DIY Controller (Atmel based)

[kwirky]

yeah I understand the two schematics now. I'm probably going to go with the controller schematics here: http://emesystems.com/OL2ph.htm

I've been reading up on the LCD controllers i ordered and I've been toying with AVR tools to figure out efficient ways to interface with LCD controllers.

My goal is to use the 128x64 screen for graphing of logs (temperature, ph, orp, etc). The 128x64 uses dual KS0108's. I also have a 16x4 character LCD ordered that uses the HD44780 controller. I wonder if it'd also have dual controllers because most of the info I've found on the HD44780 pertains to a 2 line screen. we'll see.

I'm waiting on the parts to arrive. they haven't even shipped them yet and I paid extra for express shipping. *grumble grumble*

[KrazyKuch]

I have found the best way to deal with LCD and Micro controllers is building the LCD with another chip and comunicate between the 2 serialy(i.e make a serial LCD)....saves on I/O pins on your controller!!!

[Bryan]

I have one of the MIkroe EP4 development bioards. Quite nice and are a good deal. For some some schematics on ORP and PH.

http://home.zonnet.nl/rsetteur/aquar...h/index_ph.htm

and how is your Russian

http://www.montan-a.hotmail.ru/samodel/Aqua_1.htm

[Bryan]

and if your Russian is no good.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/markdem/

[kwirky]

I ordered a sample pack from intersil, including few pH interfaces. They're only $1.40 a piece if I need any more

[kwirky]

ok my atmel mega controller units have been processed. I'm still waiting for them to ship them though.

it's taking longer than expected to recieve them.

[kwirky]

they finally arrived on saturday haha. I need to get myself a 12V power supply or two and I have to find the mating ends for the 14 pin busses. I asked for "male" parts but they sent me the same ones soldered to the bords. I must have gotten male and female mixed up. I'm going to try to find somewhere local that has them, maybe alberta computer cable.

Here are my priorities:

1. get the power supplies and cable ends
2. figure out how to get my pc talking to the boards (relatively simple)
3. get the units talking with the screens (fair bit of work, i'll be writing my own framework for this as a learning experience)
4. get the units talking with the opto-interrupted relays
5. start designing the user interface (switches, etc) and how the unit will function

my first real use will be a wavemaker using maxijet pumps. My goal is to EVENTUALLY develop it into a product. I have a guinea pi*ahem* BETA TESTER lined up already . I'll post my progress of the build on the thread here. I'm pretty busy with class for the next few days so I can't run around town gathering the stuff I need to start playing with my parts until later this week.

oh does anyone know how I'd run 120VAC through the relays? They're SPDT. Would I switch the hot on and off and leave the ground connected to the wall supply? I've never worked with AC power and I have to make sure I get things right before I start using it. I don't want to burn anything or even worse get a nasty shock.

oh and here's a serious iodological personal debate of mine: open source. I REALLY want to make all the code open source and I don't really think it would interfere with me selling them down the road. If people want to mess with their units then so be it. If they want to make their own and sell them oh well. I just like the idea of introducing a well featured aquarium controller at a price many more hobbyists can afford (shake up the market). That's WAY down the road but I think the "open source" decision should be made early. Any suggestions?

oh please don't ask me "make me one!" because I just barely understand all this myself yet. Talk about a "product" is just my overambition
here are some pictures: