Boiler controls

[brian freegard]

Hello All,
I'm looking for an electonic water level control for a model size boiler. I have Malcolm Beak's circuit but the Ferranti I.C. s are now unobtainable. I also have a schematic from somewhere titled ' Boiler control Catherine Ann', but no other details. Has anyone any units which use currently available componenents- preferrably tried and tested?

Thanks,
Brian Freegard

[peter ravenscroft]

have alook in the last 2 issues of model engineer there is an article on what you require
 the last on will still be available till friday
regards
peter

[malcolmbeak]

Hi Peter
If you really want to make the control unit to my old design, I still have several of the 556 ICs if you would like a couple.
Malcolm

[peter ravenscroft]

thanks malcombe for the offer i have a number of chips to play with
i also have the river queen drawings and your engine drawing but at the moment i trying to finish a 3 1/2 gauge Darjeeling loco and if i stop it will take me ages to start again
regards
peter

[brian freegard]

Thanks Peter and Malcolm.

I have ordered the MEs from my newsagent so I will have a look at Martin's design.
I have done a bit more research into my original schematic. It apparently was published in Model Boats. Don't know when and a search on the MB website has drawn a blank. I probably have enough to reproduce the circuit but I would really like some feedback as to how good it is before I start.

[brian freegard]

Back again!

I have a copy of the current ME now but since Martin Ransen admits to his designs being quite old and not properly proven I will go with Malcolm Beak's unit. Thanks Malcolm.
The Ferranti ICs that I was thinking of were not used in your design after all. 556 devices are stock items at Maplins as are the NPN transistor equivalents.  I was really looking to drive an electric pump and will probably take the easy way out and use a servo to operate a switch or relay.

Happy boating
Brian