The Water 'Feature'

The latest little project, adding a solar powered pump to a water feature, then converting it so that the pump works at night as well!

Cue Paul to build a little box to run the water feature from the garden light circuit AS WELL. So when the garden lights are turned on the fountain runs from the garden lights circuit, otherwise it runs from the Solar Panel.

This took roughly from 1st July to 12th July 2003, at odd times from when Gill received her solar powered pump, to getting parts, building the box, wiring in and sorting out optimal positioning and cabling.

A few additions also got included on Friday 11th/Saturday 12th of small water lights for the water feature, my fault for not stopping Gill going to Hampton Court Flower Show!

Original setup of pump, control box and solar panel

Top centre is a little grey box, bottom right is the black solar panel.

Closer view of the box with its wiring in original position

Green LED is to remind us during the day if the garden light circuit is on as well as indicating power on the box.

New positioning of solar panel and control box

After observing sun's position during one of our hottest weeks, we decided to resite the solar panel for maximum daylight effect This also gives us the ability to manually adjust the rotation of the solar panel for maximum efficiency and time of day sun position.

Slightly changed Water feature layout.

What is not obvious is extra small lights, one in the water under the jet and the second in the small tree behind the water feature.

General view of the Back Garden

Taken at around 9pm and the lights can be just about seen

Closer view of lit water feature

Water light in the bottom section of the water feature, small light in tree behind

Taken at around 8pm and the lights can be seen, but unfortunately not the effect.


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Last Updated 18th June 2007