Smart Sap Sucker Setup

[SeanD]

Dave at Mountain Maple asked me to beta test the Smart Sap Sucker (S3) this season. I was planning on trying out vacuum this year, so I worked his unit into my plans. I put the system into a plastic tote and I took pictures of the process.

Here's an exploded view of the 12v Shurflo 4088 and the valve he includes with the system.
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Here's a link to Mountain Maple's FB page with videos of the S3 in action.

[SeanD]

This is the assembled setup in the tote.
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The S3 is put in on the left.
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I pulled the power supply from an old computer to convert my AC power at the sugar house to DC at the pump.
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The power supply is on the right.
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[SeanD]

Now the everything is attached and the sap lines are on. The main comes in on the right side. Under vacuum, the valve closes and the sap is pulled through the pump. When the S3 controller signals to shut off the vacuum, the valve opens and the sap passes through the tote on gravity.
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The pump is set up higher than the mainline so that when the pump shuts off, the sap drains from the pump and it won't freeze.
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When the S3 signals the pump to shut off, the valve opens and the pump continues to run for about 10 seconds to clear that line of any sap. I set the freeze temperature to 30 degrees because the sap continues to run a bit after the air hits 32. I have the pump set to turn on at 34. Depending on how cold it gets the night before, the unit will go through a warmup period before it turns on.

[MISugarDaddy]

Where is the thermostat mounted that controls the turning on and off of the unit?
Gary

[SeanD]

It's all programmable in the S3 control unit. There's a small wire temperature probe that extends outside the box.

[VTnewguy]

How did it work out for you with the controller? I ordered one can't wait to try it!

[SeanD]

As advertised. I had it on a line right here at the house, but really it's automation makes it perfect for a remote 12v set up. So, this year I'm going to move it out to another location that I'll just visit once a day for sap collection and battery swap out.