Hardware & firmware wish list

[shutterpunk]

- How about a directly interfaced ( maybe by s plug) relay module for those of us switching bigger than average pumps and loads?
- Nitrate probe?
- Bigger data store to allow for more than 600 samples?
- User changeable graphic display of a typical tank showing pumps states and sensor readings, when you click on a pump or sensor it can show a graph/operating hours/current state?
- Larger View 2 unit showing all sensor readings next to each other and possibly so you can use RS232 for that and PC at the same time?
- Some sort of distribution panel type affair that you wire your equipment directly into that has a manual override and state indicator but does away with the multi socket bars and replaces them with one main unit? maybe even with sensor inputs into it and then you have a single large wire that goes from the distribution panel to the main unit to cut down on the hundreds of wires that a complicated install can generate?
- Lux meter?
- Calcium probe?
- Larger LED light bars
- Intergrated webcam streaming facility?
- Deathstar lazer beam?
Thats all i can think of for the time being...
apart from a full screen and more fancy looking interface
Rob

 

[Matthias Gross]

I think the deathstar lazer beam is not a big deal, you can even have the tractor beam.

But I have doubts about the other wishes...

 

[AQD_ottawa]

Other than the death star, which GHL just cant seem to get a license agreement from Mr Cameron, some of your thoughts and ideas I am sure have been filed under "Yes one day" header!

 

[shutterpunk]

ahh come on, wheres your sense of adventure?!??!
dumdumdum dumdadum dumdadum

 

[AQD_ottawa]

Im all adventured out after emigrating from west sussex to Ottawa last year!

Back on track, there are some huge developments coming this year, so keep a close eye on the threads!

 

[boboxx]

A water solenoid valve would be nice. we could automate the making of RO/DI water :c)

 

[AQD_ottawa]

there is one for co2 but 220V I will see what is out there

 

[boboxx]

there is a lot out there... all the solenoids for ice makers and dishwashers are 120V. None that are GHL packaged or that could be runed of of 1-10V/relay in remove location :c)

 

[AQD_ottawa]

not quite sure what you would need a solenoid with 1-10V for, they are either on or off.

Yes many out there, but not all are salt safe and many are brass bodied.

 

[boboxx]

it dosent mater is its not salt safe or made of brass it's for activating the RO/DI filter... but a plastic valve would be more versatile

Low voltage dosent require a electrical permit in alot of location, asyer to run long run of cable away from the controler.

I was thinking more in a remote modual that would be connet to a low voltage port (like the Digital powerbar)

 

[AQD_ottawa]

I think you are over complicating a simple devise.

110V solenoid for water connected to a control socket, simple answer

 

[boboxx]

hehhe well I would like to add a extra float or digital level meter also so really it would be a rs232 modual :c)

... i'm juste trowing ideas

 

[ckhorne]

Actually, Christian - the Digital I/O expansion that I'm working on will support all of this.... I just need to find the time to make it happen. According to GHL, there's no demand for digital I/O. So... I guess it's a "community" project at that point.

 

[ckhorne]

Also- you can use this soleniod for controlling water flow:

You can order it from McMaster-Carr, item 7877K5. It's plastic, 110v AC, and accepts John Guest fittings for easy fitting to RO line.

 

[AQD_ottawa]

Not quite sure what you mean by no demand for digital I/O.

Not another home project that ends up in a fried profiLux! We had a spate of this in the UK, all ended in tears every single one, in fact from what i remember one guy blew two in a row.

Just a very friendly word of caution.

 

[ckhorne]

I requested it earlier in this thread, and you said that there wasn't enough demand, so GHL will focus on things that the general population will want. This is fair enough - GHL exists to make money, and they need to do what will serve the most people.

My current idea is to use the RS485 port and simulate another profilux in a network, rather than directly interface with the hardware. By changing the network destination address in the packets, I can send and receive data through the port. I'll use a PIC or AVR on the receiving end, and do the digital I/O from there. Sure, it'll require custom software to talk to the Profilux and its new devices, but I don't see that being a big deal - I've got it mostly working right now.

 

[Raul-7]

How programming it so it can tuck me into bed at night?

 

[AQD_ottawa]

we will leave that job for your mum!

 

[Raul-7]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11748444#post11748444 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AQD_ottawa
we will leave that job for your mum!

You meant mom, didn't you?


On a more series note, the feeder would be a welcome idea. I'm tired of having crappy feeders clog up and fail. The only decent one on the market is made by Eheim and it's battery-powered. It's especially convenient for those of us who don't trust others to feed our fish while we're away.

Is there any demand for it?

 

[LRS]

I think an automatic feeder would be a great idea! I use two of the Eheim feeders when I'm away, but a Profilux controlled one would be a very welcome addition.