There's actually a bunch of people working on this type of project nano-reef forums each using slightly different methods. Though I do disagree with the 'commercial' venture project... Seems stupid in my eyes to take a nice open source design then completely rework it so you can't just use the plugin modules already available with the arduino platform...
Waiting on a bunch of parts right now for my LED driver shield design... Basically 4 software configurable 100-1500mA constant current drivers mounted in a shield format. Although I'm pondering whether it's really needed - does incorporate PWM dimming, but that seems redundant when you can simply adjust the current to accomplish the same. Nice part is each driver can feedback to the arduino mA and voltage (possibly looking at adding I2C and adding temp feedback as well)- so realtime monitoring of the LEDs is possible (thus splashes, shorts, overheats or plain old LED failures can be accomodated - and handled appropriately, saving the array rather than burning it up).
Albeit the internet connection isn't necessary - I think it's ridiculously handy to have; to be able to graph out tank parameters so you can watch for trends (ie heaters underperforming, pH fluctuations, topoff use, plus day to day monitoring (sms text message /email if the light bulb burned out or if the main pump had to be shut down for low water levels etc)
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Last edited by AndyL; 05-05-2009 at 06:14 PM.
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