Wavemaking Devices, need input

[Jimbo]

Hi all,

I've been searching and studing reef tank controller setups. I was going to go with an X-10 home interface attached to a computer for my lighting and wavemaking, but ran into a problem with hooking up probes, so I've junked that idea. Instead I have found some small computers called microcontrollers. These controllers need to be programmed, I've ordered a couple small ones to play with.

My first project will be to control upto 4 pumps. What would you as tank owners like to see in features on a low cost controller. I will supply a computer program with the controllers that allows them to be programmed. If you don't have a computer you can select from several preprogrammed settings.

Here's some things I have thought of.

Hi tide / low tide settings based on time of day.
Programmable soft start settings for each pump
Surging the power head by turning it on and off very fast, then off/on durations
Programmable feeding switch, would let you select what pumps go off and for how long during feeding.

With windows software for ease of configuration
Would you pay $99 for this?
Any other things I have not thought of?

Thanks

[Doug1]

Is this for finished product or does end user need to supply pheads????????????

[Jimbo]

Hi, guess I was not so clear LOL

The end user needs to supply the PowerHeads. This is mainly for me, but if I go to the trouble to build the device, I might want to market it. Parts for the device is only about $30 and I would be happy to share my code and source of parts for the device. Would a LCD interface be more appropriate with a keypad? Than hooking the thing to a computer for programming. But most people have computers and could hook them up and run some easy to use software that would configure the device, once programmed it would be standalone.

I have thought of something extra to add to it is a input for a float switch that would turn on a power head.

This device won't be to difficult to program depending on how fancy I am with it. Next controller will be for lighting, then a ORP,PH,Temp. I could incorporate the lighting and powerhead code into one controller making it more flexible, then if you have more pumps and lights you could add another controller, these devices have serial ports so they can be slaved more software to right. Well I have a project hehe.

Maybe I will start with the lighting, it would be the simplest. But any and all ideas and input would be appreciated. I realize this does not seem very clear, but think of some of the other controllers out there but cheaper and you will be able to expand as you go.

[Calvinc4s]

what do you think of a system that would detect leaks and close
valves? Then maybe page the owner?

[Jimbo]

Thanks calvin, that would be a good addition to the data logger which would be connected to a computer to record values of PH,ORP,Temp. The computer could use a modem to dial your pager, cell phone ect... It would also be possible to use the internet to call your pager if you have a constant connection.

[Calvinc4s]

I seen electric gate valves some where? My biggest fear is comming home to a dry tank and a couple inches of water sitting on the floor. A person could make somthing that would detect water levels and water leaks in the stand. First it could shut down the pumps, then close the gate valves. It would also be cool if then the system paged the owner, informing them of this
emergancy shut down.

The same could be applied to temp. The system could cut power to the heater and the lights if temp gets to high.

[Jimbo]

Calvin it would be easy to build a device that when the circuit gets wet it would allow voltage to flow, saltwater does this well, as many of us know when we get zapped. Here's a pic of the board I'm ording to control pumps and lighting to start off with and website for the controllers.

http://www.olimex.com/dev/

[gregt]

Calvin it would be easy to build a device that when the circuit gets wet it would allow voltage to flow, saltwater does this well,

I would worry about reliability and maintenance if you are going to put it in saltwater. Corrosion and encrustation are going to be a constant concern.

[Doug1]

Jimbo what you are describing already exists. I like the idea of an inexpensive wave timer combined with light timer, thats worth $99 . The other stuff is out there, you just need to look at it and see if you can beat the price, while maintaing quality etc, good Luck

[Casie]

This reminds me sooo much of the system my friend has at her restaurant! If her coolers rise to over a certain degree, or the sensors on the floor get wet, the system spams her cell phone with calls. =P

Neato!

Isn't it humerous how "hand in hand" technology and reefing seem to be, even though they appear to have so little in common.

Go for it Jimbo! =)

[Doug1]

A common phrase I hear alot is "less technology and more biology" and I think as a philosphy towards reefkeeping its a good one. Relying on more biodiversity in the tanks ecosystem if you will is in itself a good thing, esp considering it usually entails a little bit of understanding of the processes taking place. IMO its better now than the bare bottom huge skimmer days. On the other hand as you mature as a reefer or just get the big tank bug, somethinks do make life easier, especially if it automates mundane chores, i.e. auto top off, calc reactors, light timers, etc. These things make things run on a set schedule with minimal interference from you, they also allow you freedom to be away from the tank for a while
As tank size goes up, it follows that the $$$ invested in do as well, anything that may warn of impending doom is a good thing, hence the fondness for computer operate system managers that can page you if something gets outta whack. Not cost effective on a small tank but definatly worth while on a large tank that has thousands at stake

[fliberdygibits]

Trusting our tanks to a Windows based computer could be like trusting the Neutron bomb to a pack of spider monkeys.

[thai_guy]

I think you have a great Idea if it is affordable and quality built. However, I would greatly encourage using a computer to complete task. This would minimize cost for the consumer! This is done already in other hobbies such as Ham radio and etc. I would think that you would need a interface to do that for you. Just an Idea from my point of view.

[Jimbo]

Thanks all for the input

The controller will work standalone or hooked to a computer to receive tempature and other probe data.

Just got the parts, Pic microcontroller, 8 relays, realtime clock,a/d converter for hookup to probes. 3 dallas temp IC's, so I can measure temps in different location, like the hood for instance.

There's so much that can be done, so will have to keep it KISS if possible, like who needs temp measurements all over the place.

At this time my priorities are Lighing on/off, surging of powerheads, PH measurements, temp measurements, controller,

All extra stuff will be added at a later date. ie. autotop off, reactor on/off based on ph.

Will encapsulate the temp ic's in silicon or epoxy for submersion.

Pics of the project coming soon.

Thanks again for your input.