Whats the best power panel design you've seen?
- Thread starter piscivorous
- Start date
BeanAnimal
Premium Member
Thanks for the link.. they don't have what I am looking for, but I will add it to my surplus electronics links (allelectronics and surplus sales of nebraska being my favorites).
Bean
Bean
CaptainDave
New member
sure thing. i've been happy with the DIY stuff I've ordered from them before - mostly connectors, power plugs, etc.
All you really need is a DJ panel as pictured or several power strips. I have run a lot of tanks on power strips and dial timers. Whatever you do, PLEASE keep the wires safe- drip loops, twist ties, etc.
I've always liked the way Counntertopguy did his wiring- easily accessible, and very clean.
Rich,
Yep, its Pams. I can only hope my setup is as nice as hers someday.
Oh, and I could have made that thing fit!:hammer:
Bean,
I have the diagram, but I guess they value engineered out the labels on the wires.
I have some of those Velcro straps too for my AV gear. Havent seen them small enough for use in a panel though. I still have a bunch of wire duct. I LOVE that stuff!
I've always liked the way Counntertopguy did his wiring- easily accessible, and very clean.
Rich,
Yep, its Pams. I can only hope my setup is as nice as hers someday.
Oh, and I could have made that thing fit!:hammer:
Bean,
I have the diagram, but I guess they value engineered out the labels on the wires.
I have some of those Velcro straps too for my AV gear. Havent seen them small enough for use in a panel though. I still have a bunch of wire duct. I LOVE that stuff!
CaptainDave
New member
So with the DJ strips....I've heard some people say there isn't enough room for timers for lights....what about X10 modules? Can you put these on consecutive plugs?
Thanks
Thanks
ReefMeister2
Premium Member
That's the beauty of building your own unit...then you can use these to control X10 items:
http://cgi.ebay.com/3-Pack-X10-Supe...ryZ40976QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
CaptainDave
New member
wow, that's pretty sweet. thanks for the link reefmeister.
ReefMeister2
Premium Member
They do make a heavy-duty 20 amp version:
http://cgi.ebay.com/LowShipCost-X10...ryZ40976QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
but both receptacles are under control of the same signal....which renders it of little use unless you want to turn on/off two items at the same time. I guess you could use it to control "paired" items such as light ballasts etc.
Actually, my lights are "hardwired" to the house so that I could use the internal timers like countertopguy uses. (those are pretty darn expensive at $30 a pop btw!) but I plan to install a couple of these X10 "inline" modules (one for main lights the other for moon lights) into the electrical grid of my light hood:
http://cgi.ebay.com/X10-PRO-Inducti...ryZ40976QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I can't wait 'till they come out with the "expansion box" for the ACIII for the digital input jack. Then I can hookup all kinds of more gadetry. Such as a float switch in the skimmate reservior that will automatically turnoff both my skimmers in the event that it becomes too full. Another float switch to turn off one or both return pumps should the water level rise too high, etc. I think they are also updating the software so that you can hookup a second pH probe (to measure both Reactor affluent and tank water)
Cool times!
ReefMeister2
Premium Member
From what I've read, you can buy "firecracker" software and utilize your computer to contol your X10 components. I have not tried this personally Because I have an ACIII Pro now.
NYA!, NYA! NYA!...NYA!, NYAAA! NYAAAAA!
(LOL, just kidding)
But keep in mind that all you would have is X10 control for "dumb items"....you wouldn't be able to monitor pH, ORP, Temp, etc. which are needed to properly control reef equipment. A FAR better/cheaper option would be to buy an AC Junior controller for a couple hundred bucks. The features on this unit are the "best-bang-for-your-buck" hands down! I'll be the first to admit that I was in a state of temporary insanity when I paid all that money for the ACIII Pro; it's web capabilities drew me in like bees to honey, damn it! :spin2:
The X10 system was originally designed for home automation and security. Aquarium controllers on the other hand utilize X10 capabilities as a convenience item, not as the main feature. Neptune's Direct Connect is still far more reliable because of electrical noise that sometimes interferes with the X10 signal.
As a matter of fact, Neptune is starting to phaze out the use of X10 because this unfortunate weakness in the system.
BTW: Those links that I posted are just a few of many that sell X10 components...if you want more detailed information about how the system works, you can try www.X10.com and sift through the endless webpages of information that's available.
NYA!, NYA! NYA!...NYA!, NYAAA! NYAAAAA!
(LOL, just kidding)But keep in mind that all you would have is X10 control for "dumb items"....you wouldn't be able to monitor pH, ORP, Temp, etc. which are needed to properly control reef equipment. A FAR better/cheaper option would be to buy an AC Junior controller for a couple hundred bucks. The features on this unit are the "best-bang-for-your-buck" hands down! I'll be the first to admit that I was in a state of temporary insanity when I paid all that money for the ACIII Pro; it's web capabilities drew me in like bees to honey, damn it! :spin2:
The X10 system was originally designed for home automation and security. Aquarium controllers on the other hand utilize X10 capabilities as a convenience item, not as the main feature. Neptune's Direct Connect is still far more reliable because of electrical noise that sometimes interferes with the X10 signal.
As a matter of fact, Neptune is starting to phaze out the use of X10 because this unfortunate weakness in the system.
BTW: Those links that I posted are just a few of many that sell X10 components...if you want more detailed information about how the system works, you can try www.X10.com and sift through the endless webpages of information that's available.
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So the X10 system basically uses microwave signals from switches to turn on and off outlets.
I went out of town for a few weeks and had a neighbor kid feeding my tanks. I was terrified the whole time that something was going wrong and I was helpless to stop it. A webcam and a "dumb" system like the X10 to turn off pumps/skimmers may have assuaged my fears.
I'm not seriously looking into controllers at this time...its something that will have to wait until I own a house, I'm afraid. I really like the idea of having temperature and pH curves for my tanks though!
Dan
I went out of town for a few weeks and had a neighbor kid feeding my tanks. I was terrified the whole time that something was going wrong and I was helpless to stop it. A webcam and a "dumb" system like the X10 to turn off pumps/skimmers may have assuaged my fears.
I'm not seriously looking into controllers at this time...its something that will have to wait until I own a house, I'm afraid. I really like the idea of having temperature and pH curves for my tanks though!
Dan
Fl_seagull
New member
Here is my project to consolidate may timers and top off relays
After seeing some of the project in this post I my have to rethink my long term plans:lol: .
After seeing some of the project in this post I my have to rethink my long term plans:lol: .
ReefMeister2
Premium Member
I use a similar box for my manual switches:
I plan to purchase the X10 recepticals (link posted earlier) to install so that I have X10 control AND manual control
I plan to purchase the X10 recepticals (link posted earlier) to install so that I have X10 control AND manual control
ReefMeister2
Premium Member
It's nothing more than a "grab bar" for me to hold onto when doing maintenance on the sump. (similar to one of those parallel bars that 80lb gymnists slam their torso into at 100 MPH, LOL) You can also see the wood insert/step that I made for the washing machine that I stand on. The grab bar is just 1-1/4" PVC with a wooden closet rod inserted inside for strength and rigidity (but still flexible enough fo me to slam a belly flop into.
) and the "end brackets" are nothing more than black-nylon irrigation drains like they use for landscaping.Thanks for the compliment! I have to admit...me likes to tinker around every now and then.
You see, I'm one of those guys that you see walking down EVERY SINGLE ISLE at HomeDepot staring at each and every item that they sell, then rubbing his chin going "Hmmmmmm". This at 8:59 PM on a Friday night, pushing a cart full of about a thousand little parts and doo-dads that have to be checked out at the register....oh yea, they just LOOOOVE me!!!
bob1965fish1
Premium Member
hi
here is my power panel
here is my power panel
ReefMeister2
Premium Member
Everything is custom-made...no one markets such an item which is why I made my own.
The outer switch control box is a plastic Spa cut-off box (available at Lowe's/ HD only carries metal). I gutted the inside and mounted a 4-gang junction box inside so that I could mount 4 standard household triple switches (available at HD or Lowes). I then trimmed a standard 4-gang switch plate to fit properly and cover everything neatly.
When I have time, this will be the subject for Episode IV of the Lazy Reefkeeper series threads that I've created.
8BALL_99
New member
Some Very nice Panels
Mines not the best I've seen.. For that matter its not a Panel I dont guess more of a box lol.. Works great though.. Its got a DC8 in it. The left switches controll the plugs on the DC8. The right is just power switches to pumps and skimmer, ect.. They are labled now just not in the picuture. My 3 Icecap Electronic ballasts are in it too. I didn't want my plugs under my stand cause of moisture but I don't have a tank room so... This was my fix
Mines not the best I've seen.. For that matter its not a Panel I dont guess more of a box lol.. Works great though.. Its got a DC8 in it. The left switches controll the plugs on the DC8. The right is just power switches to pumps and skimmer, ect.. They are labled now just not in the picuture. My 3 Icecap Electronic ballasts are in it too. I didn't want my plugs under my stand cause of moisture but I don't have a tank room so... This was my fix
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