The as-of-yet Un-named, Teensy3.0 Aquarium controller build

The pcDuino v2 is only about 2" longer than a mega (roughly)

Both pinocc.io and micropython.org look pretty cool, but I'm not sure if either include wifi onboard. That's part of the reason why I like the spark core. Processor and wifi both onboard makes designing boards a lot easier. That and being able to program wirelessly is a huge bonus.

Spark's *mostly* compatible with Arduino code, but there are things (ie. eeprom) which so far aren't supported natively yet. I am porting my MacroDuino code to it though and setting up my own mqtt web broker + app for some pretty cool multi purpose control.
 
The way pinocc.io works is one board has WIFI on board and the other boards (if you wish to have more) connect to the main pinoccio board via RF.
RF Mesh networking is built into each Pinoccio.
One Lead Scout can connect a bunch of Field Scouts to the Web via a Wi-Fi Backpack. Scouts in the same Troop talk to each other locally over mesh (2.4GHz using 802.15.4 radio).
So it is like a little army of boards connected to each other via RF, with one main WIFI board that connects all the other sensor boards to the Internet.

I expect that micropython will need a WIFI board too.

I will wait and see what happens when my Spark Core arrives. As you said having WIFI & a 32-bit 72Mhz processor built in for $39, and wireless programming is a huge plus.
 
A little off topic, but have you seen Node RED? It's shaping up to be something you could use to literally wire up a controller without writing code :). I'm using it on my rpi right now to run tests to help build my app.
 
Funny you mentioned NodeRed (i think IBM are involved), i have just been reading about it. Also worth taking a look at Adafruit's WebIde using cloud9 for RasPi & BBB.
Things are changing very quickly!
I can't keep up :o)
NodeRed was mentioned over at Udoo forum, I suggested WebIde to the guys over there too, but Udoo seems to have gone downhill recently, too many little problems, and a blank silent wall that looks like it might fall over. I have stopped trying to develop with it. On paper the Udoo is the best board out there, in practise, unless you are a Ninja you can't use it.
So looking at NodeRed, it is really appealing; I would love to be able to work with hardware without my brain exploding every 5 mins.
 
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andrew.oke said:
Hey! I'm the guy who originally got started with the Arduarium project. I figured since I finally got a really nice tank it's time to get back to the forums lol.

Have you taken a look at the Spark core (spark.io)? I myself am moving away from the Arduino route because they don't have enough power.

The nice thing about the spark core is it's got wifi onboard already and you can make a web based frontend that will hook into it. It's a really nice piece of kit. It's the cheapest route I've found so far to add some serious power along with wifi to a project.

Also, the pcDuino v2 has wifi onboard. It's more powerful than the rpi, but it's got analog inputs (3.3v as well), i2c etc. etc.
Click to expand...
@andrew.oke pcDuino v3 has recently been released.

Also I FINALLY received my Spark Core & relay board. :)

Do you have anything you can share in regards the the Spark Core & aquarium controller setup/code.
The first thing I would like to do is control my Jabeo WP10
Can you help?
 
From my personal experience, it's much easier to install the spark cli and use it instead of the web based ide.

I don't have any Jabeo's (currently testing tunze 6055 and mp40's), but if you can figure out the interface it would be pretty easy.

The spark has exposable functions (Spark.Function()) so you would have one called jabeo, which would accept an integer from 0-100. Then, in the function you'd simply map that to a PWM value and send that to the Jabeo. There may be some other issues though because the spark only outputs 3.3v signals you may need to translate it to another voltage.

If you have a link to the Jabeo interface I could probably be more help if you need it :)
 
The Jebao pumps use a 0-5V analogue signal, not PWM. Well, standard controller uses 2.5-5V as it only adjusts from 50-100% so not sure what the lowest value at which they will still operate correctly is...

Tim
 
24V into the controller, which has a potentimeter (to change the duty cycle, maybe??), also contains a low pass filter to smooth the PWM and convert it to analog signal 0-5V (maybe the low pass is used because the PWM switching frequency is noisey, i guess if the PWM was clean enough then PWM could drive the pump directly).

From the controller there are 3 wires going to the pump.

_20140209_140529.jpg


The main voltage to the pump is constant (it can operate as low as about 13V though), it takes a 5V variable voltage on the third wire to vary the speed.

Here are some pics of the controller (broken) internals:
https://plus.google.com/photos/100733156937197195649/albums/6020523580049674961?authkey=CLWGnvmgvc--5gE

As mentioned, the Spark Core is 3V3, so I would need to level convert up to 5V.
 
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