How to connect a tap timer to my pump for watering lawn?

[Garrygaz]

I’m seeking advice as to what type of tap timer I could use that will turn pump on for 1 hour a day to water lawn via pop up sprinklers. The power switch I assume would need to be on along with the tap which is located alongside the pump as per photo.

 

[Garrygaz]

Hi AlanM52,

just a quick question.

if our internet wont cover the outside area where the pump power point is located, will the Tapo plug work?

I’m just not sure if our internet will be picked up from this location.

Sorry for all the questions, have a great day today👍

[AlanM52]

Hi @Garrygaz,

That's a question you should not have needed to ask because I should have included the possibility of needing a wi-fi range extender - plus the extra cost. Let's see if we can check the wi-fi coverage out there near the weatherproof power point using your phone.

Here is my Motorola g84 listing the available wi-fi networks.

Can you do the same and walk outside to the power point area, the signal level will drop but hopefully your connection will remain stable.

If it does you should not need a wi-fi range extender but... we should be prepared for the possibility of needing one like this one because there are variables including RFI (Radio Frequency Interference).

Let us know how things work out...

Cheers

[Garrygaz]

Hi AlanM52,

thank you so much for your assistance, we are currently away from home and back tomorrow so I will look at this when I return. If it’s ok I will get back to you with the result👍Cheers

Garry

[Garrygaz]

Hi Again AlanM52

i seem to have successfully added the plug via our internet. I have plugged the Tapo into the power point with the power switch to on. I have set the turn on and off times for the sprinkler system in the app. However when I plug the pump lead into the Tapo the pump turns on. Is there something else I need to do?

cheers

Garry

[JacobZ]

Hi @Garrygaz,

Allow me to tag @AlanM52 so he is notified of your question.

I am sure he will get back to you shortly.

Jacob

[Garrygaz]

Thanks @JacobZ i think I’m starting to get a handle on this group chat👍😂

[AlanM52]

Hi @Garrygaz,

Try this... with the power point switched OFF plug the pump lead into the Tapo and then turn ON the power - does the pump still turn ON?

If so we will need to do some more troubleshooting.

Cheers

[Garrygaz]

Hi @AlanM52 

yes the pump does turn on after I did this.

cheers

Garry

[AlanM52]

Some patience is required for troubleshooting...

To save going out there take the Tapo into the kitchen and plug into the same power point used for the toaster.

With power OFF plug Tapo in and while watching the tiny power on LED indicator and also listening for a possible click sound - turn ON power point.

The Tapo indicator should sharply 'blink' and there should be no click sound indicating the Tapo is OFF - all OK.

Press the manual button a few times to check the Tapo turns ON & OFF - all OK.

With the Tapo turned OFF plug in the toaster.

Turn ON the Tapo and press the toaster lever down until it clicks, toaster should turn ON - all OK.

Try again outside and if the pump keeps turning ON we need to do more trouble shooting.

Cheers

[Garrygaz]

Hi @AlanM52 

@it appears that the plug has dropped out of the internet as well so I may have to get an extender after all. I was going to get one anyway because the internet does not reach inside the shed. Also do you think to get the P110 to act as an actual "on/off" switch, I may need to purchase a relay and wire up the on/off switch.

in regards to the extender I was going to locate that in the shed.

Garry