Water level indicator using seven segment display

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around designing a water level indicator for a tank using a seven-segment display. Participants explore various methods for measuring water levels, including the use of logic gates, encoders, and transistors, while considering the practicality of different approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using logic levels converted to BCD code to drive a seven-segment display, seeking input on the method of taking measurements.
  • Another participant questions the adequacy of using a single transistor for determining water levels, suggesting that it would only indicate if the tank is empty or full.
  • A third participant emphasizes the importance of selecting an appropriate transducer for measuring water levels and lists several potential methods, including oscillators, pressure transducers, and float encoders, while also mentioning the need for analog-to-digital conversion.
  • A participant clarifies their intention to use a transistor as a switch to detect water levels at nine different points, indicating that the display would show the lower level if the water is between two levels.
  • One participant shares their specific application, explaining that they want to monitor water levels in a home tank to manage a motor that fills the tank, aiming for a rough estimate of water levels.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effectiveness of using a single transistor for water level measurement, with some suggesting alternative methods and others refining their approaches. No consensus is reached on the best method for measuring water levels.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss various assumptions regarding the design and functionality of the water level indicator, including the need for accurate measurement and the limitations of different transducer methods. Some technical details, such as the linearity of measurements and the specific designs of oscillators, remain unresolved.

shariq92
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Hello Everyone.
I am making a little hobby project.
The project is simply to represent the water level in a tank.The main idea is to construct the project using logic gates, decoders or encoders.

My approach to the problem is taking the logic level (111111111) and converting it to bcd(8421) code and then using a bcd to seven segment display and finally the seven segment display itself to display "9".
I have made the (111111111) to bcd code part. But i am confused about how i should go about taking inputs. One approach is to use a transistor as a switch to turn on the path from Vcc to the encoder.
Any other idea??
Also is the approach in general correct??
 
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I think using only transistor will only give you idea only if the tank is empty or when it is full. What if you want to know actual level of water in the tank at any random time?
 
Do you want a single digit readout, "0" thru "9"? The hardest part of this project, which you are avoiding, is the selecting and designing the transducer for determining the water level. Can you make electrical contact with the water? Several ways might be 1) an oscillator whose frequency is dependent on water level, 2) a pressure transducer at bottom of tank, 3) a string of high-meg resistors in series, 4) sonic echos, or 5) a float with encoder. There are probably other solutions too. Google "water depth measuring devices" for ideas. For some, you will need an ADC or a string of comparators to convert analog to digital.

You are an electrical engineer (I assume), so calculate the capacitance of a length L of two concentric cylinders (copper tubes), diameters D1 and D2. Calculate the capacitance. Now put in water, with a dielectric constant of about 80. Can you design an oscillator that is dependent on this change of this capacitance? Is the change of capacitance, or frequency of oscillator (NE555?), linear in the depth of water?

Bob S
 
Simply put i intend to take inputs by connecting the collector of a transistor with a Vcc and the emitter becomes the input for the system. By placing the base terminal and Vcc in water i will use the transistor as a switch.
My intention is to get water level at 9 different levels. If the water is in between two levels than i am shown the value of the lower level on the seven segment.
 
@ BOB S
I am doing this for my home tank.
We have a tank on the roof that is filled by a motor. I just need to know how much water is there approximately so i can decide when to turn on the motor and when to turn it off. But i thought it would be good to know how much water has filled so i am making nine different levels.
 

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