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Grow Automation and Industrial / Computerized Systems Controls
- Thread starter Ttystikk
- Start date
What about use an aquarium computer to control a hydro system like dwc or FnD?
https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/en.../sets/profilux-3-1n-ex-mega-set-schuko-detail
would it work?
https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/en.../sets/profilux-3-1n-ex-mega-set-schuko-detail
would it work?
Ttystikk
Member
For that kind of coin you aren't saving anything over just getting Growtronix, and it didn't look like there was much equipment for dosing the solution with nutrients.
I'd stick with something designed specifically for agriculture/aquaponics.
4 dosing pumps for about $ 420...
https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/en...09/380/dosing-pump-units/dosing-unit-4-detail
1 dosing pump for Growtronix $169.00
And the aquarium computer comes with 6 controllable power outlets. The grotronix u pay $ 119 for 2.
And as i could see the software is more adjustable (configuration options) than the growtronix...
Complete growtronix for my use would cost: $ 2147 (with 6 pwr outlets and 4 dosing pumps)
Ttystikk
Member
It seems you can find more stuff about it on that website than I can surfing with my mobile. What does the controller cost? If it's this cheap, we can make the rest of it work!
Ttystikk
Member
I just got off the phone with these guys;
http://smartbeecontrollers.com
They are building it, but they aren't shipping it yet, it seems they have some software work yet to finish up before the launch coming this September.
I had a long talk with one of the principals, he basically said that Growtronix was their product benchmark, that they were building a system to be better than it is in every way.
Wireless, user oriented programming interface, sensors don't even need to be plugged in as they'll use power from solar cells on the device, it's an industrial systems based network node platform, so high rf interference environments won't affect it as much. They have lots of new products they want to roll out after the main box is introduced this fall. He spoke of many friends in the business...
Did I not just say a few posts above that THE MARKET IS LISTENING?! This guy is, and I can't wait to see what he's got!
THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!
Hold onto your ass, kids- it's the new Internet.
http://smartbeecontrollers.com
They are building it, but they aren't shipping it yet, it seems they have some software work yet to finish up before the launch coming this September.
I had a long talk with one of the principals, he basically said that Growtronix was their product benchmark, that they were building a system to be better than it is in every way.
Wireless, user oriented programming interface, sensors don't even need to be plugged in as they'll use power from solar cells on the device, it's an industrial systems based network node platform, so high rf interference environments won't affect it as much. They have lots of new products they want to roll out after the main box is introduced this fall. He spoke of many friends in the business...
Did I not just say a few posts above that THE MARKET IS LISTENING?! This guy is, and I can't wait to see what he's got!
THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!
Hold onto your ass, kids- it's the new Internet.
JUNK lol, looks like some cheapo stuff. I should design my own line of controllers and accessories, between me and Rives we could come up with some kool controllers and accessories. Using growtronix as a benchmark isn't much to speak of, Link4Corp is an industry leader in environmental controllers.
Well thats a vote for Link4Corp. I'm about a day away from ordering a Iponic 624. Mebby a 600. Pretty good deal if you ask me. A Co2 controller is kinda spendy as it is. Ive been kinda winging it doing manual calcuations for on times.
When I get one, i'll have to go through it in detail.
Just waiting to get a bluelab doestronic. Still kinda thinking about that one too.
Ttystikk
Member
You should totally go for it- I've been hoping someone would do an Arduino/raspberry pi build and then discuss it here!
Hello all,
I have been playing around with arduino and 1-wire sensors.
I had posted some earlier work here.
https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=273302.
But I guess I stepped on this guys thread so I stopped posting.
Have a look.
I have since come further in the development but C#/winforms/object oriented programming is still a mystery to me but I am muddling through.
I am trying to learn oop but it has been difficult to code. My coding skilz are more related to fortran.
Anyway, have a look, the code, such as it is, is less than elegant but functional to a point.
What is not shown is the breadboard layout of the sensors/1-wire network.
I am currently able to poll all maxim 1-wire sensors and have control over the ds2413 open drain switches.
As far as wireless...I am committed to 1-wire devices as I have much time, energy and a few dollars tied up thus far. Though wireless seems more practical.
minds_I
I have been playing around with arduino and 1-wire sensors.
I had posted some earlier work here.
https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=273302.
But I guess I stepped on this guys thread so I stopped posting.
Have a look.
I have since come further in the development but C#/winforms/object oriented programming is still a mystery to me but I am muddling through.
I am trying to learn oop but it has been difficult to code. My coding skilz are more related to fortran.
Anyway, have a look, the code, such as it is, is less than elegant but functional to a point.
What is not shown is the breadboard layout of the sensors/1-wire network.
I am currently able to poll all maxim 1-wire sensors and have control over the ds2413 open drain switches.
As far as wireless...I am committed to 1-wire devices as I have much time, energy and a few dollars tied up thus far. Though wireless seems more practical.
minds_I
Ttystikk
Member
I love it- smart bee controllers aren't even on the market, no idea how they work and some wag here is already heaping scorn upon it. Yeah, not putting much stock in THAT opinion, nevermind the fool who said it.
I'll bash on it once it comes out and fails to live up to expectations.
Really though, I suspect they will become another option in a rising tide of smart indoor agriculture controllers. At this point, they seem to have their heads on straight and they're focusing on the right people; US!
I'll bash on it once it comes out and fails to live up to expectations.
Really though, I suspect they will become another option in a rising tide of smart indoor agriculture controllers. At this point, they seem to have their heads on straight and they're focusing on the right people; US!
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These sorts of projects are so much easier to write in python ?
I think that you will find that anyone who has a background in industrial control applications is going to be pretty skeptical about wireless control at a price point that will work for private consumers. The subtle nature of the changes that we are trying to monitor makes the sensors very susceptible to interference from things like HID ballasts, nearby electronics, poor grounding systems, variations in supply voltage, etc, etc.
In an industrial environment, you have both the physical infrastructure and the personnel to support sophisticated controls, as well as a customer that is accustomed to paying eye-popping prices for equipment. Going from wired connections to wireless ratchets up all of the critical design parameters. For example, when you have a signal that only varies a fraction of a volt across it's full range, then you place the sensor in close proximity to a high-frequency, high-voltage noise source, the last thing that you want to do is eliminate the possibility of using grounded shielding.
Their product is a great idea in theory, but reality can be a real bitch.
I would say this was true to a point but if you look at the price of ARM based computers now and components I think your going to see a rise in quality electronics for cheap including grow room controllers. There's a big gap in the market for low level consumer cheap grow room controllers.
Also on the interference thing. Check out these ..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZigBee
They use IEEE 802.15.4 & 802.15.4 uses Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) to spread the packets into symbols and reassemble them on the other end, verifying that the data was decoded correctly through use of a 16-bit CRC so shouldn't be any problems with interference. Or bluetooth is an option because bluetooth channel hops but no where near the distance and would be more expensive to build as a hobbyist.
Plus considering the name SmartBee I bet they use zigbee's for wireless communication.
The Meadows
Member
I'm cheap, have a programming background, like flexibility, and a diy'er. Wifi is cool but has issues. Its obviously a work in progress but I've used an estimated 1200' of wire so far. The good thing about the arduino is its as good as your programming. That's also the bad thing about it. I have 5 one wire devices and it does make wiring easier.
And my hi tech relay indicator. When I get more led's and a proper enclosure I'll add switches to manually toggle each relay and a master switch to kill the power to all. I'll be out of i/o's on the mega by then. I think there's 80 i/o's on the $20 card.
And my hi tech relay indicator. When I get more led's and a proper enclosure I'll add switches to manually toggle each relay and a master switch to kill the power to all. I'll be out of i/o's on the mega by then. I think there's 80 i/o's on the $20 card.
Interesting communication protocol.
However, the interference that I was referring to was on the front end of the sensor where it is much more difficult to work around. Any device that is going to be capable of sensing environmental change has to be analog. Additionally, most of these are only going to vary a few millivolts/milliamps between the desired setting and the point where corrective action needs to be implemented. Digital ballasts pushing HID lamps are a perfect high-power noise source with a broadcast antennae attached. If the sensors are wireless, they are that much more vulnerable because there is no way to shield them via a ground.
There are many ways to do workarounds, and I have no doubt that these issues can be worked out - eventually. Early adopters need to plan on changing out hardware as new generations come along, and to realize that they are almost assured of having some disastrous consequences along the way. Pioneers take it in the wallet.
I also don't see a large enough market for this gear to really expedite it's development. The segment of growers that are willing to play with their profitability, have money available that they are willing to invest in this technology, and have the technical savvy to make these systems work is pretty small. This site probably has some of the more knowledgeable growers around, but the vast majority of them have a very dim understanding of electrical installations. The current nature of the business works heavily against considering a long-term ROI. For most people to consider it, this gear needs to be pretty bulletproof. All of this is changing, but it's going to be a while before we get there, I think.
