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  1. #11
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    Re: Automation controled aquaponic systems

    Hey yall, I just read this article on DIY Automation. My son and I are automating our first system. He is a mechanical engineer and I am an electrical guy. We start the project this weekend. He has purchased the components and will use the Arduino Board that has been mentioned in this thread along with a solar powered pump and some other bells and whistles. We have looked at several projects, some of which are completely overdone with massive PLC's using relay and timer functions etc... We have an idea of what we want to achieve and we're confident that he can program it correctly. We will possibly control the whole thing via wireless communication. We will document the project and I will keep the forum posted of progress.

  2. #12
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    Re: Automation controled aquaponic systems

    Quote Originally Posted by RedLegA1
    Hey yall, I just read this article on DIY Automation. My son and I are automating our first system. He is a mechanical engineer and I am an electrical guy. We start the project this weekend. He has purchased the components and will use the Arduino Board that has been mentioned in this thread along with a solar powered pump and some other bells and whistles. We have looked at several projects, some of which are completely overdone with massive PLC's using relay and timer functions etc... We have an idea of what we want to achieve and we're confident that he can program it correctly. We will possibly control the whole thing via wireless communication. We will document the project and I will keep the forum posted of progress.
    Wow sounds cool. You will have to keep me updated if its not too much trouble. That stuff is right up my alley. I hope it works out for yall.

  3. #13
    Members Aloha Don's Avatar
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    Re: Automation controled aquaponic systems

    thats what I like to hear...
    When you get started please open a new thread so we can follow your progress and ask you questions
    thanks for your input!
    Put all excuses aside and remember this: YOU are capable - Zig Ziglar

  4. #14
    Moderator JCO's Avatar
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    Re: Automation controled aquaponic systems

    This is a subject that I am asked about many times over the years and have absolutely no clue about. This is your chance to contribute some real technology and shine like new money. Lots of photos and language we, the little people, can understand.
    JCO
    Irish eyes are always smiling but
    • "In the eyes of the world, you are only as good as your last success"
    so never forget
    • "MAN IS ONLY LIMITED BY HIS IMAGINATION"

  5. #15
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    Re: Automation controled aquaponic systems

    Just finished the first program for very simple automation of turning pumps on and off. A couple notes on Arduinos:

    1) They use a 7-12VDC max power source
    2) They output a max 5VDC, 40mA, so you don't want to directly control higher voltage devices or you'll short parts of the Arduino
    3) They record time in milliseconds so time values look really high for only a couple minutes. There are other ways for working with time but I haven't gotten there yet

    Here's the code:

    // This program will turn on one pump at a time using a 5V input to 12V relay. It sets
    // the pump to turn on every hour for 15 minutes, then shut off for 45 minutes.
    // It goes through pumps in succession.

    const int pumpRelay1 = 12; //pin 12
    const int pumpRelay2 = 11; //pin 11

    void setup() {
    pinMode (pumpRelay1, OUTPUT); //sets whether the pin will receive or
    pinMode (pumpRelay2, OUTPUT); //send a signal
    }

    void loop() {

    delay(30000); //delays the cycle for 30s
    digitalWrite(pumpRelay1, HIGH); //HIGH means ON, in this case, powering the relay
    delay(900000); //this leaves the pump on for 15min
    //1000ms/s*60s/min*15min=900,000
    digitalWrite(pumpRelay1, LOW); //turns off the relay to Pump1
    digitalWrite(pumpRelay2, HIGH); //pump 2 is now on right after pump1
    //cuts off
    delay(900000);
    digitalWrite(pumpRelay2, LOW); //pump 2 is now off

    //roughly 30 min has elapsed since the first pump cut on. We want the loop
    //to run again in 30 min and cut pump1 on again
    delay(1800000);
    }

    // max output Voltage = 5V for digitalWrite(pin, HIGH)
    // max output current = 40mA for Atmega pins, connect OUTPUT pins to other
    // devices with 470? or 1k resistors, unless maximum current draw
    // from the pins is required for a particular application. This avoids
    // shorting the circuit.



    Anyone with experience here give me your thoughts. I know there are ways to set this up so its smoother and more
    compatible as the inputs and outputs get more complex, but again, this is baby step 1. Also I'm trying to find a good source
    for relays, servo motors, sensors, etc.

  6. #16
    Members Roger L.'s Avatar
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    Re: Automation controled aquaponic systems

    WOW! And I thought matching the colors on my water testing kit was hard.
    At what point did our government cease to be of the people, by the people, and for the people?

  7. #17
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    Re: Automation controled aquaponic systems

    Babby-Stteeeepps....
    Yup, that's my Enganear son taking baby steps.
    Hey John, go easy on us old fellers.

  8. #18
    Moderator JCO's Avatar
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    Re: Automation controled aquaponic systems

    DUHHHHhhhh...OH MY HEADDDdddddd..!
    JCO
    Irish eyes are always smiling but
    • "In the eyes of the world, you are only as good as your last success"
    so never forget
    • "MAN IS ONLY LIMITED BY HIS IMAGINATION"

  9. #19
    Members dead_sled's Avatar
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    Re: Automation controled aquaponic systems

    Very nice simple program for a pump timer. Are you going to add any inputs for monitoring system conditions (pump flow, water level, leak detection, etc, etc)?

    Thanks for sharing guys. Time for the Arduino dance.

    Less irritating avatar since 02/27/14.

  10. #20
    Moderator JCO's Avatar
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    Re: Automation controled aquaponic systems

    OH MY HEADDDdddddd..so dizzy..!
    JCO
    Irish eyes are always smiling but
    • "In the eyes of the world, you are only as good as your last success"
    so never forget
    • "MAN IS ONLY LIMITED BY HIS IMAGINATION"

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