Arduino Reef Monitor / Lighting Controller

[_Adrian_]

Hey guys...
I think it's time I start shedding some light on my upcoming build.

Arduino Reef Monitor ( ARM )
Based on an Arduino Due and the East Rising ER-TFT070-5 ( Data Sheet in link ) this will act as the main controller and display.

Sensor Module:
There is no point of trying to hack and and design something that already exists. I'm probably going to use Open Reefs Senseable for this purpose.

Light Module:
This unit will be an Arduino Due shield.
There is little to nothing on the market that is aimed at the DIY hobbyist for salt water use.
Here's a few key points:
- 24V to 48VDC Fused Input
- On Boards regulators for the 3.3V and 5V required by the Due ( No external power source required!)
- 12Ch LED Drivers ( LDD-1000HS )
- RTC ( DS1307 )
- On board Input Voltage and Current Monitors ( Linear LTC2946 )

All Electronics will be housed in waterproof enclosure with waterproof connectors.

[ScubaSteve]

Hooooo-boy! That's a heck of a build! That'll be a fun one but a bit if a slog! I just finished something similar (not for my tanks, but for some equipment at work, but similar architecture) and it took 200 hours to build the electronics, the equipment and program it! The worst part was that I had only 2 weeks to do it...

If you have a need for custom PCBs, I can point you in the direction of a few good places I have used... But then again, if you know how to design a board you probably know where to have them made!

Have fun!

[_Adrian_]

I have a few choices lol
If I stick to dual layer I can do them here at home ; -)

[theokie]

That open Reef Stuff looks really interesting. I was going to do a Jarduino build a year or two back but with my work schedule an Apex was just more feasible. I bought all the parts for it, just never got around to assembly.

Definitely following along

[_Adrian_]

I have the Arduino Due and the LCD... can get most of the stuff here in town that i need for the better part. The parts for the light fixture will be coming off eBay.
I also have a hot air rework station and the skill to go along with it to so everything SMT if need be. The electronic side its going to be a piece of cake!

The programing might be another story !
I haven't done anything in a VERY LONG time LOL

I hope I can get a copy of his code and change a few things...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-XwAnYvdk4

[_Adrian_]

Well...
Today was a slow day at work, which led me think a bit.
How can I make things simple and avoid a ton of redundant parts without tying up the PWM outputs of the Due
Long story short...
Here's the answer !!!
TI's LM3463 !!
Some of the Key Features that are of interest to us:
- Wide supply voltage range 12V - 95V
- 6 driven channels ( using MOSFET's
- Capable of Analog, PWM dimming OR Serial Control

Right now the only thing I'm debating is the output stage.
In order to keep the board size down I would have to go to a TO220 through hole transistor over the DPAK surface mount units. This way a heat sink can be used rather than using precious board space as a heat sink.

With that being said...
Light Control Module ( LCM ) specs I have in mind are as follows:
- 12V - 48VDC Input
- 6 Channels
- High Current Capable
- Full Control ( Analog, PWM or Serial )