[Guest]

i know i have asked this before here but does anyone know of a good or any for that matter vivarium automation programs available online?

thanks
michaell

 

[mindcrash]

Isn't there something called x10 that will do this? I'm sure someone who knows will chime in.

 

[Guest]

Hi Michael, I've looked at many places in search of designing an automated system. I am currently in the works of automating a viv of my own. Have you considered using data loggers to monitor environmental trends within your enclosure. Tremendous amounts of information can be gathered in this way. I have seen a few places which offer unique controllers but they remain elusive as regards pc integration.I personally would love to develop a system which could be monitored via pc. Imagine the variables!!! I want to use sensors to log and trend temp,humidity, light and water quality air...etc,etc,etc. I honestly believe it's within reach. This message could go on forever let me know your thoughts on this, feel free to pm or just respond I'd like to hear your peticular goals on this one- absolutely awesome subject!

 

[melissa68]

Ya, I have thought of that too. There are enough computer geeks on this board it shouldn't be hard to do.

Check out this site for some measurement equipment http://www.measurementcomputing.com/

 

[Scott]

X10 is a major pain-in-the-a$$.

I used it for a long time without a problem. I then moved to a new home where the outlets I want to cover are on different circuits. This caused problems.

I also think that X10 doesn't get along very well with Electric Ballasts (rather than mechanical ones like on 4ft Flourescents) that are on my T8 Shoplights. The lights would go out and then come back on 10 seconds later.

I'm back to mechanical timers.

I am a programmer though - given the right "input" equipment I could write programs to control these systems. I'd love to do that for a greenhouse someday.

s

Isn't there something called x10 that will do this? I'm sure someone who knows will chime in.

 

[Guest]

I use x10 for a variety of uses around the house, controlled by Indigo http://www.perceptiveautomation.com/indigo/index.html (mac program). You can basically create your own system for vivaria.

With Indigo, for example, I have been able to time sunrise and sunsets according to the geographical location of the frogs' (and phelsuma) native habitat, control temperature, monitor temperature, time mistings, etc.

X10 has its quirks, of course. Presently, I have one room in the house that is not reliable. Unfortunately, that is where most of my tanks are at the moment.

Chris D.

 

[Guest]

http://www.dendroboard.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3241

 

[jhupp]

Cambell dataloggers would lend themselves well to this application. Most have several control ports cabale of going high/low in response to an input from a sensor. And thus would be capable of tripping relays to control devices. They are easy to monitor from a computer. Infact, you can even connect them to a cell phone or satalite modem and work with them from anywhere.

The programing is hassel at first, but once you get the hang of it it is pretty easy.

You can buy pre-made temprature sensors from Cambell, or do what most do a get stuff from Omega and build your own thermocouples (super easy). Pretty much any device you can pull an analoge signal (strait up voltage) off of you can read with a datalogger.

If anybody goes this route and would like some help shoot me a line. If I don't know the answer, I work with some people who know this stuff inside and out who will.

 

[steelcube]

How important is it to measure temp and humidity in a frog tank??

Unlike saltwater tank where pH, salinity, kH, WHY are important, I don't see the need to measure temp/humidity on regular basis.... and it is much easier to build a controller without the feedback/sensors....

SB

 

[jkinsey]

Do they only make that program for Mac's?