Follow my journey

[ZaneTer]

Hi everyone

Some background: I have used automated systems on my tank until recently one caused a catastrophic crash. This annoyed my more than a little. Primarily because I am an automation engineer and secondly because of the sum of cash paid for the defective equipment.

So I have decided to build my own. I am in a very fortunate position as a senior engineer to have access to the equipment I need.

The control side is almost completely done. I am currently working on the graphical side now and will be posting updates as frequently as I have the opportunity.

Everything I know and have done will be shared publicly to anyone that asks for it.

 

[ZaneTer]

First screen: Temperature

Along the bottom and right hand side is buttons to access my other pages. Top left is a dial showing the temperature in an analogue format along with its warning and alarm ranges.

Right of that is the temperature set point and a digital readout of the current temperature. Heating hysteresis and cooling hysteresis are included to prevent relays rapidly switching. I currently have these at 0.2 deviation from setpoint.

Next is heater and chiller control. Force on is exactly that, as is force off. Auto allows the system to regulate itself. Heater or chiller on shows feedback for if either device is on. Same goes for devices being off.

Mid screen trend section is next. Currently configured to show 7 days of data. Update time is every 15s because temp doesn’t change fast in 800 litres. Currently configured to log 10 years worth of data.


Please feel free to pass judgement and all comments and suggestions and questions are welcome.

 

[Fishy McFish]

Journey followed! Love this man, good luck!

 

[ZaneTer]

Temperature update: I have re scaled the trend and gauge and added feedback for status of equipment.
Here is what the temperature page looks like simulated:

I have to wait another 5 weeks before i get home to connect the screen to my PLC but currently it maintains a swing of no more than 0.72'F or 0.4'C (0.2 above or below)

 

[ZaneTer]

Here is how the alarm page looks for anyone interested:

The alarms are configured to provide email notification but I haven’t finished setting that up yet. I am developing this on a smaller screen then the final one that I use. This will eliminate the text not showing fully.

 

[ZaneTer]

I will be using this tablet as the hardware on which I run my screens.

 

[Bob2bob Verified Admin]

very cool, following along

 

[Ron Reefman]

Zane, I never automated my tanks much at all, so I'm less familiar with all that you are doing.
So you are writing the software to run things?
Are you using somebody's hardware (like an Apex) or are you running your systems with other off the shelf abilities to turn things on and off?

 

[drevalenz]

Nice, following