Looking for Suggestions for an Arduino DIY for the Controller workshop. (1 Viewer)

[KyleH]

Hello All,

I was thinking of getting something together for a 5-10 min presentation on the Arduino for the Controllers workshop in Nov. So far, I have a temperature triggered power switch with a waterproof probe, but I was wondering if anyone had wondered about the arduino's capabilities and have an idea on something that could help them and it would not be complex.

In my temperature triggered power switch, the power would turn on / off when a certain temperature is determined. So far, the hardware costs tally is: surge protector is ($17.) + arduino ($18.) + relay ($5.) + temperature probe ($5.) + power plug ($5.)= $50.

Of course, to make it useful, you would need to power a cooling device like a fan ($5-15), or perhaps a aquarium peristalic pump ($15) + a tubing ($5.) + a refrigerator / ice-maker ($45.).

-KyleH

 

[SuperRay]

Hello All,

I was thinking of getting something together for a 5-10 min presentation on the Arduino for the Controllers workshop in Nov. So far, I have a temperature triggered power switch with a waterproof probe, but I was wondering if anyone had wondered about the arduino's capabilities and have an idea on something that could help them and it would not be complex.

In my temperature triggered power switch, the power would turn on / off when a certain temperature is determined. So far, the hardware costs tally is: surge protector is ($17.) + arduino ($18.) + relay ($5.) + temperature probe ($5.) + power plug ($5.)= $50.

Of course, to make it useful, you would need to power a cooling device like a fan ($5-15), or perhaps a aquarium peristalic pump ($15) + a tubing ($5.) + a refrigerator / ice-maker ($45.).

-KyleH

How about something that shows the different types of 'switches' used to control power outlets. I used to see a lot of complaints about certain outlet 'sticking on' when it's the nature of a Triac vrs Relay's and power factor, etc. With a naked or simple circuit might be easier to visualize that than an EB8 or other bars where the circuit is enclosed or a complete assembly.

 

[jefft72]

Lighting timer? The logic should be simple and could be a stand alone piece, or part of a bigger project. Simple on/off for T5/MH, and adding functionality for different banks of light could be fun and useful.

 

[KyleH]

The relay that I have for the arduino has 2 relays, so I can combine 2 outlets or switches. I ordered a generic belkin power strip that I hope is big enough to gut out 2-3 plugs to hide the arduino and its components. The power ratings are limited to the relays purchased. For the 2 that got assembled for $5., each one can handle 10amps at 120V, so my understanding is 10a * 120V = 1200 Watt device. (I have no plans to push more than a 5watt pump or maybe a 25W incadenscent bulb.)

For a light timer, that sounds it can be helpful. Thanks for the suggestion. It should be pretty easy to a add clock module for an extra $7. but for the exercise I will hard code the the turn on/off values in code.

I will see if I can work on maybe a phytoplankton / rotifer "care-taker". (that was the original design that I planned, but never worked on.)

-KyleH

 

[tektite]

My husband's working on one for me that I requested, its main fuction is to email and text me immediately if the smoke detector is triggered. He's adding a small touch screen to control it easily. Another thing it will eventually do is start exhaust fans if the room/sump air temp gets too hot. It helps that temp sensors are only a few dollars

 

[KyleH]

Cat, that sounds neat.

I have the ethernet addition lying around to setup a web interface for easier configuration. But, my house is not "connected", so I have been dragging my feet. I have read that you can send basic http posts across the ethernet device to a carrier's email system that will send that message directly to people's phone as a txt message. somethign like 123-456-7890@txt.att.net .

I noticed that with alot of the web server and to serve up HTML pages, you should also add the SD memory module for a few more dollars. That way, you can save the HTML files on the SD card and not have to try to keep it in the limited memory on the arduino.

-KyleH

My husband's working on one for me that I requested, its main fuction is to email and text me immediately if the smoke detector is triggered. He's adding a small touch screen to control it easily. Another thing it will eventually do is start exhaust fans if the room/sump air temp gets too hot. It helps that temp sensors are only a few dollars

 

[gabe_j]

man we really need to work together on a light/reef controller.

 

[KyleH]

Hey Gabe...

I'll try to add your IR remote to the setup to. What's another $3. to make it remote capable. I'll bring in the the DVD mini remote that comes with the kit as well as my universal tv remote to "learn" the signals. You can turn on/off, eh...fans or lights (or whatever)....but, I wil probably not have time to go through the messy code. (To constantly read off the remote, I believe that you have to avoid any "delay()" functions in the code, so it gets a little more complex. It works for me, but others may have their own alternatives.)

But, the code I am using is based off of NEC's Infrared readings, and it seems to be the most universal / common that can read your basic TV electronic remotes. However, that code overrides the arduino's internal clocking where it messed up 1-7 (more or less) of the digital PWM slots. The LED lights I had on those slots went off and on and didn't look right. Luckily, I was able to move the 1-2 wires over to 11 & 12, but I haven't figured out what the NEC settings really does to the arduino. I am thinking it may affect my temperature reads too (but, those are on the analog side).

I think the arduino nano I got was $18 off ebay + $3. for the remote and possibly another $15 for wires, power, ac for the 10V signal, you can get a controller for your meanwell drivers for about $35. (Although you may have to add a clock module for $5.)

-KyleH

man we really need to work together on a light/reef controller.

 

[ModAquatics]

You could also build your own board. Get an Atmel 328 for under $3 a DS1307 clock chip for $4 a few caps, resistors, transistors, voltage regulator and headers for a few bucks more. Load the Arduino bootloader. Boom, you have a custom controller. If you want to get fancy, add a Wi-Fi module for $20 or Bluetooth for $24. Then it is just a matter of copying code from existing systems on the net.

Or, order an Arduarium controller and get everything that you could ever want for an aquarium for $115.

 

[KyleH]

Just my philosophy, I think the existing assembled arduino nano and regular atmega are only $15-20. Paying the $8-10. in parts, then having to solder everything and test is worth the $10. more in an assembled product. Plus, many of the complete system include a free usb cable, so that may be an extra $1-2., so it really boils down to an extra $8.

For instance, sure we can go to an acrylics workshop and use tools to build an aquaclear30 HOB, but why spend the time when someone already did the work and made a cost-effective product for $30? If a auaclear30 was $200, then maybe $20 in acrylics is worth the time to assemble. But, an aquaclear30 do not cost $200.

But, I think the important thing to focus on something useful that can be purchased for about $20-50. to control equipment that you would normally can buy at the local walmart or target and not have to pay the premium "fish-stuff" or preconfigured stuff for "aquarium equipment".

I think using a full $115. controller and not use its purposed functions like LED dimming, clock, ph probe, web server, etc is just wasted and extra cost in components that does not really cool my tank or help turn on and off a light.

Please focus on the purpose of this thread, and refrain from threadjacking with plugs for products. I can appreciate that you like the Arduarium, but instead of this thread, please consider posting in group discussion for the controller workshop in Nov if you would like to present the features and prepare a separate presentation.

-KyleH

You could also build your own board. Get an Atmel 328 for under $3 a DS1307 clock chip for $4 a few caps, resistors, transistors, voltage regulator and headers for a few bucks more. Load the Arduino bootloader. Boom, you have a custom controller. If you want to get fancy, add a Wi-Fi module for $20 or Bluetooth for $24. Then it is just a matter of copying code from existing systems on the net.

Or, order an Arduarium controller and get everything that you could ever want for an aquarium for $115.

 

[ModAquatics]

I wasn't threadjacking. You asked for ideas. I simply added mine. I have a lot of experience with Arduino and Atmel interfacing. I wasn't plugging the Arduarium, I don't sell it or receive any royalties. It is just another shield that is available for the Arduino. As far as the costs are concerned you can buy controllers for everything that you are wanting to accomplish for not much more than the Arduino DIY route. My opinion is that some folks just prefer the DIY route. Some may even prefer to go that level as to create their own board. It is not just a matter of cost effectiveness.