12VDC pond pump control

[kerryk]

I have used the DC version of Opensprinkler to control a 12V 5 watt pond pump. It works, but the pump is underpowered. I purchased this Fortric 12V 1.2A pump (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AA864ZQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). I attached it to one station on the Opensprinkler and the station shows that it is running with a current of about 2.3 amp, but the pump does not operate. My power supply is a DC 12V 2A power supply, but I recall that there is a limit on the current draw (2.0A?) on the controller. Any suggestions on how I might get this combo to work? Thank you very much.

Kerry
MetroGrow Hawaii

[szormpas]

Hi Kerry,

maybe the polarity is important for your pump. Have you tried to connect the red wire (positive) to com and the black wire (negative) to zone output?

Sotirios

[kerryk]

Sotirios,

Thanks, you got it! I forgot that I had to reverse the leads for my smaller pump too. I tried it out with the larger pump and it worked. It starts out with a higher current (I believe the default behavior to trigger the solenoids), then settles to about 1.3A.

Kerry

[Ray]

OK, glad that you figured it out. Yes, the COM on OpenSprinkler DC is positive, and each station port is a MOSFET switch connected to ground (negative).

[Author]

Posts