timer

Discussion in 'I made this!' started by JohnO, Jun 30, 2004.

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  1. cannon2222

    cannon2222 Spaghetti Worm

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    JohnO, You could use some of the home automation stuff, like X10. You can control hundreds pieces of equipment with it. :D You have one control box that plugs into the wall and have relay boxes that your equipment plugs into. Bingo, automation for your reef.


    phil
     
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  3. JohnO

    JohnO Moderator

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    Phil,

    Thanks for the suggestion but that stuff is very expensive over here.
    I did consider getting an old laptop and some sort of controller card but it's really overkill for the simple task I have in mind :)

    John
     
  4. cannon2222

    cannon2222 Spaghetti Worm

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    How about good old light timers. There everywhere and fairly cheap? Or are they to big and bulky for your setup?



    phil
     
  5. JohnO

    JohnO Moderator

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  6. cannon2222

    cannon2222 Spaghetti Worm

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    Now, I see what your wanting. I'm wandering if you could motorize a gate valve. Use an inexpensive electric motor with a relay so you can open and close it by a three way switch.



    phil
     
  7. JohnO

    JohnO Moderator

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    Phil,

    That would be another way, but I would need 6 gate valves and 6 switches.  Each of these valves ( either gate or solenoid ) need to be switched at different times ( controlled by the timer ) they could even be random to some extent

    John
     
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  9. cannon2222

    cannon2222 Spaghetti Worm

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    At the moment I can't think of anything else, I'm sorry. Looks like the irrigation stuff might be your best bet.


    phil
     
  10. JohnO

    JohnO Moderator

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    Thanks anyway Phil, the more discussion/opinion the better :)

    John
     
  11. apoln3650

    apoln3650 Plankton

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    [quote author=JohnO link=board=DIY;num=1088666696;start=0#5 date=07/02/04 at 20:24:02]Thanks Drew,

    I did look at irrigation timers and  lot of other too.

    Think I found what I need at a local electonics store in kit form,  just need to clean up the old soldering iron LOL

    John
    [/quote]
    :D

    dear john,

    could you pls send me the kit diagram, i'm also interested. i will be using it to simulate day and night light for my aquarium. thanks...

    apol