Input needed.... read this......

[DJ88]

ok, here is the scoop. I need to know what everyone would prefer in a tank controller system.. within reason of course. I am not gonna make something to clean the glass for you, you lazy twits..

I am looking at designing a controller for my tank and if there is interest will build a few more.

As it stands now this is what I have planned so far;

<UL TYPE=SQUARE><LI>- Temperature controller. Set up so that it heats and COOLS the tank. A small plate will be secured to the glass somewhere which will do both. A temp probe or multiple probes will be used to run this part of the system. This will take the cost up a fair bit but will negate the need for heaters(which break) and chillers(to a degree), which for the most part we don't use here on the lower mainland.

<LI>- up to four powerhead controller. Completely randomizes flow in the tank. As well will work in conjunction with the multiple temp probes in the tank. If the water temp is highly varied within the tnak due to lack of flow powerheads will be turned on to mix the water and keep the temp constant. PH's will turn on and off for random durations completely independantly.

<LI>- DC cooling fan controller. Working in conjunction with the temp controller to keep water temp ideal.

<LI>- Temp gets too high MH's turned off, Even higher, VHO, PC's or NO's turned off.

<LI>- Alarms for out of range temp problems. Audible and visual. ie extreme temps. say 94 deg F.
[/list]I can build this as it stands now. Is there anything else you would be interested in? Or would like to have? Once again.. WITHIN REASON! [img]images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]

[ 08 November 2001: Message edited by: DJ88 ]

[reefburnaby]

Hello,

Lighting control based on time of day (i.e. dawn and dusk). If you really kean...simulate seasons. If you have an Icecap, you can program the Icecap to dim gradually.

Flood alarm - shutdown main sump pump when overflow dies.

Temperature sensing...did you know that you can get an IC to do that ? Even a resistor will do (special Radio Shack resistor).

PH and Temperature logging and displaying average/min/max. Logging to EEPROM and display it over a period [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Power disruption safe (don't want your controller to be in a dead state, when the power returns).

Remote monitoring/control with webcam via X10/Serial/10Base-T interface (or WWW). WWW user can control the position of the camera....okay maybe that's a little bit hard [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

.....Well...what do you say ? Say...what are you going to use to implement this ?

- Victor

[ 08 November 2001: Message edited by: reefburnaby ]

[smokinreefer]

i think youve covered what the average hobbyist needs, lighting control, heater control and powerhead control. i would definitely be interested in one of these. keep us updated.

[DJ88]

Victor.. the resistor is called a thermistor.. [img]images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]

I shall create a list of these ideas.. [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img] tho some are a bit beyond my capabilities. I do have a whole school of engineers to help me do this if need be.. [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img] So who knows.. [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

I'll keep you posted..

I am designing all of this right now.. the circuitry that is.. Hoping to use PIC's or PLC's for the power stuff.. and a PIC for the power heads as well. depends on what is easier to work with and more cost efficient..

[ 08 November 2001: Message edited by: DJ88 ]

[reefburnaby]

Hello Darren,

Thanks...

If you need any help, you can give me a call.

Incidently, it is possible to do it on one PIC. Something like a PIC 16F784 should do. BTW, I am building one as we speak.... [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

- Victor.

[ 08 November 2001: Message edited by: reefburnaby ]

[SuperFudge]

Ill be your first customer Darren!


Marc.

[Troy F]

Darren, I like the plan. I'd like something a little more simple. A temp controller that turned the heater off and fans on would be perfect. The lighting would be an added bonus. I'm looking at getting the Ranco as you know. I still haven't called my neighbour yet. Talk to you soon.

[DJ88]

Well my main design is for the heat control.. The powerhead stuff is an added bonus.. I am too cheap to buy a better controller than my power bar.. lol..

The temp controller is easy to make.. I'll keep you posted.. wont be ready for a month or more tho..

as well this will be a heater and do chilling if needed.. And is NOT submerged in the tank. All in the one unit. Well there will be the main unit for circuitry and then a panel you attach to the glass somewhere.. not sure of the width yet..

[Troy F]

Darren, how will it provide cooling?

[Sam Samy]

Darren,

Count me in for one, as long as I can afford it.