FAQ

1. What type of fluid level sensor does the PUMP-1 use?

  • The fluid input and fluid output sensors are non-contact capacitive sensors. They detect water through the wall of the container rather than by touching it, so they mount flat against the outside of your bottle or reservoir. They are rated to read through up to 5mm of plastic and often manage more.

2. Can I submerge the fluid level sensors?

  • No. The sensors are not sealed against water and are meant for external placement only. Submerging one can damage both the sensor and the PUMP-1 it is plugged into. Mount the sensor on the outside of the container at the height you want to detect.

3. What is the maximum distance this pump can push water?

  • The PUMP-1 has been successfully tested with 33 feet of tubing and a vertical lift of 14 feet, while still maintaining strong head pressure. This demonstrates its capability to move water efficiently over long distances and significant elevation gains.

4. What is the pump model used for the PUMP-1?

  • The pump model is a DSB413-A.

5. What is the flow rate of the PUMP-1?

  • 900mL a minute in our testing!

6. What is the Inner Diameter (ID) and Outer Diameter (OD) of the tubing?

  • The Inner Diameter is 7mm (7/25) and the Outer Diameter is 10mm.

7. What voltage does the Apollo PUMP-1 operate on?

  • The PUMP-1 runs on 5V DC power, compatible with most standard USB power sources.

8. Is the PUMP-1 safe to use with drinking water or pet bowls?

  • Yes, the PUMP-1 is made with food-safe materials suitable for potable water. This requires you to regularly clean the device to make sure no bacteria is present.

9. Can I use the PUMP-1 to automate watering for plants?

  • Absolutely! It’s designed to work with our PLT-1 plant sensor for automated watering.

10. Can the pump detect when to stop watering automatically?

  • Yes, the PUMP-1 has two ports for non-contact fluid sensors that detect water presence to stop the pump when watering is complete or if your water source is empty.

11. What other uses does the PUMP-1 support?

  • Besides plant watering, it’s great for filling fish tanks, robot vacuum mop tanks, pet bowls, coffee pots, liquid transfer projects, and can also be used as a drain pump.

12. How large is the PUMP-1?

  • The pump measures 3.4in x 1.3in x 1.8in (86.4mm x 33mm x 45.7mm), making it compact and easy to install.

13. How do I control the pump?

  • The PUMP-1 can be controlled manually using the button or integrated into smart home systems for automated operation based on sensor input or schedules.

14. Is the PUMP-1 durable?

  • Yes, it is designed for long-term use with proper maintenance and includes safety features like max run-time limits.

15. Can I extend the fluid input sensor and fluid output sensor?