Evergrow / Reefbreeders DT120 Hack

[jthunder]

So I have just ordered three of the DT120 units from reefbreeders and I'm hoping to do a little hacking to them. Namely getting control over the 'dimming' function. Without seeing the unit disassembled, i'm assuming that they have an analog potentiometer for each of the two channels in the unit. I'm hoping that I can replace this with a multi-channel digipot and control the dimming remotely from an arduino.

Basically, I'm going for a simple program that adjusts the resistance based on the time of day. I'm also hoping that I can use a common digipot for all three units.

Anyone taken one of these units apart? anybody play devil's advocate?

Design objectives (just for light control):
Time of day. basically begin ramp up of lights at 6am for approximately 2 hours, ramp down lights starting at 6pm for 2 hours.
Display time of day and % value of the dimming on the LCD

Here is the parts list so far (I'll build this as it goes):
Arduino (probably mega due to other future functions - sensors, pumps, etc)
Realtime Clock Module - ???
2 channel digipot - MCP42010 - http://www.microchip.com/wwwproducts/Devices.aspx?dDocName=en010497
16x2 LCD Module - http://dx.com/p/16-x-2-character-lcd-display-module-with-blue-backlight-121356

 

[bhazard451]

Reefbreeders could tell you more.

In the old Chinese led thread, we hacked it. The drivers use triac or resistance dimming. I had to replace the drivers to get it working with an apex. Reefbreeders will actually mod it for you for a fee.

Not sure if the digipot would work, but you could try. Would be a nice little mod.

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