"Dazed and Confuzed" writes:

Lew:
let me explore other options first. Price IS an object (I'm cheap) and I
think
that I can build a switch cheaper than that. I can, if need be, use a
couple of
op amps and make a level sensor. I was hoping to buy a pre made mechanical
switch, but if not.....


Others have gone before you, but we still sell a lot of switches.

You will never build a reliable float switch. Low cost, yes, reliable, no.

Good luck.

BTW, on my own boat, never have or will have a bilge pump level switch.

Rather, have a Son-O-Lert or equal obnoxious noise maker wired in parallel
with the pump.

You KNOW when the bilge pump is running.

It runs when it has to run, but not unnecessarily.

Gets the job done, is low cost, and keeps the bilge dry.

Works for me.


--
Lew

S/A: Challenge, The Bullet Proof Boat, (Under Construction in the Southland)
Visit: http://home.earthlink.net/~lewhodgett for Pictures