Can a computer run tank

[Skepperz]

Are there people out there doing this? writing programs mabey?

[BrokeColoReefer]

X10 can run a tank.
http://www.x10.com/support/support_soft1.htm

[Skepperz]

Thanks for the link :-)

[BlueLou]

A company called National Instruments sells quite a few different devices for Digital and Analog I/O that a programmer could use to control just about anything.

http://www.ni.com/
(Look at their "low cost" digital I/O)

[perpetual98]

If you can get X10 to reliably run anything, you're a better person than I am.

[oldsaltman]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8560471#post8560471 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by perpetual98
If you can get X10 to reliably run anything, you're a better person than I am.

I agree! X10 will work, but you never know when it will not work!
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/115850gen163.gif

[Lyscer]

I have x10 controlling my lighting(5 different lights) and my heater based off of what the x10 temp probr reads for 7 months. When I first set it up it wouldn't turn things on/off correctly but I changed the phase that it was on and it hasn't had any problems since

[Skepperz]

Nice!! sounds really interesting, wish i was rich :-)

[Lyscer]

I figured it was cheaper for me to do x10 than to buy a controller. Overall I am into the x10 system $160 (temp controller, temp sensors, 6 x10 outlets, and the x10 controller). I had an old computer in my basement that I installed linux on to run it all and my brother-in-law wrote the code in pearl. I'm not sure if you were referring to me as being rich... but I am not. I find side jobs to support my habit ;)

[mhj1580]

I have been looking at this software to do the same thing
http://www.draquarium.com/

[oldsaltman]

If you choose to try the X10 devises just make sure that you know what will happen if one decides to kick on or off without warning. Make sure that you know what will happen after the power blinks. There are a lot of other electricical things that cause X10 to malfunction so just be careful and research their limitations.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/115850gen163.gif

[douggiestyle]

http://electronickits.com/kit/complete/elec/ck1601.htm

pretty cheap

[BeanAnimal]

PLenty of us use computers or microcontrollers to automate part or all of our tanks. Some of use write dedicated software and build dedicated hardware. Others use off the shelf stuff and write scripts for it.

The subject is VERY broad.

Bean

[perpetual98]

Heehee. I knew Bean couldn't stay away.

AND he said "broad" ;)

Eric

[BeanAnimal]

Shall I have said Dame instead?

Eric... your sis builds cable assemblies correct? I am still looking for some wire to do my temp sensors with.

[perpetual98]

Yup, her company builds all of our custom harnesses. Whatcha looking for?

[douggiestyle]

ill build you a cable assembly
give me a drill and a hook. :)

[BeanAnimal]

Just lookin for a 2 pair 22-24 gauge waterproof cable for my temp sensors. I found several belden part numbers, but they are not popular and that means I will not be able to buy them by the foot. That leaves 500' and 1000' put-ups at $300-$500, way to much for may taste.

[easttn]

Bean your mailbox is full.

[perpetual98]

Bean, I tried to send you a pm about a relay question.

Eric

[BeanAnimal]

i will fix it right now