Simple DIY Water Level Monitoring Circuit

A simple but very effective DIY water level monitoring circuit is a great way to keep an eye on water levels in tanks or reservoirs.

This circuit uses the IC 555 timer set up in astable mode, which creates a constant oscillating signal.

When the water hits a certain level this signal turns on a buzzer.

This device is really helpful for preventing water overflow and improving how we manage water in different places, like homes, factories and farms.

Circuit Working:

Parts List:

In this article circuit is made to work with a 3V power supply and uses an IC 555 timer chip set up in astable multivibrator mode.

In this arrangement there are two copper wire probes called A and B that act as water level sensors.

When water touches both probes it completes the circuit which allows the 555 timer to create a signal that keeps the buzzer sounding an alarm.

The placement of probes A and B is carefully chosen to match the desired water level in the tank.

When water connects with the probes it allows electricity to flow closing the circuit between A and B.

The resistors R1and R2 along with capacitor C1 form an RC timing network that helps set the oscillation frequency of the IC 555 timer.

The IC 555 timer constantly switches between HIGH and LOW states producing a square wave output at pin 3.

This quick switching makes the buzzer turn ON and OFF rapidly creating a sound that acts as an alarm.

The alarm will keep going as long as the water connects the probes.

But when the water level goes down the circuit stops working and the alarm turns off.

Formulas with Calculations:

The formulas with calculations for Simple DIY Water Level Monitoring Circuit is mentioned below:

Since the circuit operates in astable multivibrator mode the frequency of oscillation is determined by the following formulas:

Frequency Calculation:

f = 1.44 / ((R1 + 2R2) × C1)

Substituting the values:

R1 = 1kΩ = 1000Ω

R2 = 100kΩ = 100000Ω

C1 = 2.2µF = 2.2 × 10⁻⁶ F

f = 1.44 / ((1000 + 2 × 100000) × 2.2 × 10⁻⁶)

f = 1.44 / (201000 × 2.2 × 10⁻⁶)

f = 1.44 / 0.4422

f = 3.26 Hz

So, the buzzer will turn ON and OFF about 3.26 times per second.

Time Period Calculation:

The total time period (T) of one full cycle is given by:

T = 0.693 × (R1 + 2R2) × C1

Substituting the values:

T = 0.693 × (1000 + 2 × 100000) × 2.2 × 10⁻⁶

T = 0.693 × (201000) × 2.2 × 10⁻⁶

T = 0.693 × 0.4422 T = 0.306 seconds

This means one full ON/OFF cycle takes 0.306 seconds.

High and Low Time Durations:

The time for which the output remains HIGH (T_high) is given by:

T_high = 0.693 × (R1 + R2) × C1

Substituting the values:

T_high = 0.693 × (1000 + 100000) × 2.2 × 10⁻⁶

T_high = 0.693 × 101000 × 2.2 × 10⁻⁶

T_high = 0.693 × 0.2222

T_high = 0.154 seconds

The time for which the output remains LOW (T_low) is given by:

T_low = 0.693 × R2 × C1

Substituting the values:

T_low = 0.693 × 100000 × 2.2 × 10⁻⁶

T_low = 0.693 × 0.22

T_low = 0.152 seconds

Thus, the buzzer will be ON for 0.154s and OFF for 0.152s creating a continuous oscillation.

How to Build:

To build a Simple DIY Water Level Monitoring Circuit following steps are needed for connections in the circuit:

• Gather all the components mentioned in the above circuit diagram
• Connect pin 1 of IC1 555 in GND.
• Connect pin 2 to pin 6 of IC1
• Connect pin 3 of IC1 to one end of buzzer and other end of buzzer to positive supply.
• Connect pin 4 and pin 8 of IC1 to positive supply.
• Connect positive of capacitor C1 from pin 2 of IC1 and negative of C1 to GND.
• Connect resistor R2 between pin 6 and pin 7 of IC1
• Connect one end of resistor R1 to pin 7 and other end of R1 to probe B of water level.
• Connect probe A from water level to positive supply
• Connect positive of circuit to 3V battery and negative of 3V battery to GND

Conclusion:

This Simple DIY Water Level Monitoring Circuit is a smart and affordable way to keep a watch on water levels in tanks and reservoirs.

It uses an IC 555 timer set up in astable mode to create a steady square wave.

This wave activates a buzzer whenever water connects the probes.

Its easy design and low energy use make it perfect for both home and industrial use.

References:

Water level monitoring: simplest way