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glebreton
02-24-2013, 06:45 PM
Hi,
After one too many water level issues, heater failures, and a need to remotely feed while on vacation I developed a remote monitoring system for my tilapia aquaponic system.

I think its pretty cool (my wife thinks I'm crazy.)

It has a graphic user interface that presents temperature, pH, conductivity and water level and flow data. It updates its status to the web and sends alerts to a text message system on your cell phone. It will also feed at specific times or via email. The possibilities are endless.

My questions are something like this. Is this something that everyone already has? Is this something that you would like to have? If you already have a computer, the cost is pretty small considering what it does.

I would like to help set up a more complicated system on a larger aquaculture system. I would donate my time and software if anyone is interested.
Let me know.
Cheers,
Greg
Ontario, Canada
Tilapia

JCO
02-24-2013, 07:29 PM
Let's see some pictures please. :mrgreen:

David - WI
02-24-2013, 07:40 PM
Neptune Apex: http://new.neptunesystems.com/products/apex-controllers/apex-controller-system/

glebreton
02-25-2013, 05:00 AM
David - Thanks for posting the Apex controller system. I had some ideas about including graphs in my GUI.

The current GUI system looks like this.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ix-QaFAMGyU/UStQj22PysI/AAAAAAAADIw/SC-Kq0o79tI/s1600/screenshot.png

I am planning on adding graphs to show current and historic levels shortly.
Keep in mind, this is in development.
Any other suggestions for improvement would be appreciated.
Cheers,
Greg

glebreton
02-25-2013, 05:48 AM
Does anyone know the cost of having email or text alerts from the Apex system?

David - WI
02-25-2013, 06:31 AM
Does anyone know the cost of having email or text alerts from the Apex system?
There's not really any "extra" cost... the Apex uses our existing internet connection & e-mail account.

I have the Apex hooked to a D-link wireless bridge from the fish farm building to my office computer (in another building) that's connected to the (cable) internet. The Apex & D-link are plugged into a UPS... along with our 16-camera video system that I can also view remotely.

I can log in to the Apex from my laptop at home or using my Android phone; besides being able to receive alarms/alerts by text or e-mail.

bcotton
02-25-2013, 07:38 AM
The apex pricing seems very reasonable for a commercial system ... i would consider monitoring a must have right next to inline backup power and standby pumps.

But i'm interested in working on a DIY version for home use.

glebetron. What do you use to collect data? from your picture i see you are currently tracking (or plan to track) temp, water level and flow.

I would like to do temp, flow and ph as a minimum. Would also be interested in ppm (conductivity?)

My background is system administration but i write a lot of code for my job to automate tasks. I am good at algorithms, logic and decent at database design and implementation. I have put some thought into a project like this. Maybe design probes using aduino. but i am not skilled in ee or aduino and was never motivated enough to try to learn it.

brian

glebreton
02-25-2013, 02:51 PM
Bcotton;
Currently I am collecting data and controlling relays with an Arduino. The probes could be added to the system easily and I plan on doing that shortly. While conductivity can be measured "easily" I think I just add a commercially available probe for EC and pH.
Not a terribly difficult learning curve for the arduino.

glebreton
02-25-2013, 02:55 PM
Thanks David.
Sounds like the Apex system is pretty complete. I assume you must have a massive operation. Is the Apex system flexible enough for what you want? Can you modify the interface as much as your operation needs? I guess I'm asking if they custom build for a system of your size.
Thanks again.
Greg

David - WI
02-25-2013, 04:29 PM
Yes, you can add something like 256 modules... more than 1,000 independently controlled outlets and hundreds of probes; so I don't think we'll ever "outgrow" it.

I like what you're doing, I just don't see how you can come close to the APEX system for the price. By the time you work out a web-server, remote monitoring & control, build relay modules to control things, etc.

They (Neptune Systems) claim that "galvanic isolation" of the various probe circuits is essential in order to get reliable, accurate readings, FWIW.

The APEX manual is here, maybe there are some ideas you can use: http://www.neptunesystems.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Comprehensive-Reference-Manual.pdf

glebreton
02-25-2013, 07:03 PM
Hi David,
I've noticed the galvanic isolation issue on the Apex site and am looking into isolating the systems.
I looked at the Apex price for basic entry and saw $499 at a store in CO.
That is a pretty good price. I believe that was without probes.
Could you let me know if that is about right. (That's a pretty small system and maybe not what you work with.)

I think I could set up a temperature and water level monitoring system to watch a single tank for $199. My system uses the client's existing email address and a pre-existing computer and ISP. I guess that would be a cost too if the client didn't have one. The system could be expanded based on that for relatively little added cost. pH and conductivity probes start to jack up the price and increase the maintenance.
That reminds me.
Do you service your own probes or does Apex calibrate pH and conductivity sensors. (Sorry, I've forgotten if you monitor these.)
Please disregard this question if you don't.
Thanks again for the link to the manual. Interesting stuff.

David - WI
02-25-2013, 08:34 PM
They sell the calibration fluids along with the replacement probes and membranes for the oxygen sensors.

I think $499 is about right... but that's with a pH & temp probe, the display/interface, and 8-socket "EnergyBar" power unit.

We're starting with 5 tanks, so we need a few more EnergyBar and sensor units; and I'm still trying to decide whether we need 5 DO units at $600/each. :o

The Apex will run our 8 automatic feeders, turn on the UV sterilizers, skimmers, water top-off valves, plus we're using the 0-10v outputs to control the variable-frequency drives that set the output of our pumps. There are plenty of inputs for the float switches, pressure switches, flow switches, etc.

I actually started out researching the Arduino controller and stumbled onto the APEX while looking for sensors.

glebreton
02-26-2013, 05:27 AM
The Apex system does seem to be great value!
I'll have to keep playing with it and see what I come up with!
Thanks again.

robertcoogan
03-24-2013, 08:32 PM
I'm also going to install two DropCams with my system. Where can I find more about the Apex system? Googling it didn't bring up much.

Mr. Ninja
04-05-2013, 12:21 PM
Just my two cents. I've been kind of interested in something like this. If I'll ever get an aquaponics system done...

For a DIY solution... You could probably use a central Raspberry Pi webserver ($35, plus internet and router) hooked up to different arduinos to collect data from sensors. They would send info through RF. The Pi would store it in a database, display the most recent info on a webpage, and email the current sensor data.

Wouldn't be too hard. You would have to learn a little programming though.

windrunner1
08-21-2014, 07:53 AM
Hello,

I'm looking to do a similar system for remote monitoring but I need additional capabilities. I need to be able to add nutrients using either a metered flow valve (measured in ml) system or some type of automated/programmable system that would allow me to add nutrients or correct pH as needed remotely. I had a nice system set up but now I travel a lot for my job and I have no one to take care of things while I'm gone. Maybe something I can log into using my smartphone or laptop.

I have different nutrients I need to be able to add remotely. I already have a remote camera system so I can identify potential problems/failures when they occur but I need to be able to correct them as well.


Can you help me out with this?

alinabl05
02-27-2018, 04:28 AM
I have another remote monitoring which related to network operation center.But its great remote monitoring system.