Tank Automation

Lampshade · #1 10-08-2010, 07:03 PM

That's understandable, i've found a lots of articles that say X10 doesn't work well in modern homes bacause of the amount of dirty power electronics put out. I'm going to have a computer beside my tank, just looking at a decent way to use it. X10 is probably a bad idea for reliability, which is the key.
I still like the DqDAQ card, trying to find out how accurate the readings are, but as for switching on/off i think i'll stick to my original plan and use a USB relay module, or something of the sort. only issue with that is programing... which would have to be home made, which would be fun to do, but that's a LOT of work.

Either than or just cough up the money for a new RKE or something, haha, after all is said and done, this would probably be just as expencive, and less reliable.

Binare · #2 10-08-2010, 07:16 PM

I got an rkl, gives me more then I need. Even with a background in electronics and electrical controls, I could'nt build a system for cheaper if I figured in my time involved. Very happy with what I got for how much I paid. If you factor in the cost of components, and the fact you'll almost surely end up with less functionality if you tried to even compete price wise, seems like a waste of time and money to try and reinvent the wheel.

ScubaSteve · #3 10-08-2010, 07:27 PM

Go on Ebay and find an old National Instruments DAQ (preferably a DAQmx USB or a bus card) then download Labview. There's a bit of a learning curve but once you've got it it's a super powerful tool. I am actually setting up a new NI DAQ/Labview system as I type this to control my experimental set-up.

I made a really simple array of transistors that drive +5V circuits to control relays. Each of these relays can handle mains voltages. Took me about a day of soldering to set-up. If you want to cheat you can always buy power switch tails but you're paying a premium for something you could build for $5 or less.

I think the Dr. DAQ system is sufficient but if you want a bulletproof, reliable system with HUGE flexibility and capability I'd highly recommend the NI/Labview route. Make sure you design all your relays to have the proper fail safe in case your computer get's shut-off by accident.

I do this junk all day long so if you have questions on any of it feel free to fire them my way...

Lampshade · #4 10-08-2010, 08:58 PM

Thanks Steve, i'll look into that. I found the webControl board's awhile ago on eBay that pretty much has all the transistors in place, and a network interface, as well as a basic logic controller/timer. Only issue was the amount of SSR's needed to drive any components. This Labview route looks great, some prebuilt stuff on EBay for pretty cheap, even found a RS232 card that take's analog and has 10A relay outputs. Probably cheaper bread board though. I'll probably play with it a bit, looks like a fun project once my new tank's up and going.
I've got a PLC running the basic stuff on my tank right now, was looking at upgrading and hopefully adding in some monitoring over the web. Not terribly hard to do if i designed my own webpage, etc. But the issue was getting info to the computer, especially the analogs.
I used to work building automated machinery, but the computer/PLC interface is beond me.

Thanks agains both of you.