lighting control

B

bjromaine

New member
Does anyone have a good (less expensive) alternative to controlling lighting besides AquaController or ReefKeeper2?

Would like to control 4 different sets of lights with different times.

Of course the mechanical timers are one option but I am looking for a single or maybe 2 units to accomplish this.

Thanks
 
Lotsa cool stuff from that distributor. Aside from the fact that they're dirt cheap, their shipping system is INCREDIBLE. I can order in-stock parts before 6pm on a weekday and get them by 11am the next day, ground shipping.
 
You want one Chris, I might be able to drag a somewhat older one out to the fragswap from work. We get lots of them here :D
 
no... I have one, a couple actually (111 is my most current). I've just heard from others it's like pulling teeth to get them to send you one, unless you already have an account with them. Fortunately in the age of the internet, you don't really "need" a printed one any more.
 
Bryan, why not use for SPDT 110vac@15amp relays connected to a simple timer circuit. As a Electric Engineer you should be able to protype something right? I know I have a box full of those relays and tons of assorted ICs.

Scott
 
Are there any engineers out there that have a schematic for a variable duty cycle programmable timer that will send a 12vDc triger signal?

Scott
 
I will check out McMaster Carr.

I could do that easily but I don't like the idea of relays in the open and I don't really have the room to add a big box to house them.
Definitely thought about it though.
Thanks for the idea tho.

Scott, can you be more specific what you are trying to do with the 12VDC? The 12VDC should be easy, just get a small Power Supply and run it through contacts of the timer....


Thanks for the idea tho.
 
Well the timer on McMaster Carr has one draw back.
It is only two pronged so no grounding.
Since I need to run my ballasts on this, I think a ground is necessary.

Thanks though....
 
Relays dont take up that much space. Couldn't you run the 12VDC signal through the 2 prong lighting conrtol to signal a relay in a remote location?

I figured that to signal the relay I would need a timer with a 12VDC output...Or does it not matter that much.

I will talk to you about it on the way to the meet. I have the room and would like to do something like this. I was also considering setting up a few PLCs to control my lighting.

Scott
 
Someday when I have the time I'll write a LabView Based controller for this USB DIO card I have that runs off a 5 VDC that can control up to 16 channels. Unfortunately all the probes if I want feed back , still cost >$50
 
don't stop the brainstorming cuz of me.
I love new ideas so keep it rolling, lol.

Scott,
Most of the temp controllers are wired to provide 120VAC to the outlet. To use that outlet to pass 12VDC would require rewiring the outlet and thereby losing the ability for the controller to control its output. I would be very surprised if you can get a schematic for one of these controllers but I am sure the entire unit is dependant on the 120VAC. If you remove that, the outlet would have to be controlled completely separate.

Would also love to be able to afford using Labview to control my equipment but as stated above, very cost prohibitive.
 
Looking at that link Scott, the biggest fallback would be the limitation of 2amps per output. However, you could drive relays and have the amps required.....
Looks like a sweet unit.....
A PLC would work too but you may have the same situation with the output ratings....would depend on the I/O module
 
Thats why I was looking at a PLC configured to Relay output. That way there is no limitation on the load of what you can power....With free software (BTW I downloaded it and its pretty nice) and reletively cheap components it might be the way to go for me....Not to mention being a geek I like all things that are automated and custom built!

I have an old Modicon board but the software is all text based and far to involved for me. Thats why I never used it. With customizable GUI based stuff it kinda takes the edge off.

You have to admit that the control that you would get is intoxicating. Just think. You could control everything. With montior probe for Temp and float switches for redundant level monitoring. I think that the box will even trigger a SMTP prog to send a email if anything is wrong......Way too cool!!!!!

Scott
 
Wow, you guys think like me. I've always wanted to bring home one of the LabView data acquisition and control boxes we have at work for my reef. I could do plenty with a $10k controller :lol:. Wish I knew how to build one, I only know how to run and troubleshoot the labview program.

Here's a question for you electrical nuts, is there a simple way to step down regular 120VAC to something like 70 or 80VAC without building my own transformer :o. I'd love to try running my maximod at a lower voltage since it overpowers my tank as is...
 
Nope its free if you only use 100 words...More than I need. However if i wanted to control several tanks and a whole house automation suite, then yes I would need to purchase the software

Ski, Have you tried using a simple fin dimmer.

Scott
 
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