PC based Controller

[banger]

Hi,

Sorry it has taken a while, my job has kept me quite busy. But needless to say, the baord layout is pretty much finished, so boards should be ready to order in the next few days. I have also added an ethernet/web interface to the baord, so you can connect it to your home network. This would also allow you to control and monitor it anywhere through the web interface. We will need a few volunteers willing to test and debug the design. Please contact me if you are interested.

Chris

 

[barebottoms]

Chris ygm! Pick me Pick me Put me down for 3 of them that should help you meet the run requirements.

 

[C. Alan]

I have been wanting to participate in something like this for a while. You can see this thread to see what I have have been looking for. I am in the process of expanding my fish room, with a few more fresh water tanks, and I am hoping to add a reef tank in the next couple of months.

My preference would be a PC based system, but I am open to other options, especial if it can be made to talk to a pc via ethernet or other means.

As for cheap PH probes, the cheapest ones of any quality I have seen are replacement probes for pinpoint monitors. They are jell filled probes that run about $40.

Being a Civil Engineer, all I can offer is my fish room (currently 9 tanks, 5 of which could be monitored, and some experience writing object oriented visual basic routines.

Off topic, if anyone wants a fun way to learn to write visual basic, start playing around with Visual Pinball.

 

[banger]

Hi,

I have updated the web site with pricing info, and have added a component list. We should be ready to place an order for boards soon. I would like to get about 10 orders before we have them made. This will help keep the cost down.

www.instanet.com/~banger

Thanks

Chris

 

[banger]

Hi,

Sorry it has been a while. Been off to europe for a couple months. But anyways, the board layout is finished, and the gerber file has been posted to the website. If people would like to order boards, please let me know and we will try to place a larger order and get a better deal.

www.instanet.com/~banger

Thanks

Chris

 

[richard55]

if you do a search for halloween automation you will find some cool pc based stuff. heres one i found.

http://www.thebells.net/Halloween/PLCC/PLCC.html


richard

 

[chriskirby101]

Just stumbled across this thread thought you would be interested in the ystem i've been using for over 3 years now.

Features:

-Controllers 32 devices (heaters, lights etc) can controll upto 64

-Reads 16 digital inputs (feed switchs, float switchs etc) can read upto 32 inputs.

-Reads 4 specific temprature points.

-Can be fully controlled / monitored via the internet from anyware in the world.

-If event of error (floaty switch high etc) e-mails / ftps and turns lights on in my bedroom to warn me.

-Runs using any windows base pc with a least 2 serial ports.

-All software is totaly freeware (I write computer games as a profession) so i wrote my own software.

see my web site for more details and a very old version to download.

www.charmainesworld.co.uk/reefworld
check the tankwatch link...

or check the curret tank stats etc.
www.charmainesworld.co.uk/tank

 

[Obi-dad]

What is the hardware controller? I didn't see it on your website.

 

[chriskirby101]

bits came from http://www.quasarelectronics.com/

controllers are
3108 - Serial Port Isolated Input/Output Relay Controller
&
3145 - Computer Temperature Data Logger

I currently use 4x3108 & 1x3145. But i'm running a massvice system. A normal tank would only need 1 box really!

 

[chriskirby101]

THe download link does not work!!!! I'll zip a new version when i get home tonight and post it. Oh i'll also put in the remote software aswell!!



CHris

 

[Groove]

Wow
I just came across this thread. I've got some reading to do.

 

[fossill]

Hey chris, did you do all the software yourself? Looks pretty cool.

 

[wedfr]

Someone gave me a link to this thread, It looks exactly like something ive been wanting to do except it doesnt seem to really be moving anywhere

Why doesnt everyone just vote on what hardware they want to go with and then we can focus on what software needs to be written. No?

 

[gbtower]

Some people have been able to do some stuff. Check out the R3CA forum. I think most of the related threads have been moved there.

 

[wedfr]

do you have a link to that?

 

[gbtower]

R3CA forum

It hasn't been active lately, but some of the people have working prototypes in varying stages of completion.

 

[easttn]

wedfr,

That is precicely why I gave up on the thread. I have a Siemens 226 PLC and a RTD unit controlling every aspect of my tank except Alk and Ca, and thats done kinda sorta with the CPU, as it controlls a pinpoint controller. I had sent 3 full systems to three seperate guys that were quite vocal at the beginning of this thread to assist in developing a GUI for all, they all quit and never developed a thing. Two of them kept the units and have never returned what could be used by others more motivated. If/when you guys determine to use Siemens PLC's, drop me a note I'll send you my proggy as it has work flawlessly for most of this year. Sorry if I sound jaded, but I stuck my hand out and got it slapped. Good luck all.

 

[psa]

easttn,

How expensive are your units to acquire? Is there an API or existing interface to them which could be used to build the GUI without needing the equipment present? Specs?

I'm a software guy who's been out of the hardware/electronics field for 15 years (and a lot has happened in that time...). If it's a GUI you're looking for it should be possible to write this interface to spec and test the hardware interface once there's something to show.

Now, if you're actually looking for the driver software, it will be necessary to have the hardware present, and this is an entirely different realm of coding.

I currently have more time than money (recently layed off...) but because I'll eventually be looking to acquire a system like this I wouldn't mind spending some time on the project.

 

[nancysnuwave]

USE A PLC!!!! i know a source for the cheapest..like 200 bucks for the controller..

Hi lyekis1o1

I'm looking for a source for a start up kit.. suggestions?

Also, suggestions as to initial stuff to get w/ it? CD of software, sensors, interface to PC stuff or what?

Thanks,

Chris

 

[dddd802000]

Guys, great idea. I have thought about a controller/logger for years. As an IT director, the logic and program design will not be difficult. As for the hardware controlling pumps, top offs, etc still probably not an issue but what about the logging ? Your raw data from probes are what precipitates the decision of your logic. You can do PH, ORP, but you cannot monitor NO2, NO3, etc with out a chemical reaction and the equipment is expensive. Before the idea of attaching controlers, etc. I always wanted a nice four or five probe setup with a monitor that constatly showed, PH, Am, No2, No3, CA, Kh plus a time/date stamp that kept a running record and some alarms. I never figured out a way to accomplish this for even a close to resonable price. I have called several chemistry companies and they just cannot create anything that will monitor No2, NO3, Ca with out a chemical reaction. Any ideas ?