Cheap computer controls without pi or build it yourself computer

[Huckster79]

Is there an inexpensive way to get say an old laptop to run the room? Minimally to operate timers? Recording data would be nice if possible but I'd take timers for now.

I hate programming timers especially for things like co2 ever two hours and such, but I'm concentrated on learning to grow better and better and idk if I want to take time to learn how to do this build it your own mini computer stuff. Looks fascinating just don't know if I can spare the time and concentration. To learn that right now..

But concept of controlling via computer would be great!

 

[HerBnGorE(illa)]

Although it sounds appealing, my concern would be reliability. Would hate to have everything ruined because a computer program locked up. Logic controllers are much more reliable.

When I think of all the times my computer has locked up, kicked me out of programs, and just ran on edge in general......wouldn't want that to cost me my smoke/mother plants/etc.

 

[Huckster79]

That is true...

 

[jikko77]

you can manage the connection with arduino, than send all the data to that laptop or whatever it is.

there are several alternative to arduino, but i do think it is the most cheap one, and the better documented.
anyway if are capable you can even bypass the arduino, but you have to find a way to interface the sensor with the port that laptop has, which can be more difficult than use an arduino as medium.

to do so you can use one of the following:

- serial
- rs485 (shield)
- XBEE
- ethernet shield, wired or wifi shield
- I2C

much more info can be find on the arduino forum.

let me add this other piece of info.
if you want just a microcontroller goes with arduino.
if you want a microprocessor board, so that you can process the data directly on it, goes with a rpi like board.

in the middle you can have a microporcessor board with the same pin out like arduino and compatible with most of his shield/hat and sensor.

it is called Udoo (http://www.udoo.org/)

 

[The Meadows]

Timers can be a hassle and their cost adds up. I used to have an arduino controlling a bunch of things. Now I have a bunch of arduinos doing more specialized duties.

One of my arduinos is connected to 10 relays. Each of the relays controls a device (lights, fans, water pumps, air pumps, evaporative cooler, etc.). Upon powering on, the arduino connects to my linux server, gets the current time off the internet, and reads the schedule from a mysql database. The schedule can be changed from a web browser from any internet connected device. You can control the relays down to the second. I don't need that resolution so I limit mine to a minute resolution. But if you need something to power on for 1 second every every 12 seconds when the lights are on, you can do it. Try that with a timer.

Ten timers would be a couple hundred bucks. An arduino is about $20. Each relay is about $2. Contactors to handle loads > 4 amps are $10-$20. So, not only is the arduino more flexible, its cheaper than timers.

Once you get the relays working, you can add sensors: temperature, humidity, motion, light, co2, etc. Then can add lcd displays, led indicators, cameras, etc.

Then you can get creative. Turn a fan on when the temperature gets to a certain point. Then turn a light off is the temperature continues to rise. Or have a water level sensor and control a water supply with a valve. Its possible to do a complete reservoir change on a schedule without user interaction. Its possible to raise the lights when the plant reaches a certain height. Its possible to send a pic via email when a condition is met.

The downside is the programming involved. Its not too tough and support is readily available.

 

[Joint Lock]

you can manage the connection with arduino, than send all the data to that laptop or whatever it is.

there are several alternative to arduino, but i do think it is the most cheap one, and the better documented.
anyway if are capable you can even bypass the arduino, but you have to find a way to interface the sensor with the port that laptop has, which can be more difficult than use an arduino as medium.

to do so you can use one of the following:

- serial
- rs485 (shield)
- XBEE
- ethernet shield, wired or wifi shield
- I2C

much more info can be find on the arduino forum.

let me add this other piece of info.
if you want just a microcontroller goes with arduino.
if you want a microprocessor board, so that you can process the data directly on it, goes with a rpi like board.

in the middle you can have a microporcessor board with the same pin out like arduino and compatible with most of his shield/hat and sensor.

it is called Udoo (http://www.udoo.org/)

Arduinio is where its at . I got these running coral farms . They can do just about anything . sun up/down control speeds of fans pumps

 

[jikko77]

Arduinio is where its at . I got these running coral farms . They can do just about anything . sun up/down control speeds of fans pumps

i do agree, but it still depends on what you wanna do.
if you need to process the data a microcontroller isn't enough. just it.

 

[jikko77]

Timers can be a hassle and their cost adds up. I used to have an arduino controlling a bunch of things. Now I have a bunch of arduinos doing more specialized duties.

One of my arduinos is connected to 10 relays. Each of the relays controls a device (lights, fans, water pumps, air pumps, evaporative cooler, etc.). Upon powering on, the arduino connects to my linux server, gets the current time off the internet, and reads the schedule from a mysql database. The schedule can be changed from a web browser from any internet connected device. You can control the relays down to the second. I don't need that resolution so I limit mine to a minute resolution. But if you need something to power on for 1 second every every 12 seconds when the lights are on, you can do it. Try that with a timer.

Ten timers would be a couple hundred bucks. An arduino is about $20. Each relay is about $2. Contactors to handle loads > 4 amps are $10-$20. So, not only is the arduino more flexible, its cheaper than timers.

Once you get the relays working, you can add sensors: temperature, humidity, motion, light, co2, etc. Then can add lcd displays, led indicators, cameras, etc.

Then you can get creative. Turn a fan on when the temperature gets to a certain point. Then turn a light off is the temperature continues to rise. Or have a water level sensor and control a water supply with a valve. Its possible to do a complete reservoir change on a schedule without user interaction. Its possible to raise the lights when the plant reaches a certain height. Its possible to send a pic via email when a condition is met.

The downside is the programming involved. Its not too tough and support is readily available.

sound interesting any pics of you box? just out of curiosity

 

[The Meadows]

sound interesting any pics of you box? just out of curiosity

https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=314796&highlight=arduino&page=3

My power distribution center is not a thing of beauty but it is functional. It would have been simpler and cleaner to cut the a/c cord of each device and wire it directly on to the relay. But I didn't want to cut the cords so I wired outlets to the relays and plug the devices into the outlets. It allows for 4 different a/c circuit inputs to spread the load.

 

[Huckster79]

I guess I still don't understand why there isn't a relay board I could hook up to an old desk top or whatnot and simple timing software to run timers... I guess this only option is to build a mini computer yourself confuses me... As to why it's the only real option it seems

 

[The Meadows]

I guess I still don't understand why there isn't a relay board I could hook up to an old desk top or whatnot and simple timing software to run timers... I guess this only option is to build a mini computer yourself confuses me... As to why it's the only real option it seems

You can buy a relay module that connects to a usb port. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0093Y89DE?keywords=usb%20relay&qid=1454921057&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1
Make sure to read the reviews if you decide that route. That costs $30. An arduino uno is $10, and 8 relay module is another $10. So you're paying $10 for the privilege to to use their software on the relay module and their software on the pc while losing the additional i/o ports of the arduino and the ability to customize the software.

If their software is good and fits your needs, it might be worth it. I have my doubts tho.

 

[jikko77]

You can buy a relay module that connects to a usb port.

If their software is good and fits your needs, it might be worth it. I have my doubts tho.