I want to build an aquarium controller as a project to learn a bit more programming. I currently write in vba and understand a few other bits, but I Ideally want to learn C or C# and use the project as means of doing this.
The spec of my project is to build an aquarium controller that can log data, monitor, control, automate and schedule tank processes. The controller must be self supportive i.e. running the processes on board without the need of a computer. It must also connect to the internet via Ethernet or ideally wireless and will have a web interface to manually control and monitior data and have a web cam. It will monitor temperature, PH, light and water level and log the data. It will control the lighting which will be waterproof RGB LED flexi strips, pumps, heater and air. The device will possibly have an LCD display and keypad although the first thing for me is to get the web interface up and running.
I have looked at various options and am quite frankly more confused than I was when I first started looking. The first dilemma is between microcontroller and sbc? Then if I go sbc do I want linux or windows ce, .net? If I go microcontroller could I still have lcd graphics to interface with the device and can it have a web interface? Which option has the most cost effective sensors etc and best choice?
Also how do you program the various options, can I use visual studio or is there other software that must be used? Can you build your own relay boards and led matrix to interface with?
Any advice would be much appreciated, I have looked at phidgets SBC2, arduino mega, netduino (for .net), roboard, parrallax etc etc?
Thanks for that, I really appreciate it. I was just wondering what are the main pros/ cons between the mega2560 and ROMEO and is it true you get some lag in response time on the arduinos compared to an sbc?
If I want to go for a wifi shield, do you think the cost of the board and the shield would make it almost worth while going down the phidget sbc route as the wifi dongle is around $30, or do you think this is still over kill? Plus as mentioned if I wanted to include a web cam, I can use a cheap web cam with the phidget but I would need a expensive ip cam for the arduino. This in mind do you think the sbc2 or the arduino is more worthwhile? Also the question of relays, they seem quite expensive using the phidget relay boards, is it easy enough to make your own relay boards and control them off the digital outs and what options are there with arduino for this? Finally PH and temp are crucial, is it possible to use PH/orp sensors on the arduino and how could this be achieved and are there completely waterproof temperature sensors available I think I remember seeing a temperature probe on the phidget site, or can you recommend another possible solution?
Thanks again for the help I hope to get an order in as soon as I hear back, there seem to be so many possible choices it seems hard to make an informed decision, especially as I am new to this.
Just to add to my previous questions, I have been doing a lot of reading about various arduino boards and projects and have noticed that there are possible problems with memory space. Is this something that can be over come or would an sbc be a better option. Also if I did go with a phidget sbc2 can you use things (sensors, lcds, etc) that can be used on arduinos?
Welcome to the RobotShop Forum. A single board computer is likely overkill for such a project, with the exception of the webcam, a small microcontroller should be able to do everything. If you are planning to use C / C# and connect to the internet, and also communicate with sensors and other devices, you might consider a ROMEO and Ethernet shield. The ROMEO is essentially an Arduino USB board with many useful pinouts, as well as a dual DC motor controller and extra buttons. If you are not planning to use the dual motor controller, you should also be able to stack an LCD shield.
You would of course also need a USB cable and power supply.
You should be able to connect a standard pump motor (brushed) to the ROMEO’s motor controller.
For a webcam, consider a direct hookup to your router using the iViewHD.
EL wire (you would need the controller as well) would be pretty cool.
A computer, which can operate in the Ghz range, is certainly a lot faster than a microcontroller. The trade-off is the added complexity when using a single board computer, and added cost.
considerable time getting them to work together $Priceless
It depends on your needs. For an aquarium controller, an Arduino (normal) would be fine if you don’t mind the fish don’t get fed 0.001 seconds late.
Yes, it is fairly easy, but the cost is not in the printed circuit board but in the relay itself.
The temperature probe was suggested in the last reply. Unfortunately we don’t have PH sensors at this time, so be sure to check the output (analog / digital) and operating voltage (3.3V or 5V).
There is the option of adding an SD card shield, so you can have GB of memory available if needed.
There are very few sensors which are made specifically for the Arduino, and since the Phidgets SBC has a 3 pin interface, they will be easy to connect. However, the issue is with the LCD, since most LCDs use pins, and the Phidgets SBC does not have a range of digital pins for a parallel LCD nor regular pinouts for a serial LCD.
