Computer control

[KennyD]

Im currently studying for an HNC in electronics and as my project I intend to PLC control all aspects of my tank;
Temp.
pH,
Sump levels
syphon flow v`s sump pump rate.
lighting (3 lights in sequence to simulate sunrise/set)
possibly Dissolved Oxygen (at a later date)
possibly other aspects (also at a later time)
Does anyone have any ideas, or help?
cost I reckon to be around £500.
Cheers,
Kenny

[philworrall]

There are a number of I/O boards for a PC that connect to the serial I/F and use Delphi for programming. Most come with a set of I/O libraries. So, all that remains is to build the HW for control, the easiy bit - I think not.
The difficulty IMO is the A/d and D/A conversions and scaling, other I/O's like light swithes should be relatively easy.,

Keep in touch because when I get my new tank set up I am thinking of doing just the same, perhaps not in the same timescale as you though.

From reading the articles in this forum I guess quite a number of people would be interested in buying your final design.

[KennyD]

This system is not so difficult (once you can get the PLC programmed).
I'm not doing it for profit, but if anyody IS interested in paying for the design or the finished unit, let me know and I will list the costs when finished.
Kenny http://www.ultimatereef.net/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[reefer]

hiya
i have drdaq i/o modules for a pc
they have sound,light and temp on board ansd have 2 external probe inputs as well as a ph probe input
they also have a switched digital output that you can set up in the software to come on depending on what you link them too
you can transfer the data along a network also
take a look at drdaq.com
i used them for about 8 months to control my tank with no probs
the only reason i moved over to an iks system was due to lack of space when i set up a larger tank
i ahve 3 of them fort sale at 40 quid each with software on cd etc

[MadSi]

Si,

Any probes with these modules? I may have a couple off you but cant pay u till end of month.

Lemmie know.

Regards

Si

[zag]

hiya

I bought a Digital Temperature Module from Maplins FE33L @ 9.99.

It has serial output to the computer, they did at one time supply a board to convert the signal to Parallel format and the Parallel board for the computer. These have been discontinued but their technical department sent me a file in PDF format that had all the info on how to build the parts yourself. Shematics ETC.

I actually tried it myself but could'nt get the thing to work, NO SURPRISE, as I dont really have much Knowledge of Electronics.

Anyhow, if this is of Interest I could send you the file if you wish.

zag

Garry@hallam47.fsnet.co.uk

[mal]

Try using one of the better pic controllers with onboard a/d a few circuits on US boards

Malc

[KennyD]

I have wired the PLC on a demo board for college and it works!!!!
Controls the Syphon solenoid and pump to keep the Sump level between half and full.
Temperature controller is only accurate to 1 degree so I'll need to source a more accurate controller http://www.ultimatereef.net/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif
I have found a cheaper PLC which would control lights temp and pH if anyone is interested?
Cost for unit is down to around £400 as no relays are required for the new PLC.(240V iupply, Swiched input and 240V output).
Keep ya [osted!
Kenny

[reefer]

only got one drdaq board left now http://www.ultimatereef.net/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blush.gif
40 quid..first come first served

[chriskirby101]

try the following site, all of my computer control gear came from here.

http://www.quasarelectronics.com

Also check out my site (needs updating) to see my computer control system , and downloadable source of my controller program.

www.charmainesworld.co.uk/reefworld