i started working on lighting program to simulate the lenght of day light at the great barrier reef. never did finish it. there is alot you can do
i picked up a bunch of float switches and planned to use them in series in case one failed. two for high and two for low.
both would shut the pumps down or sound an alarm. my master plan was to have an automated water change. just push a button.
i haven't really found a cost effective way of doing ph or orp. i wanted to graph as well. i see some of the newer controlers now offer some of these features. i just like the fact that you can program the inputs and outputs yourself you can add alot of safety. i always get as kick out of people who post stories about how there auto topoff float switch stuck and nuked their tank, with a plc you could program the lenght of time the pump runs before the float switch should make if it didn't shut if off set an alarm.

Just picked up a SLC 5/02 processor and chassis. couple of I/O cards and a Analog module. just tryint to gather software. Damn Rockwell for changing the licencing protocols.

Sweet find. I'd love to one day go scrounging for a slick-5. Fun little units!

I could sell you a SCADA system for it. :lol:

I've been working on a low-cost controller system using the arduino platform. In the next couple months when I have time to polish the software I'll share it :)

So far I've implemented pH, Temperature, and X10 outlet controls. Lots of work to do still, and I would also like to find a more solid solution for controlling outlets. :mrgreen:

Hi all,

Here is a link to my Arduino based tank controller im in the process in building for my BC29:

http://richardorme1979.googlepages.com/home

Jeremy,

What program did you use to design your GUI screen for use with your PLC?

VR

haha SCADA exactly what i was thinking. Delphinus do you work in SCADA?

THe only thing missing is flow rate, which can be easily added with your analog points.

I always wanted to do someting like this but my tank is just way to small to even begin to automate.

I am slowly getting the parts together to do something similiar...only im using a SLC 5/05...Panelview Plus 600...... computer.... its all wireless ethernet.....complete with online camera....I can even access the system from my PDA.....but this is also controlling certain parts of my house.....A/C and heating......out door lighting....and whatever else I think I need..... oh..I will be using Intellution ifix for the Scada HMI. and Panelbuilder 32 for the panelview. Using these just because that is what I have kicking around.

First of all, Welcome to CanReef !!

That's awesome work Jeremy! You've gotten much more progress than I have. Too many projects and so little time.

I finally got in some solid state relays, along with outlets and override switches. I've been devising a plan to build a DIY dosing pump system for balling method :)

There's a few other guys on RC who have been working on the same stuff here. And also setup a wiki site here.

Check out http://www.phidgets.com/
I'm using these babies for both control and input from sensors.
Easily programmable in Flash (thats what i'm using) or c++ or any language really. They use USB connections to talk to the puter, and you can get your interface to work over the network as well.

Where did you get your LED's from? and how well do they work?