DIY Reef Controller?

[Guest Rileyporter]

I have been kicking around the idea of an ultra configurable reef controller solution. This is what I came up with so far. I would prefer some open source software and possible linux implementation but as of yet not been able to locate such software (I really dont want to start a programming project either) .

 

So heres the beef.

 

 

http://www.draquarium.com/index.html - Dr. Aquarium Software $35

http://www.drdaq.com/products.html - Probes hardware $140

http://www.x10.com/products/firecracker.htm - X10 Interface $39

 

PH probe is like $160 more FYI

 

Within the setup there are tons of things that can be done but one thing that kinda stood out that I didnt know about was the ability to monitor sound. The way that Dandy (I will say dandy and I but it was dandy) setup my tank was that there are 2 overflows 1 is the main and it that becomes clogged it goes out the backup. The backup however is much higher over the sump than the main. With the noise monitor I could also setup an ability to alert me if the noise level rises and the main drain becomes clogged. Anyways just an Idea guys.

 

Within in the software I can write custom scripts that I am pretty sure you cant do with the off the shelf neptune hardware.

 

Anyways the purpose of this post is to maybe toss around a few ideas for custom controller's. If anyone has anymore input on this please let me know. If anyone knows of an opensource software I am also listening.

[jason the filter freak]

DOOD you have a 55... join the group order currently in progress, it would be pleanty for your system, IMO

[dhoch]

Yeah at that price you might as well buy a controller... it's all really a question of how much your time is worth, and how much time you have free...

 

Dave

[stevil]

X10 is sketchy... I wouldn't trust it for your critical life support systems. We have some switches installed in our house to control lights and they mysteriously go on and off. Plus, there are times when I know a signal is sent and the switches do not respond. There are filters you can get, but there's always the chance that an errant signal will be generated in your electrical system that the X10 devices will interpret as an X10 command, or worse, your neighbors could have it and then commands can get sent from their devices over the air to your components.

[ReeferMan]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthre...threadid=938542

[dandy7200]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthre...threadid=938542

 

Funny I thought of the same thing......DonW post alot more stuff over on Reeffrontiers.com he's a really good guy and would be glad to help you if you ask.

 

Don't build a controller to save money, do it because you can build a better one or simply because you enjoy that aspect of the hobby.

 

Dan

[squiddly]

X10 is sketchy... I wouldn't trust it for your critical life support systems. We have some switches installed in our house to control lights and they mysteriously go on and off. Plus, there are times when I know a signal is sent and the switches do not respond. There are filters you can get, but there's always the chance that an errant signal will be generated in your electrical system that the X10 devices will interpret as an X10 command, or worse, your neighbors could have it and then commands can get sent from their devices over the air to your components.

 

I'd like to echo that. I've had nothing but difficulties with X10 applications. I would not feel comfortable trusting lives to it certainly.

[Guest Rileyporter]

Funny I thought of the same thing......DonW post alot more stuff over on Reeffrontiers.com he's a really good guy and would be glad to help you if you ask.

 

Don't build a controller to save money, do it because you can build a better one or simply because you enjoy that aspect of the hobby.

 

Dan

 

 

Yah exactly.. Right on Dan.. I have been looking at doing some home automation anyways and I think it would be cool to tie in my house and tank together. I went to that website dan and didnt see much about automation stuff? am I missing something?

 

Riley