Sensors and controllers

[Guest Wilderbud]

Ive looked into PICs and think they are too expensive for me for now but I havent weighed the options yet so I might go for one. I am just gathering information to start learning for now - if theres any books you can recommend Ill check them out.

 

The temperature and humidifier sensors are 5v and Ive worked with 5v boards before via an 8bit computer and Ive also learnt to add external controllers and outputs to boards so the breadboard is a viable option [although Ill have to relearn a lot].

 

Most of the PH and EC probes are 12v and I havent worked with this before so if working with 12v and 5v on the same board [i want to use only one microchip if possible - 650* would be ideal] is more complicated then a PIC may seem like a good option [ive been told theyre almost indestructable as opposed to designing my own electronic equipment - Ive destroyed plenty of board before heh] - Ill see when I figure it all out.

 

Honeywell actually has PH and EC probes but theyre in the industrial division so will probably be hard to buy - Im still looking and will get into the books soon [im hitting the library tomorrow if Im not busy].

[El_Badass]

this thread is indeed exciting. And the cause is noble, to remotely monitor and controll a grow would be sweet. And if you were able to make systems that a person can use straight out of the box for their grow then I'm sure some hydro shops would be interested in stocking such an item, uh for the avid tomato grower of course.

[Ozzy420]

I know i will be watching this thread with grate interist, now this mite be something thay few of the computer savy ppl may be able to help me with i have an shitty old digi cam that can be used as a web cam and have just about finnished building and old AMD 450 from parts i had lyeing around, now my question is with this digi cam i have is there a way to set up to do time laps(i hope u know what i mean)with it so i can record a whole grow over how ever long its takes and then put it all tougher like a little movie that u can watch, this is something i have wanted to try from day 1 of my indoor growing as i would love to see my plants start from seed rite up till fully mature and watch it like a little movie, i know a little about setting the webcam up to use but to do this i know nothing so maby all u computer savy ppl out there could point me it the rite way on how to do this of it can be done.

[Guest Wilderbud]

Oz, you could find a program to do that or if you find one thatll dump a picture when run then exit you can use the task scheduler to run it. I dont know of any software for windows to do it but Im sure theres a few to choose from - try a google search for timelapse webcam software maybe.

 

PS. dont hijack my thread! [one day Ill get back to it - still a vision for now]

[Ozzy420]

Hey WB sorry about hijack i through about that after i wrote this post and through shit i shouldent of done that agane sorry mate. Edited February 11, 2004 by ozmade

[Sjeffie]

Hi reshroomED (if you're still here),

 

I saw your topic about using the Mitsubishi Alpha Controller for PH and EC measurements. I'm also using this controller, but I just use it to controll my "power-board".

 

I'm very interested in controlling the PH and EC measurement with this device.

Is your PH/EC controlling program for the Alpha Controller finished yet and is it for sale ?

 

 

Sjeffie

 

p.s To the moderators : Why can't I send PM-messages ?

Edited March 29, 2004 by Sjeffie

[F420]

im stoned so if im off track just laugh, hahha

 

but is this something like your on about, these Autovent II things control everything via PC or just on their ownClick link to open Nz hydroponics site,

then go products, controllers and you will see some of the range.

 

Now I have never used such things but this thread is interesting, and Im happy as pig in shit with their Truncheon.

 

??

 

oops heres the link

nzhydroponics

Edited March 29, 2004 by Ferenge420

[Guest Wilderbud]

Yeah thats what Im talking about but these are all seperate items usually so instead of buying into the pre-built components youd get each sensor and controller seperately then built it all into one component AND hook it up to a PC for monitoring and adjusting - the control-from-PC part of the whole thing is what interests me most [i love programming].

 

PS. I havent started this project yet - Im commited but not motivated [aka stoned] enough yet.

 

Their PH and EC doser looks nice - theyd surely save some effort.

[Sjeffie]

Ok thanks guys, these producs looks very nice. I think I will contact them and ask for some wholesale prices .

 

Wilderbud, why don't you get a Mitsubishi alpha controller ? You can program this thing as much as you want, there's also a big display which you can program as you like. I asked reshroomED about the program, because it's very easy to use such a controller for PH and EC dosing. For example, you can program the display and the buttons to your own needs.

I think that many of "controller products" of NZ Hydroponics are bases on PLC/Microcontroller technique. The main difference between these "ready to use" and PLC products is the price..

 

[Guest Wilderbud]

Wilderbud, why don't you get a Mitsubishi alpha controller ?

Lack of funds.