Arduino controller build thread

thejoshdavis · Jan 24, 2013

I just placed an order for parts needed. This is going to go in small phases.

The plan for Phase 1:
Temperature monitoring
Light Control/Timers
All to LCD read out

Parts:
Arduino Uno - Arduino Uno REV 3 : Computers | RadioShack.com $34.99 (My Cost: Free)
LCD Module - Amazon.com: SainSmart IIC/I2C/TWI Serial 2004 20x4 LCD Module Shield For Arduino UNO MEGA R3: Everything Else - $18.49 (My Cost: Free)
Temp Sensor - Temperature Sensor - Waterproof (DS18B20) : Amazon.com : Automotive - $15.95 (My Cost: Free)
Real Time Clock - Amazon.com: Arduino Tiny RTC I2C DS1307 AT24C32 24C32 memory Real Time Clock Module: Car Electronics - $18.99 (My Cost: Free)
8-Channel Relay - Amazon.com: SainSmart 8-Channel 5V Relay Module for Arduino DSP AVR PIC ARM: Toys & Games - $12.85 (My Cost: Free)

Total Cost: $101.27
My Cost: Free*

*Christmas presents and Amex points on Amazon

I'll keep this updated as parts come in and I start building. Any gotchas or issues I'll post too. I know there is some interest in these so as I compile code I'll also post that.

References:
Main Page - Reef Projects
Open Reefs | An Open Source Reef Controller and Monitor Giving You Peace of Mind Where Ever You Are

Dowtish · Jan 24, 2013

Very Cool! Keep this thread loaded with info. There is nothing like it in out forum. Thanks Josh

dorky · Jan 24, 2013

gmoney243 · Jan 24, 2013

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62541

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NeveSSL · Jan 25, 2013

Sweet... I've got Priority Club points I could use.... Hmmmm...

Brandon

thejoshdavis · Jan 25, 2013

Built a "relay box" the other day in prep for this.

Electrical Box - Shop CARLON 2-Gang Plastic Old Work Electrical Box at Lowes.com - $1.96
2x Standard Outlets - Shop Cooper Wiring Devices 15-Amp White Duplex Electrical Outlet at Lowes.com - $ 1.18
12 AWG Wire - Shop 12 AWG 15' Indoor Non-Metallic Wire at Lowes.com $12.95 (My cost: Free, had some laying around)

Total: $16.09 + tax
My Cost: $3.45

Each outlet is wired separate and will be controlled on their own relay. These will power the T5 lights and replace the timers currently in place.

No pics for this one. I just realized I need a face plate for this.

Total Project Cost: $117.36
My Total Cost: $3.45

wgraham · Jan 25, 2013

I would think about using solid state relays if I were you the ones that you are going to use will cause the LCD to act up. I even tried to put snoobers on the relays and that didn't help. When I went to solid state the problem went away. I have build one with that LCD and when the relays activate it sends noise back to the display, also I would use a mega as it has more PWM outputs for more channels of lights, unless you don't need them, but it has a total of 54 output combine. My arduino that I build uses a touchscreen. If you need any help with this send me a pm.

thejoshdavis · Jan 25, 2013

wgraham said:
I would think about using solid state relays if I were you the ones that you are going to use will cause the LCD to act up. I even tried to put snoobers on the relays and that didn't help. When I went to solid state the problem went away. I have build one with that LCD and when the relays activate it sends noise back to the display, also I would use a mega as it has more PWM outputs for more channels of lights, unless you don't need them, but it has a total of 54 output combine. My arduino that I build uses a touchscreen. If you need any help with this send me a pm.

Cool man thanks. I was thinking of using the solid state relays but opted not to due to the fact that I only want them to replace the timers for my T5's, which is only 2 circuits. If I run into any issues, I'll look at those relays and give you a PM. If I grow past what my initial idea is I'll most likely go to the Mega or look into the Netduino. Ideally I want this thing to host a web server so I can get a buddy to build a iPhone and Droid app using a API for remote controls, etc.

This build is really for me to better understand the Arduino and see what its, and mine, capabilities are, while working on a tight budget.

Do you have any threads or build pics of yours?

NeveSSL · Jan 25, 2013

Thanks to you, Josh, I'm not going to be able to get ANY work done today.

Brandon

thejoshdavis · Jan 25, 2013

Well I'm probably not getting much done today either lol.

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quigimon · Jan 25, 2013

thejoshdavis said:
Cool man thanks. I was thinking of using the solid state relays but opted not to due to the fact that I only want them to replace the timers for my T5's, which is only 2 circuits. If I run into any issues, I'll look at those relays and give you a PM. If I grow past what my initial idea is I'll most likely go to the Mega or look into the Netduino. Ideally I want this thing to host a web server so I can get a buddy to build a iPhone and Droid app using a API for remote controls, etc.

This build is really for me to better understand the Arduino and see what its, and mine, capabilities are, while working on a tight budget.

Do you have any threads or build pics of yours?

Save yourself now and get the solid state relays before the display blows from the relay operation.

thejoshdavis · Jan 25, 2013

quigimon said:
Save yourself now and get the solid state relays before the display blows from the relay operation.

Care to explain why the display would blow based off the relay functions?

quigimon · Jan 25, 2013

thejoshdavis said:
Care to explain why the display would blow based off the relay functions?

Back emf from the relay action, I had the 16 X 2 and it would make my LCD display blocks when the relays kicked, so instead I used SSR connected to a power strip to control my pumps in the tank.

wgraham · Jan 25, 2013

If I come to the meeting I will bring a prototype of the one on my tank

thejoshdavis · Jan 25, 2013

quigimon said:
Back emf from the relay action, I had the 16 X 2 and it would make my LCD display blocks when the relays kicked, so instead I used SSR connected to a power strip to control my pumps in the tank.

Ah ok, so it's still trying to push current even when off. Could this be resolved by wiring or anything? I'm so new to this realm so bear with me.

wgraham said:
If I come to the meeting I will bring a prototype of the one on my tank

Sweet, I'll be there for sure.

quigimon · Jan 25, 2013

Also are you familiar with coding? I'm doing my own ardy controller amongst other things so I'm trying to code it myself although there are a couple out there floating around for reef controller arduinos some of them can be a pain to work with plus I'm enjoying the experience of coding because I plan on using atmel chips for a couple of other household projects too.

thejoshdavis · Jan 25, 2013

quigimon said:
Also are you familiar with coding? I'm doing my own ardy controller amongst other things so I'm trying to code it myself although there are a couple out there floating around for reef controller arduinos some of them can be a pain to work with plus I'm enjoying the experience of coding because I plan on using atmel chips for a couple of other household projects too.

I'm somewhat familiar with coding as a general term. I've done some VB/.NET, C#, and Powershell coding with my line of work. The Arduino language is new to me however.

quigimon · Jan 25, 2013

thejoshdavis said:
I'm somewhat familiar with coding as a general term. I've done some VB/.NET, C#, and Powershell coding with my line of work. The Arduino language is new to me however.

It's a smaller portion of the c language so its not too hard with some exposure and with prior programming experience it shouldn't be too hard to wrap your head around.

thejoshdavis · Jan 25, 2013

quigimon said:
It's a smaller portion of the c language so its not too hard with some exposure and with prior programming experience it shouldn't be too hard to wrap your head around.

looking at the built in examples and code I've seen online, its not too crazy at all.