PID questions

ScubaSteve · #1 03-11-2010, 01:00 AM

Dude, that's a whole website of fun you got there! who needs to shell out $200+ for a tank control system when I could shop there.

I heard rumors that they are giving away free Arduino to Canreef-ers...

DiverDude · #2 03-11-2010, 03:10 AM

Weeellll...it's just a different form of addiction. If you ever thought it'd be cool to own an aquarium-related business, let me tell you: if you love it that much, don't do it as a biz ! I was nuts for the electronics thing; started and ran that company for 10 years and in the end wanted nothing to do with it.

I still have a lot of equipment and tools but I still dread it a bit. I'm thinking that I'll eventually warm back to it and a fun project controlling parameters of a tank could be just the project to do that.

StirCrazy · #3 03-14-2010, 07:15 AM

hmm I'll check thing out.. I was just in victoria for the last 4 days so I just saw these

Steve

StirCrazy · #4 03-15-2010, 03:32 PM

Ok, so I have been looking, and frankly I am not sure about the Arduino because of the programing thing. But if I was to go with the Arduino, what all would I need to buy for hardware.

here is the requirments.

two temp inputs two controled outputs (one 1200 watt element and one 100 watt element)

some sort of display which could show curent temp, set point and meat temp.

now for function it needs to
-maintain the set cabnet temp by use of the 1200 watt element.
-adjust cabnet temp to predetermined set point when specific meat temp is reached.
-allow different types of programing for different cooking styles. say doing a spicif temp for 2 hours then adding 10 degrees per hour till another temp is reached then hold at that temp.

I also need it to be able to turn on the 100 watt element when a specific cabnet temp is reached.

Now I don't know how much it would cost to have but wireless ability so I can monitor/controle from my laptop would be nice. but not nessaray.

so how much would it cost me to get all the stuff I need to do this?

Steve

DiverDude · #5 03-16-2010, 12:32 AM

Well, I won't kid you -the whole microcontroller/electronics thing is a hobby unto itself. The real perk though is that whatever you can create with it can be applied to other hobbies or just about anything.

There is a lot of information out there on various applications and ways of doing things like controlling a 1200W element. It would be wise to consult various forums so you don't reinvent the wheel.

In the end though, you need to make a commitment to learn how to program a micro (Arduino or other). Once you've commited to a specific micro, you'll need to invest a little cash in some development tools a few microcontrollers to experiment with etc. You'll also need a soldering iron and a multimeter to be able to do anything useful.

In short, don't look to a microcontroller just for a solution to this specific project but rather as a skill you will acquire that will allow you to make all KINDS of things for your smoker, monitor things in your aquariums -you name it. That said, it is not a quick and simple thing and will take time, much like a reef tank doesn't instantly thrive.

StirCrazy · #6 03-16-2010, 05:19 AM

hmm just read over 100 topics on a forum and it seams all they are good for is blinking lights and making robots

no one using them for temp control it seams.

Steve

ScubaSteve · #7 03-16-2010, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

hmm just read over 100 topics on a forum and it seams all they are good for is blinking lights and making robots

no one using them for temp control it seams.

Steve

Dude, look at the first link I posted for ya. It has exactly what you are looking for including code! You'd just need to modify it a bit for the second sensor.