Digital & Analog Inputs - (PLM-ADIN)

[Marco@GHLUSA]

Let's talk about Analog & Digital Inputs.
What are they, and what can you do with them?

First things first - the name of the card.
Analog
Digital
INput

This topic comes up from time to time, looking to implement an extra Float switch, a relay, a manual switch or button to trigger actions etc.

This is where the PLM-ADIN ad-on card comes in handy. Looks daunting? It's not. It's actually simple as Pie - let me show you.

When you order the Add-In card, the following will arrive.

You ask how do you connect that to your fancy gadgets? Well you probably have a bare wire. There are a few options, the one I personally prefer...
Amazon - DB9 Terminal Adapter - $6.99

Now you have a terminal block to connect your sensor/switch wires. Simple.


Last night I automated my cabinet lights.
https://youtu.be/2Y0ouSSVjTg


I grabbed a set of Magnetic contact switches:

Alarm contact switches - $15 for a set of 10

For the left 2 doors, I used one each, and wired them in series. For the right Door, I used a single.

Here is a wiring diagram. (not mine)

I ran both circuits of magnetic contacts to the common GND terminal, pin/post #8
Circuit 1, I ran to DIGITAL INPUT #1 - Pin/Post #2
Circuit 2, I ran to DIGITAL INPUT #2 - Pin/Post #3


I'll follow up with the GCC setup tonight..

 

[Marco@GHLUSA]

Let's place a float switch in our skimmer cup, and have it turn off the skimmer when float switch is UP.

<image placeholder - SKIMMER>


In my example, I still use the same DB9 connector setup as shown above for simple pinout terminal.

I picked up a slim, low profile float switch from Madison; model M3326: LINK: Here - amazon

I also purchased a 6-ft. mono 1/8" mini plug to mono 1/8" mini jack shielded cable from Radio Shack as an extension w/ Quick Disconnect for the float. LINK: Here - Radio Shack

I cut the cable about 8" from the plug side, stripped and soldered the wires. Since we recently moved, I couldn't locate all of my supplies, so white liquid electrical tape had to to, one of these days I'll re-splice and clean it up with heatshrink.

I wired the Float Switch to the common GND terminal, pin/post #8
And to DIGITAL INPUT #3 - Pin/Post #4


Programming:
1. Enter GCC, and enable Digital Input #3 (or whichever you place it on)

2. Define a program.
a. In my case, I delay my skimmer return on feed cycle, and some other items, as such we're going to use Programmable Logic to join a couple of statements. Pretty simple.

Programmable Logic Manual: https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/download/get/file/Programmable-Logic-Instructions.pdf

Here we are going to say in G7 - If G4 AND DI3 then enable the outlet
The AND-function needs 2 inputs. The output is only ON if both inputs are ON

3. Assign the program to the outlet.
Select Programmable Logic #(in my case 7 - for G7 used.)

Let me know if you have any questions - be glad to answer or help you out with your specific setup.

 

[Marco@GHLUSA]

It appears that I cannot edit the above post to add a picture.
So here is picture of float switch installed in my Royal Exclusiv Bubble King Double Cone 180

 

[Marco@GHLUSA]

Had a few folks ask - Yes, you can use this for momentary or flip switches to manually enable feed cycles, start programs etc. Possibilities are endless.

If you have found a useful or just fun use case, feel free to share.

 

[slief]

Great write up Marco! :beer:

 

[Marco@GHLUSA]

I'm glad I added the floatswitch ... came home to a full cup the other day, after having been out of town for a couple of days.

 

[jonwright]

Stuff like this is very useful, Marco, and helps us figure out how to make the best of a great system. Thanks!

I know Plux is powerful, it's a matter of figuring how to use what we have.

 

[Marco@GHLUSA]

Stuff like this is very useful, Marco, and helps us figure out how to make the best of a great system. Thanks!

I know Plux is powerful, it's a matter of figuring how to use what we have.

Absolutely - and if you have any questions, or curious about a particular item, please don't hesitate to post up. I'd be glad to do a few more of these..

 

[vega77]

The two analog inputs, are they 0-10v ?