Re-automating my tank

[Donw]

Ive had my tank fully automated for awhile now but have decided to remodel the automation system. I'd like to get rid of alot of wires, relays and the miles of cat5. Ive already spent two weeks removing the old system and am just starting to put parts back together. I'll post some pics as I move along.
The system is controlled by a Applied digital Ocelot and msc. modules.

This should be the answer to removing all 15 of the diy 12v relay boxes.

Don

More Later

 

[Donw]

Controller / brain

 

[Donw]

8 inputs and 8 .5a outputs

 

[Donw]

Two ranco controllers. One normal single stage. The other is a single stage with a 1-10v output.

 

[xinumaster]

keep us updated.

 

[Donw]

Three of these float switches to go in the sump. Not my picture but same switches.

 

[Donw]

One optical switch to monitor display and another for the skimmer.

 

[H20ENG]

Nice Don. So you are keeping the brains, but redoing the outputs?
I like those Madison floats with built-on debris covers!

Oh, and looks like you just hit 500 posts

 

[Donw]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8234024#post8234024 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by H20ENG
Nice Don. So you are keeping the brains, but redoing the outputs?
I like those Madison floats with built-on debris covers!

Oh, and looks like you just hit 500 posts

500 post . Yes I'm just tired of all the cat 5 and relay boxes. Now they are all confined to the power module in the first pic I posted. It only needs one db9 cable to operate. Just a bunch of little refinements as I go along.

Don

 

[Donw]

Got a little done.

 

[marm64]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8234076#post8234076 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Donw
500 post . Yes I'm just tired of all the cat 5 and relay boxes. Now they are all confined to the power module in the first pic I posted. It only needs one db9 cable to operate. Just a bunch of little refinements as I go along.

Don

What is that power module? Can that thing be run off of anything that has a serial comm? I have been working on automating my tank but like you do not like to have all kinds of relays and crud around and have been looking for something like that.

Mark

 

[Donw]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8238394#post8238394 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by marm64
What is that power module? Can that thing be run off of anything that has a serial comm? I have been working on automating my tank but like you do not like to have all kinds of relays and crud around and have been looking for something like that.

Mark

No its not that high tech. The db9 pin connector is just for switching. It eliminates all those diy relay boxes. You could hook 8 float switches directly to it if you wanted, and have a 8 float ATO system.

Don

 

[eameres]

So it's (just) a (really cool looking) box with 8 relays and outlets in it?

 

[Donw]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8238589#post8238589 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by eameres
So it's (just) a (really cool looking) box with 8 relays and outlets in it?

Yup, just that simple. I hated all those diy ratshack relay boxes so this is my solution.

Don

 

[Donw]

Now I can say good bye to the 5 1000ma wall warts.

 

[TandN]

Im a lil confused about this. What are you automating ? how does it work ? Im interestred in knowing and learning about it
T.

 

[Donw]

[QUOTEIm a lil confused about this. What are you automating ? how does it work ? Im interestred in knowing and learning about it
T. [/B][/QUOTE]

Everything I possibly can. Its actually a remodel of my 99.5% automated system I'm reinstalling the main pieces now so the simple stuff like lighting and top-off will work again by the week-end. After that I'll start doing the more complicated things like temp, ph, salinity.

Don

 

[RobbyG]

What is this exactly and were did you buy it? It looks like something I have been searching for. Please post some info on this optical switch.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8232180#post8232180 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Donw
One optical switch to monitor display and another for the skimmer.

 

[TandN]

lol but like what ? you say skimmer how do you automate a skimmer im jusyt simple minded lol
T.

 

[Donw]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8240906#post8240906 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RobbyG
What is this exactly and were did you buy it? It looks like something I have been searching for. Please post some info on this optical switch.

Robby it just a simple electronic switch that can be purchased at Dwyer. You have three wires 12v+ 12- and output that is 12-.
Connect the output to the coil of a relay and you can control a pump or what ever you want. What you can NOT do is use it stand alone for a ATO. There is so hysteris without some sort of controller or latching relay and they are very sensitive. One thing I can tell you is they are much more reliable than any float switch.

Don