Controllers
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You are currently reading a thread in /g/ - Technology
You are currently reading a thread in /g/ - Technology
I don't know if you guys are interested in this but it's /g/ and also /an/ related. I use a controller that's programmable in a pesduo computer language that pretty much automates everything in my marine aquarium. It's port fowarded out to the web to allow for remote control and notifications.
If something goes horribly wrong (i.e a leak or massive pH/temp swings) it will send out alarms via SMS and automatically take mitigating steps such as cutting off pumps/heaters or dosing chemicals.
>>55320928
I forgot to mention the code and real time stats are publicly viewable here.
>http://www.reeftronics.net/Va/vayeate/apex-status
Oh yeah can't forget the guts. At the core of this is really just a fancy programmable power strip.
>>55321438
and the actual tank itself
>>55321653
Here's the code I've written up that controls the outlet to the main circulation pump and pump that maintains the water level in the sump of the fish tank. You can create virtual entities (outlets) for example a repeating outlet that only turns ON if a float switch (on a I/O breakout box is closed). Obviously it's really simple but there's still a lot you can do from a robust view.
[ Main_Pump ] ( 3_1 )
Program Type: Advanced
Display Icon: Spigot
Logging: Enabled
Program:
Fallback ON
Set ON
If FeedC 030 Then OFF
If FeedA 005 Then OFF
If Outlet LEAK_ALARM = CLOSED Then OFF
[ ATO_PUMP ] ( 3_2 )
Program Type: Advanced
Display Icon: Spigot
Logging: Enabled
Program:
Fallback OFF
Set OFF
If Outlet LEAK_ALARM = CLOSED Then OFF
OSC 000:00/000:10/059:50 Then ON
If Outlet CndxLow_WRN = ON Then OFF
If Outlet SumpLow = OFF Then OFF
If Outlet SumpLow = ON Then ON
I'm more into the /g/ side then the /an/ side of this hobby.
>>55320928
Nice man.
+1 for having such cool thing. I like it.
I don't like fishes much, because they tend to drop dead when any water parameter changes by ~5%.
>>55322370
Oh speaking of which, its more important to monitor parameters over a trend vs testing once and then panicking and making a rash change to the water chemistry. The Apex does logs and data retention for a lot of parameters and even the frequency of ON & OFF statements and put them on a graph where you can easily compare them to other parameters in the system like here with ORP and pH.
I nearly forgot to add a link to the actual controller itself
>https://www.neptunesystems.com/products/apex-controllers/
The version with all the probes is fairly expensive at $500 but the basic version (pH/temp and ORP) is only $200 and you can always add more mods to it.
>>55320928
Lol, poor fishies
>>55320928
is it open source?
btw kinda reminds me of a softsynth
>>55322751
Unfortunately not and it's been contentious because to make matters even more complicated there's been a lot head butting between the makers of Neptune Systems (which makes the controller) and the makers of 3rd party RF controllable equipment like High Output LEDs or variable speed pumps ect. Without confusing you anymore this is equipment that isn't just controlled with a simple ON/OFF on the smart power strip, i.e changing intensities and built timers.
For example on my system for lighting and wavemaking props (for corals) I use Ecotech Radion LEDs and VorTech power heads. Both of which are controllable with RF (If you bought the lights by themselves you can use the RF features with Ecotechs own brand receiver or just plug the lights into a usb port on your computer and do it hard wired). There's an apex module you have to buy so the controller actually communicates with the lights and pumps. Such as in the case with my tank. But its far from seamless, and they really don't have their compatibles worked out as well as it should be.
There is an opensource controller called Reef Angel but hardware wise it's not as mature.
>http://www.reefangel.com/product_raplus.aspx
>>55322257
What' does "Fallback" stand for?
>>55320928
Whats your light set up?
What kind of sensor does it use for pH?
All the stuff that got recommended always was some super expensive thing that was NOT supposed to stay in water 24/7, you have to recalibrate it, dry it ...
>>55323824
Just a typical pH probe, the lab grade ones go for about $60-70 bucks. Any probe that can be submerged with a BNC connector should do. Don't bother with the non-lab grade probes as they are junk and you will get widely swinging readings.
They should be in the water 24/7 infarct most probe instructions explicitly tell you to not let the tip dry out and they come with a pre moistened tip.
>>55323728
Ecotech radion G3 pro LEDs, I posted the graph above with the lighting scheme.
>>55323728
Actually I have the code right here.
[Code]
Fallback OFF
tdata 08:30:00,0,0,0,37,17,100,100,100,37,0,0,0,0
tdata 11:15:00,0,0,66,37,17,100,100,100,37,0,0,0,0
tdata 16:00:00,0,0,85,37,17,100,100,100,37,0,0,0,0
tdata 17:00:00,0,0,100,37,17,100,100,100,37,0,0,0,0
tdata 18:30:00,0,0,66,37,17,100,100,100,37,0,0,0,0
tdata 20:00:00,0,0,30,0,0,0,100,100,0,0,0,0,0
tdata 21:30:00,0,0,9,45,45,100,100,100,45,0,0,0,0
tdata 23:00:00,0,0,6,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0
tdata 23:30:00,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0
If Outlet Storms = ON Then Stormy
If Outlet Blacklight = ON Then Blacklight
If Outlet EMRG_Light = ON Then EMERGENCY
If Outlet EMRG_Flash = ON Then OFF
If Outlet Blacklight = ON Then Blacklight
If Outlet Purple_Light = ON Then Pink
If Outlet HighTemp_WRN = ON Then OFF
[/code]
