?

I am currently in the process of sorting out an auto top up system using
Maplin style electonic float switches.

Where would you be drawing the water from Pete (and so how would you
control the flow)? I had though of using the same instead of a ball
valve because but as with anything 'electronic' it would need power
and protecting from the elements?

This will ensure that the container never empties but also maximises the
rainwater saved element.

Indeed, and my goal also .. I was sorta thinking a reply might be
'you need Model XYZ as that does all you require ..' (no point
re-inventing the wheel?).

So, with my idea, ballcock fills 100l butt to 25L. Rain Saver fills to
brim. Timed pond filter / pump draws water from butt to irrigation
system, and using a suitably placed moisture probe within the watering
area could inhibit the pump when the ground is already sufficiently
moist (rain, previous watering etc).?


Pete (retired engineer OK !)

I'm an electronics / datacomms / networks / microfiche by training but
end up doing most things (vehicle maintanence, carpentry, general
building, appliance repair) out of need ;-)

Noting as rewarding of sticking a bit of mild steel stock in the
Myford ML10 and making a new tool for the 10 tonne hydraulic press ;-)

www.thecanalshop.com

Nice life Pete .. and something (narrow boats / barges / butty boats)
that might return commercially if the fuel prices get much higher?

My 'ideal' EV would be a narrow boat .. plenty of room in the bilges
for the batteries (instead of ballast?) roof covered in solar panels
and a with a decent wind turbine / genny / hookup for topup?

Nice gentle load and ride for the batteries and a 5hp electric motor
would push 100 tonnes of load silently (rather than 400hp pushing 20
tonnes in a lorry) ;-)

One day maybe sigh ... ;-)

All the best ..

T i m

Son of a 'Master Mariner' ;-)