Laptop as a controller?
- Thread starter hebygb
- Start date
HumbleLobster
Should be Quarantined
Honestly, unless you want to develop your own software and interface for something like this, I'd say you're better off just buying a controller. The controllers are designed to do just this stuff so its not like you have to spend your own time or money designing/building/debugging it unless you just want to do it.
Also, most of the newer models (not sure about the AC units offhand) have some type of data logging out via either ethernet or serial lines so you can still use your laptop or some other system to monitor and control the unit.
Also, most of the newer models (not sure about the AC units offhand) have some type of data logging out via either ethernet or serial lines so you can still use your laptop or some other system to monitor and control the unit.
mikeandjenn99
New member
well, not for the G4. If you had an intel machine and ran it in windows, you could try Dr. Aquarium .
alanmorehead
Member
I would just go buy an AC Jr (or III) w/ a serial port.
An AC Jr connected to a PC will give you lots of options and more stability. You can do data acquisition and custom control without Windows if you need/want to. I am connecting my old laptop up to my AC Jr so that I can log all data to a remote DB and control my DC8 from anywhere.
You can get a new AC Jr w/ pH probe, temp probe, serial port, and DC8 for about $250. It's going to be hard to beat that if you try to put one together yourself with all that functionality.
An AC Jr connected to a PC will give you lots of options and more stability. You can do data acquisition and custom control without Windows if you need/want to. I am connecting my old laptop up to my AC Jr so that I can log all data to a remote DB and control my DC8 from anywhere.
You can get a new AC Jr w/ pH probe, temp probe, serial port, and DC8 for about $250. It's going to be hard to beat that if you try to put one together yourself with all that functionality.
Harry_Fish
In Memoriam
Take a look at the Profilux controller
You need to take a look at the Linux Reef Controller Project.
http://www.linuxreefcontroller.com/forums/
http://www.linuxreefcontroller.com/forums/
BrokeColoReefer
Hermit
I would agree that a computer is a bad idea as a controller. They are not reliable enough. What if your operating system crashes while your on vacation? No lights no heat no pumps till you got back 
. I know OSX is a stable platform, but the software you would write for it might not be. I would go out and buy a controller if it where me.
. I know OSX is a stable platform, but the software you would write for it might not be. I would go out and buy a controller if it where me.
Young Frankenstein
New member
It really depends what you want to control. Theres various projects done with PLCs. Interfacing probes in a PLC I have not done yet, but working on it 
. Heres my project to control various parts of the system. Cost $ 140 PLC, $30 relays, $50 other. I love it !!
. Heres my project to control various parts of the system. Cost $ 140 PLC, $30 relays, $50 other. I love it !!
Young Frankenstein
New member
Right now I am using it to controll my lighting and a secondary extraction pump for my skimmer. The controlles has 12 logical inputs (NAND XOR NOR GATES etc) and voltage sensors for probes etc. The input part is not used yet. The outputs can be controlled by clocks, clock generators, flip flops etc.
Interfasing probes can be alittle tricky but not that difficult since they are analog inputs.
Young Frankenstein
New member
To sum everything up and not to confuse anyone. Right now its an extremely accurate timer for me. the programing is easy and times events anyway you want them 24/7, accurate to the second. With events scheduling. I am working this weekend to have it control my lime dosing pump.
das75
New member
I also have a datalogger on my tank. Been working them and other data acq systems for 25 years so rather familiar with the idea. But really, if want something relatively cost effective, simple to hookup and program, stay away from laptops/PCs/dataloggers/PLC and get a dedicated Aquarium controller. As said, hook your laptop onto one and use it for monitoring, displaying graphs, etc.
Excellent list here: http://www.aquariumcontrollers.com/ from this thread
Excellent list here: http://www.aquariumcontrollers.com/ from this thread
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