Ok I finally got done with my reef automation. I ended up going with the homeseer software with x10  and Dallas semiconductor DS1890 based temperature sensors. At this point, all the lighting and temperature controls are controlled using a PC running Homeseer. The system can monitor and trigger events based on a given event like shutting of the Metal Halides when temperature going over 89F etc. It also controls a canopy based fan. In case of a power outage, the system reboots and brings everything back online. I can acess it online and turn thing on and off (guests can only view but not control). It can also send me a page or text message if a certain event transpires like overheating or overflow condition (although I havent inplemented that yet).

check it out http://homeseer.bounceme.net:8080/ - http://homeseer.bounceme.net:8080/  

login :guest       password: guest

Asad

Very nice, almost like a neptune system but probably not near the price?

Is there a way to use probes in that software?, so you could monitor your water peramiters?  Was it easy to install?

The install was real simple and the nice thing about this program is that one can write scripts in Visual Basic and Java to integrate probes hooked up to serial and usb ports. DrDaq http://www.drdaq.com/ - http://www.drdaq.com/  could be one of those devices. You could measure PH, temp etc. using this device. You could also trigger events like turning off/on a kalk drip or co2 supply to a ca reactor depending on the Ph.

This program also knows the sunset and sunrise times depending on your lat/longitude coordinated, so you could mimic the sunrise/sunset effect at a reef on the equator. There are scripts people have written that mimic lunar cycle as well. check it out http://board.homeseer.com/showthread.php?t=88581&highlight=moonrise - http://board.homeseer.com/showthread.php?t=88581&highlig ht=moonrise  The possibilities are endless.

Im eventually going to use this program to automate my home. It is very powerful and flexible.

Asad

Piston, the DNS forwarding service is free through http://www.no-ip.com - www.no-ip.com the webpage is hosted on my home computer and goes through my cablemodem via  a router. I do however, pay for comcast high speed internet (I was paying for it anyways).

Nope, my second probe is saying 81F, I think Im having some issues with the probe.. The MH lights seem to cause some kind of an interference (probably electromagnetic) that causes erratic readings. It only happens when the MH lights turn off or on. IT usually stabilizes after a while though.

Nope, the temp probe is having problems. I dont know whats up . I do have a backup probe (not attached to the computer) and a digital readout on my thermometer . Both are usually hovering around 78-80 F, so im not really too worried about the readings.  Im still thinking that the high current draw from the MH bulbs has someting to do with it.

As of right now, its at 78F (MH lights off)so it seems to be working fine.

The single most expensive part of the whole project was the homeseer software. Other than that the X10 modules are fairly cheap ~$20 a piece. You can get a kit for about $100 taht includes the computer serial interface and the appliance modules. I already had the temperature module that I assembled myself ($30). Electronics is my other hobby and im always spending on "cool" stuff that I dont need. This time I can actually use this stuff.

BTW. you can dload the Homeseer software for free and try it out for 30 days. Also there is a Linux and windows based MisterHouse software available for free under GNU lisence. That is a little more trickey to setup but is very equivalent to Homeseer. heres a link http://misterhouse.sourceforge.net/ - http://misterhouse.sourceforge.net/   You can significantly cut down the cost if you use this software instead.

Asad

Finally got the temperature readings to stabalize. The current draw fron the lights was causing the problems. I had to rout the power to the sensor from a differnet outlet and it works great now. All the other controls are running great as well.

Asad

Asad, is your PC in the same room as your tank?  My PC is upstairs in a different corner of the house, about 40 ft. away if I could go straight through the walls and floor.  Is there a way for me to use my PC where it is?  I have a wireless router that can reach down there.  (My Xbox is in the same room as my tank, and I can play online with it through my router.)

Any ideas?

Well you would needthe following:

 1. A cheap computer (anything old with a 400Mhz or above will work) I use an old desktop without a monitor and VNC into it. Make sure that the PC has 2 free serial ports.

2. Firecracker transmitter and as many appliance modules as you need ( 1 appliance module for each device you need to control)

3. A temperature monitor kit from http://ozitronics.com/data.html#k145 - http://ozitronics.com/data.html#k145

4. Software like Misterhouse (Free) http://w3.misterhouse.com:81/ - http://w3.misterhouse.com:81/   or Homeseer. I use Homeseer http://www.homeseer.com/ - http://www.homeseer.com/

5. An internet connection if you want to control and monitor the tank while away.

6 Optional webcam to be able to see your tank from anywhere.

I can give you more details on how to setup everything if you need it.

Asad

OK I just put in a webcam go to the main webpage and click the webcam link on the top or the bottom

http://homeseer.bounceme.net:8080/ - http://homeseer.bounceme.net:8080/

login and password are both  guest
Its an experimental run using an old camcorder and a capture card.
BTW. its flash based so u need to have flash installed.

I just updated the webcam software and got a better streaming picture. check it out

http://seti007.camstreams.com/ - http://seti007.camstreams.com/