Aquaponic Gardening2024-03-29T07:02:36ZShaun Mavronicolashttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/ShaunMavhttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2796920174?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/group/automation/forum/topic/listForContributor?user=07vnbfd1tbta9&feed=yes&xn_auth=noAutomatic Fish Feeder Went Online Todaytag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2013-03-29:4778851:Topic:4558192013-03-29T17:20:58.710ZShaun Mavronicolashttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/ShaunMav
<p>Well this could be considered a banner day around here as the Trout will be so happy to get their meals on time. I only have around 40 Trout divided between two 330 gal ibcs so I only needed 2 feeders at the moment (the few other fish in the other tanks aren't nearly as demanding) and since they are pretty well divided up I decided to use one impulse timer to run both feeders as the quantity is not rocket science.</p>
<p>So here are some pics and I will do a video one of these days: The time…</p>
<p>Well this could be considered a banner day around here as the Trout will be so happy to get their meals on time. I only have around 40 Trout divided between two 330 gal ibcs so I only needed 2 feeders at the moment (the few other fish in the other tanks aren't nearly as demanding) and since they are pretty well divided up I decided to use one impulse timer to run both feeders as the quantity is not rocket science.</p>
<p>So here are some pics and I will do a video one of these days: The time clock is a Brinks 2 times per day from Wally World for less than 15.00 and has battery BU. The augers are just old brace and bit with the drive cut off. These are 3/4" but 1" should be fine if you use S&D pipe as it has a bit larger dia.. I used an old chem pump timer rated 220v but it runs both gear motors on 120v just fine. It actually did better (smoother) when both motors were on line than one. The gear motors can be purchased on Ebay as "Commercial washer drain motors" The impulse timers seem a bit harder to find but if you are running on a PLC or PIC that should work fine as a timer as well. I'll be changing over to my Mitsubishi controller soon myself and that should do away with the timer and clock.</p>
<p>Any questions just ask and I'll now upload the pics again as they just now all went away again because I made a correction in my text above. Anyone else have that happen? Not sure what causes that.<a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656374896?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656374896?profile=original" width="640"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656375023?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656375023?profile=original" width="640"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656376336?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656376336?profile=original" width="640"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656376493?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656376493?profile=original" width="640"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656376836?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656376836?profile=original" width="429"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656377135?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656377135?profile=original" width="640"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656377423?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656377423?profile=original" width="640"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656378316?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656378316?profile=original" width="640"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656378922?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656378922?profile=original" width="640"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656379088?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656379088?profile=original" width="480"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656379383?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656379383?profile=original" width="640"/></a></p> Aquaponics sensor network project in need of help...tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2012-09-28:4778851:Topic:3966352012-09-28T14:32:23.901ZShaun Mavronicolashttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/ShaunMav
<p>This was posted to the group initially but I felt it would be better suited to have a place for discussion here. I do apologize for double posting this, I should have posted this here at the outset in retrospect.</p>
<p>A short intro... I got in to AP at the start of 2011. After firing up the system in May 2011 I quickly realized how helpful monitoring several parameters would be, as I am sure most newbies would find. I am not a software/code guy so I asked someone to help with that part, at…</p>
<p>This was posted to the group initially but I felt it would be better suited to have a place for discussion here. I do apologize for double posting this, I should have posted this here at the outset in retrospect.</p>
<p>A short intro... I got in to AP at the start of 2011. After firing up the system in May 2011 I quickly realized how helpful monitoring several parameters would be, as I am sure most newbies would find. I am not a software/code guy so I asked someone to help with that part, at a reasonable rate. Unfortunately, it's now over a year since this began and still it's not done.</p>
<p>I had intended to share this with the community once it was complete, for no cost. Seems I need to do this before things are ready as it needs others to help complete it. So my offer is to make available all the code and my crude diagrams to someone who is willing to dive in and wrap this up. The person who wrote the code to date has said he will share what ever "knowledge" is necessary for you to familiarize yourself with the code.</p>
<p>The code has been well commented. It is based on the Arduino FIO and XBEE series 2B radios which are running in API mode. The main app is written in Python and initially is for the MAC platform, however, since Python is cross platform and the DB uses SQlite it is easy adapted to Windows.</p>
<p>There are 2 main sensor types... the one which has been developed now includes relays at the cost of no pH/DO. The second includes pH/DO at a cost of no relays. Typically you would only need one of the pH/DO sensors, the rest would be the relay contact version. Each sensor has the following capabilities in addition to either relays or pH/DO: Temp + humidity, thermocouple temp (for remote temp measurement), water flow, water depth (0-12" for GBs or shallow sumps), light intensity, 3 relays and 3 current clamps for "event" triggers. All this fits into a tiny 4x2x3/4" case. It's wireless needless to say (XBEE radios in API mode) allowing many sensors around a greenhouse for example, to be polled.</p>
<p>With the data in a DB I was hoping to be able to easily display information visually through a web page/iPhone/iPad app (not part of this project but needed). I was going to begin by using a third party tool.</p>
<p>Things were getting close before the developer said he has no further time to complete this for me. So here we are... is there anyone interested and willing to commit to completing this project with me for the community? This project does require someone who is very experienced with the Arduino, XBEE radios using API mode and Python. This seems to have turned into a complex little project with hardware that has been tough to get working with the limited capabilities of the Arduino.</p>
<p>I have built three complete sensors on Veroboard as my test bed, in this tiny footprint.</p>
<p>I am based in Vancouver, BC but am certainly willing to see how completion of this can happen remotely.</p>
<p>I do realize there seem to be a lot of these little projects springing up but to my best knowledge, as yet, I haven't come across anything that is freely available that does everything each of these sensors does in one unit.</p>
<p>Anyone interested?</p>
<p></p>
<p>Here is a picture of the simpler probe hardware:</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656368878?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656368878?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p> aquaponics process controltag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2012-07-09:4778851:Topic:3598882012-07-09T04:30:30.567ZShaun Mavronicolashttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/ShaunMav
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656372448?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656372448?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<p>see <a href="http://kijanigrows.com/">http://kijanigrows.com/</a> for more information.…<br></br><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656372448?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656372448?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656372448?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656372448?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<p>see <a href="http://kijanigrows.com/">http://kijanigrows.com/</a> for more information.<br/><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656372448?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656372448?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p> smart aquaponics live data visualizationtag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2012-06-04:4778851:Topic:3459552012-06-04T08:36:16.631ZShaun Mavronicolashttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/ShaunMav
<p><strong>smart controller v1.1</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://kijanigrows.com/smartAquaponics/index.html?garden=v1.1">http://kijanigrows.com/smartAquaponics/index.html?garden=v1.1</a> ... live visualization</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/kijanigrows1">http://twitter.com/#!/kijanigrows1</a> ... garden alerts</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>smart controller v1.1 with indexing valve and actuators…</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>smart controller v1.1</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://kijanigrows.com/smartAquaponics/index.html?garden=v1.1">http://kijanigrows.com/smartAquaponics/index.html?garden=v1.1</a> ... live visualization</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/kijanigrows1">http://twitter.com/#!/kijanigrows1</a> ... garden alerts</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>smart controller v1.1 with indexing valve and actuators</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://kijanigrows.com/smartAquaponics/indexEcovillage.html">http://kijanigrows.com/smartAquaponics/indexEcovillage.html</a> (work in progress)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.kijanigrows.com/smartAquaponics/ecoVillage.html">http://www.kijanigrows.com/smartAquaponics/ecoVillage.html</a> ... gb levels (100% is full)</p>
<p></p>
<p></p> Eden AquaPonics, Inc MACC "Monitoring and Control Console"tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2012-05-31:4778851:Topic:3439852012-05-31T18:35:07.736ZShaun Mavronicolashttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/ShaunMav
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656366940?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656366940?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="450"></img></a></p>
<p>The Eden AquaPonics MACC is a fully automated system comprised entirely of industrial grade automation components. All components are rated at a service life of 100,000 cycles or more. This equates to over twenty years of service life on every component. All components are readily available and are easily field serviceable.</p>
<p>The MACC has 5 major…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656366940?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="450" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656366940?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="450"/></a></p>
<p>The Eden AquaPonics MACC is a fully automated system comprised entirely of industrial grade automation components. All components are rated at a service life of 100,000 cycles or more. This equates to over twenty years of service life on every component. All components are readily available and are easily field serviceable.</p>
<p>The MACC has 5 major components:</p>
<p>'1- Programmable Logic Controller</p>
<p>2- HMI (Human Machine Interface)</p>
<p>3- Input Sensors</p>
<p>4- Secondary high current relays</p>
<p>5- Power Supply</p>
<p>1: The Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is an intelligent user programmable process controller capable of controlling and monitoring virtually any kind of sensor, switch or device connected to the PLC. This is "NOT" an aquarium, pool or water quality-monitoring device. The PLC is "ANYTHING" you want it to be. We write the program that best suits your needs. The PLC is as basic as you need, or it is expandable to support an entire commercial growing operation. The PLC is rated for the tough marine environment as well and can handle continuous 95% humidity.</p>
<p>The PLC has full Ethernet and internet connectivity built right in. You supply a high-speed internet connection directly to the unit (no external router needed). If you are remote and no connection is available, the PLC supports an external cellular mod<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656366940?profile=original" target="_self"></a>em for internet connectivity over wireless. If an internet connection is provided you have "FULL" remote access to everything the PLC can do. Via GUI (Graphical User Interface), you have full visibility and full control of all your processes that are running in the unit. The PLC also supports multiple web cameras for a real time look at your system. The PLC will also generate statistical data and graphs that are available on the unit locally or on the web page that is set up for the unit. The PLC will also send email and text-based messages to your inbox or mobile phone. You can instantly be notified of system alarms or simply get status updates. You are not limited in the number of email recipients either, you can program in as many as you need.</p>
<p>2: HMI is the Human Machine Interface that allows full visibility to the PLC. The most common HMI is the 5.7" 256 color touch-screen interface. Monochrome displays and larger 65K color displays are available up to 10 inches. With the touch screen, you get to see your system in operation via custom designed screens with active graphics. The information you want displayed is only limited by what you can connect to the PLC. Standard information for the aquaponics environment would include, but is not limited to:</p>
<p> - Greenhouse, system water and exterior temperature.</p>
<p> - System water level, system air supply and pump operations.</p>
<p> - pH, DO readings for multiple tanks and configurations.</p>
<p> - Current task running and manual control of processes if desired.</p>
<p> - Statistical data on anything you want to graph or display.</p>
<p>The HMI can be located in the most convenient location for your system. All other components can be located out of sight and out of mind.</p>
<p>3: Input sensors are anything you need to gather information for the PLC. This can range anywhere from a pH probe to liquid level and flow sensors. If there is a sensor or switch made for your purpose, the PLC can interface directly to it and be programmed to process the information you need.</p>
<p>4: The secondary higher current relays are controlled by the PLC. These relays can be built to handle even the largest amounts of current required by large pumps, heaters or even grow lights. If the current rating exceeds the maximum rating on the PLC relays, the secondaries can handle the load.</p>
<p>5: The PLC power supply is specific to your needs. The MACC and all system components can be built for the voltage you need.</p>
<p><strong>If you are nterested in automating a single grow bed or an entire commercial growing operation the MACC is what you need. We build each system to suit your needs with the same components that industry around the world relies upon every day.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.edenaquaponics.com/">www.edenaquaponics.com</a></p>
<p> </p> smart aquaponicstag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2012-02-20:4778851:Topic:2953952012-02-20T01:21:01.879ZShaun Mavronicolashttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/ShaunMav
<p>after years of killing fish, we are excited to reveal our first smart aquaponics controller v1.</p>
<p>this is basically 10+ years of aquaponics experience in a microchip.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656369215?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656369215?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>this is in a mature stage and will soon be available for public use.…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656370635?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656370635?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>after years of killing fish, we are excited to reveal our first smart aquaponics controller v1.</p>
<p>this is basically 10+ years of aquaponics experience in a microchip.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656369215?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656369215?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p>this is in a mature stage and will soon be available for public use.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656370635?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656370635?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p>the v1 controller is a wifi based web smart controller with 8 input sensors, 4 relay outputs - alerts and messages are sent using tweets.</p>
<p>in fact we have our first remote smart aquapononic installation in san mateo - this is a hack of our v1 controller (designed for one growbed see below) ... to drive 3 growbeds and two fish tanks using indexing values, 3 way controller values and a valve actuator.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656371900?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656371900?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>siphons are too finicky and not scalable... indexing valves are more reliable and efficient for large installations. these are shown above and the grow beds controlled are shown below. one fish tank is just below you and the other behind the shed ... the electronics are in the shed. the lumber is a greenhouse shelter coming up.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656374184?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656374184?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>some sensors on the grow bed are shown below ... these tell very accurately how high the water is in the grow bed</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656375035?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656375035?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p>the brains ... embedded linux makes a strong platform for high level processing to the arduino based shield for aquaponics automation. ... notice the quick - dirty enclosure and rapid prototype ... will shortly replace this with a production grade device shortly.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656377815?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656377815?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p>perhaps i can tell more if folks are interested in these kind of things. ... for more information see <a href="http://kijanigrows.com" target="_blank">kijani grows</a> ...farming with my devices from anywhere is so fun i don't even need plants or fish in my garden.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656379059?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656379059?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p></p> PLC-based Control Boxtag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2012-02-10:4778851:Topic:2916662012-02-10T22:59:05.095ZShaun Mavronicolashttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/ShaunMav
<p>I've been gradually building a control box for my home aquaponics system. It's clearly un-necessary, but I'm using it as a test bed to prepare for use in greenhouse and larger scale operations. I also want to measure various things long-term. I'm definitely taking the industrial control approach, but I think it's appropriate given the potentially harsh conditions of a greenhouse, and the potential value/risk of thousands of gallons of water and fish and produce. I definitely think these…</p>
<p>I've been gradually building a control box for my home aquaponics system. It's clearly un-necessary, but I'm using it as a test bed to prepare for use in greenhouse and larger scale operations. I also want to measure various things long-term. I'm definitely taking the industrial control approach, but I think it's appropriate given the potentially harsh conditions of a greenhouse, and the potential value/risk of thousands of gallons of water and fish and produce. I definitely think these systems can be designed to be mostly passively safe and reliable (without controls), and there is clearly a breaking point below which an investment like this makes no sense. Nonetheless, I carry on for the fun of it :)</p>
<p>I have much of it up and running, but still have most of the operational logic to develop still. Early photo attached. More as I get things hooked up. One part I haven't completed is hooking up graphical screens on the laptop to the PLC. One big advantage of a PLC is that it can take care of all the critical functions without any attached PC or laptop. Adding the laptop just means I can graphically monitor the system, perform manual functions, and log data to disk. I'll be using an open-source control system called EPICS for that. More later. A parts list for the box follows the photo:</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656361122?profile=original"><img width="400" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656361122?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="400"/></a>Parts:</p>
<ul>
<li>1 Wiegmann NEMA 3R electrical enclosure - $90</li>
<li>DIN rails - $10</li>
<li>2 Solid State 10A Relays - $40</li>
<li>24V power supply $30</li>
<li>Terminal blocks - $20</li>
<li>Used Koyo DirectLogic06 PLC from Ebay - $130</li>
<li>RTD temperature sensor card for PLC - $199</li>
<li>4-20mA input card for PLC - $79</li>
<li>2 RTD temperature sensors - $100</li>
<li>2 float switch sensors - $20</li>
<li>Furman MP-15 relay-controllable 110V outlet - $100</li>
<li>Used laptop from Ebay - $125 (PLC programming software free for small programs)</li>
<li>Relay controllable ASF-1 fish feeder - $79</li>
<li>4-20mA pH sensor transmitter - $189</li>
<li>submersible pH sensor - $96</li>
</ul>
<p>I didn't get an industrial dissolved oxygen sensor for now (way expensive).</p>
<p>I was going to control all 110V devices directly, but I have the control box plugged into a GFCI outlet, and what I discovered was that fluorescent grow lights consistently trip off GFCI. So I added a non-GFCI powered Furman MP-15 to control the grow lights.</p>
<p>Once I get the box fully wired up, and operating/monitoring everything, I'll move on to graphical screens and long-term archiving.</p>
<p></p> Android App / Mobile websitetag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2011-11-07:4778851:Topic:2445282011-11-07T13:27:10.512ZShaun Mavronicolashttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/ShaunMav
<p>Greetings all,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I have made a few android applications in the past, and looking to apply my skills toward aquaponics. I would like to gauge everyone's interest to see if it is even worth creating an app or website.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Please take a few moments to answer a few questions.</p>
<ol>
<li>What mobile apps do you use for aquaponics? </li>
<li>What websites do you use, and for what?</li>
<li>What features would you like to see in an…</li>
</ol>
<p>Greetings all,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I have made a few android applications in the past, and looking to apply my skills toward aquaponics. I would like to gauge everyone's interest to see if it is even worth creating an app or website.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Please take a few moments to answer a few questions.</p>
<ol>
<li>What mobile apps do you use for aquaponics? </li>
<li>What websites do you use, and for what?</li>
<li>What features would you like to see in an app.</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p>Depending on the responses, we will look into a mobile website, or a mobile application. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p> New Greenhouse controllertag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2011-10-16:4778851:Topic:2325002011-10-16T05:31:13.818ZShaun Mavronicolashttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/ShaunMav
<p>I have been looking into all of this and stumbled across a guy that is making a controller for other solar type things but is not using the arduino. He has a controller that he makes that has 8 temperature inputs that connects to 4 relay outputs. 2 temps to one relay is how it is set up. I needed a way to have my heat coil in my wood stove have water running through the pipes as soon as the wood stove was fired up. I am going to put a battery backup on the pump so it never runs out of…</p>
<p>I have been looking into all of this and stumbled across a guy that is making a controller for other solar type things but is not using the arduino. He has a controller that he makes that has 8 temperature inputs that connects to 4 relay outputs. 2 temps to one relay is how it is set up. I needed a way to have my heat coil in my wood stove have water running through the pipes as soon as the wood stove was fired up. I am going to put a battery backup on the pump so it never runs out of water(no steam explosion plus it has a pressure valve on it.) Then I needed a way to control which way the water should come from. The storage tank or the propane heater. It reads the temperatures and opens and closes 2 zone valves to accomplish this. The last thing it will do is control the solar panel and turn on the pump when the water in the panel is warmer than the storage tank.</p>
<p>I bought one for this boiler application and thought why not ask him if he could change it. It also is able to be logged to a PC. So if we could use this in another program I am sure we could make it so it could give a text message or warn us if something was wrong.</p>
<p>I asked him if he could make it so only one temperature input would control 4 relays. This would give me a way to control my vent on the outside of my wet wall, the wet wall and the 2 greenhouse fans. This way I can have the greenhouse automated so the vent opens as it gets to 67 degrees. Then a fan comes on at 70 degrees next the other fan comes on at 74 degrees and finally the wet wall comes on at 78 degrees. Then it does the opposite as the heat goes back down.</p>
<p>If anyone is interested in one let me know.</p>
<p>After he gets this one made and I test it out I will see what other things we could come up with. I am sure we could make something that would check PH and have a relay turn on a dosser pump to add PH up or down. Or check DO and anything else needed. It would be getting the correct probes for it and having hi program this. He said that he could add 2 more relays to the original board but he would need more than just 1 board to do it on. It always checks temperature that is what it was designed for originally.</p>
<p>The greenhouse controller is selling for $150.00 with a case, power supply and sensors. A really good price. I have been looking at other controllers that do the same thing for over $500.</p> arduino -- Aquaponic automation developmenttag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2011-03-20:4778851:Topic:687612011-03-20T17:16:10.996ZShaun Mavronicolashttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/ShaunMav
<p>arduino's have a future in aquaponics in my mind. Not many people talking about their use of arduino's and aquaponics. Windowfarm groups are much more active with arduino's and control of systems. I have just completed my auto mode function that I presented at Make:SF meeting featuring aquaponics in the Bay Area. The auto mode function controls the following components:</p>
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<p>water pump - controlled by relay with timer function for turning on and off when needed</p>
<p>media…</p>
<p>arduino's have a future in aquaponics in my mind. Not many people talking about their use of arduino's and aquaponics. Windowfarm groups are much more active with arduino's and control of systems. I have just completed my auto mode function that I presented at Make:SF meeting featuring aquaponics in the Bay Area. The auto mode function controls the following components:</p>
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<p>water pump - controlled by relay with timer function for turning on and off when needed</p>
<p>media probe - determines water level in grow bed will cause water pump to shut off when needed</p>
<p>gravity feed valve - drains grow bed after time period</p>
<p>float switch - controls water level in tank and protects water pump in case water gets to low in tank</p>
<p>start button - when pushed starts auto mode function LED lights goes from red to green for on</p>
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<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656360909?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656360909?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p>My media probe needs to be re-calibrated and I am moving to a new resistor configuration on this demo unit. Once completed I will do a video to demonstrate the functionality and how the cycle performs. I will next develop the KILL BUTTON function. Then move on to 4 one-wire temperature probes and LCD display of options and temperature readings at request of user.</p>
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