Spark Core controlled 2 channel doser

[djbetterly]

So I had purchased these two pumps last year and had them plugged into the EB4 on my APEX, but it took up two outlets, and with my new tank, I couldn't spare another two so I had to come up with a solution.

I found this little arduino like core called a spark core. The beauty of this core is its tiny and its programable via wifi. I'm not very good with programming so I've been getting a bit of help. I'm hoping in the near future to be able to change the programming via a dedicated webpage. Right now I have to go through a simple programmer thats part of the spark.io site. Its super easy though.

The pumps are from aptinstruments.com. These are really good pumps! I read some where that these are the same pumps that BRS uses in the Drew's Dosers. I was hoping to use 12v pumps and found some on ebay, but they are crap! In the end you get what you pay for with peristaltic dosing pumps. Since then I have found some quality 12v pumps that run about $45/ea, but I didn't feel it was necessary to spend more money when I had good pumps in the house. The biggest advantage of the 12v pumps is you can adjust the rate of the pump.

I plan on adding a manual on/off switch for each pump as well as a reset switch for the spark core.

 

[djbetterly]

I have updated the firmware on this and its now web accessible. Its very down and dirty but it gives you the ability to control four relay channels.

Here is what the web interface looks like right now.

 

[djbetterly]

Just wanted to update this thread.

So this project has taken a lot of wonderful turns. I have a friend in Perth who recently designed a PWM pcb that will work with the spark core. This is going to be huge!

In addition, I recently received two 12v doser pumps from China today. Both are well built, one is straight gear driven, the other planetary gear driven. The price of these pumps is $27.50/each. They really nailed me on the shipping, but the more that are ordered the cheaper it would be in the end.

Right now this project is on its way to be a wifi controlled 2-3 channel dosing pump for under $200 (thats the goal anyway).

Here is info on the pumps I received.

 

[Gorgok]

I notice your interface runs them by seconds. I would suggest have a small addition to your program to run them for 10 seconds and input and store how much they dosed in that time. (Probably also want a little part to prime them, so that your calibration starts with them primed...) Then have the program take the dose amount you really want (say 15 ml) and multiply it by the calibration (10 sec/XX ml) to run them the correct time without having to think about it.

 

[mcgyvr]

The "Spark Core" is pretty neat looks similar to the "Electric IMP" .
I've got to pick one of those up soon.. Looks like fun.

 

[djbetterly]

They are a pretty amazing little MC. The support forum is amazing and they are open to designing almost anything needed for them.