gaines
10-16-2006, 3:31 PM
I'm interested in implementing a computerized water testing system and was wondering if anyone here has done something along these lines.
It looks like Automated Aquarium Systems (AAS) has some products for assembling a DIY solution. At first glance, it appears one could assemble such a system for under $300 (not including cables and sensors).
The three items below all accomplish the same task, but it is $35 more to go from Serial to USB and $200 more to go to Ethernet.
Isolated RS-232 to RS-485 Converter Module (http://www.automatedaquariums.com/7520.htm) ($85)
or
USB to RS485/RS422/RS232 Converter Module (http://www.automatedaquariums.com/7561.htm) ($120)
or
Ethernet to RS485/RS232 Communications/Controller Module (http://www.automatedaquariums.com/7188E2.htm) $235
These items seem to be required.
24VDC Power Supply (http://www.automatedaquariums.com/fa_24ps.htm) ($80)
AMACS DIY Software & Hardware Toolpak (http://www.automatedaquariums.com/sw_tk1.htm) ($95)
The following cables are available from other sources or can be made if you have the right crimping tools.
CBL-232 RS232 Cable (http://www.automatedaquariums.com/cbl232.htm) ($15)
CBL-485 RS485 Cable (http://www.automatedaquariums.com/cbl485.htm) ($20)
The following items are optional. Personally, I would probably mount mine to a board.
EN-DP7000 Distribution Panel Enclosure (http://www.automatedaquariums.com/dp7000.htm) ($70)
Beyond the above parts, there are also numerous sensors that can be purchased. It's easy to see why some of them would be useful, but others aren't so apparent. Here's a list of the ones that AAS offers, but does not publish prices for.
TEMPERATURE
PH
ORP
CONDUCTIVITY
LEVEL
FLOW CONDITION
FLOW RATE
HUMIDITY
PRESSURE
I know I'd be interested in monitoring temperature, ph and flow rate. Ideally I'd also like to measure ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites as well and possibly chlorine levels on my water change system to detect the moment my carbon needs replacing.
It looks like Automated Aquarium Systems (AAS) has some products for assembling a DIY solution. At first glance, it appears one could assemble such a system for under $300 (not including cables and sensors).
The three items below all accomplish the same task, but it is $35 more to go from Serial to USB and $200 more to go to Ethernet.
Isolated RS-232 to RS-485 Converter Module (http://www.automatedaquariums.com/7520.htm) ($85)
or
USB to RS485/RS422/RS232 Converter Module (http://www.automatedaquariums.com/7561.htm) ($120)
or
Ethernet to RS485/RS232 Communications/Controller Module (http://www.automatedaquariums.com/7188E2.htm) $235
These items seem to be required.
24VDC Power Supply (http://www.automatedaquariums.com/fa_24ps.htm) ($80)
AMACS DIY Software & Hardware Toolpak (http://www.automatedaquariums.com/sw_tk1.htm) ($95)
The following cables are available from other sources or can be made if you have the right crimping tools.
CBL-232 RS232 Cable (http://www.automatedaquariums.com/cbl232.htm) ($15)
CBL-485 RS485 Cable (http://www.automatedaquariums.com/cbl485.htm) ($20)
The following items are optional. Personally, I would probably mount mine to a board.
EN-DP7000 Distribution Panel Enclosure (http://www.automatedaquariums.com/dp7000.htm) ($70)
Beyond the above parts, there are also numerous sensors that can be purchased. It's easy to see why some of them would be useful, but others aren't so apparent. Here's a list of the ones that AAS offers, but does not publish prices for.
TEMPERATURE
PH
ORP
CONDUCTIVITY
LEVEL
FLOW CONDITION
FLOW RATE
HUMIDITY
PRESSURE
I know I'd be interested in monitoring temperature, ph and flow rate. Ideally I'd also like to measure ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites as well and possibly chlorine levels on my water change system to detect the moment my carbon needs replacing.