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 ]

[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.

[DJ88]

Troy.. It basically works as a heater but through the glass. It also does the reverse and cools. Hard to explain.. umm..

It is two electric plates mounted side by side.. when electricity passes through it in one direction it produces heat. When the current is reversed it cools. I am going to use this for heating and cooling the tank.

In essence it pulls the heat from the tank and releases it to the air. And does the reverse for heating. Voila a heater n chiller in one.. [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] I am actually suprised I have never seen one or heard of anyone using one like this.. Great application.

I was thinking about making these and patenting them(the controller) but heck.. I'll share.. Too much work right now to make it quietly.. lol

It is called a Peltier device. It is a Thermoelectric cooler/heater module. A good example of one of these is those car food coolers/heaters you can get from Canadian Tire.

[ 08 November 2001: Message edited by: DJ88 ]

[StirCrazy]

Hi Darren, hey just out of curosity what did you do when you were in the military? I am a stoker.. anyways for the heating / cooling were you thinking of using a peltia type heat sink? I just got one of them plug in coolers for a poresent and that is what they have.. run the power one direction the fins get cold.. the other they get hot.. I think the temp controler is a good idea.. but how about some sort of temp reading display? maby a led out of a old computer to display the numbers?

Steve

[DJ88]

Hey Steve,

NET(A) was my trade. What ships? Gatineau, Ville de Quebec, Annapolis, Calgary and Regina.

You got it.. By reversing the current flow(very low current drawn) you reverse how the transistor works inside. In one direction it pulls heat from the contacted surface, reverse it it puts heat in.

As well I am looking into putting a LCD display on it. showing temp etc.

[ 08 November 2001: Message edited by: DJ88 ]