Aquarium timer using Irrigation computer

[Wasserpest]

I just placed the order, so I don't have them yet. Plus not much time at the moment. But I will just solder them most likely, like I did with the delay timer relays.

They are too big to fit inside a power strip, so I need to find some neat way to assemble and combine the relays and power strip and controller. Maybe some board (piece of wood) that can be hung on the wall or inside the stand. With all those cables going to one place it will be difficult to make it look neat.

[gmccreedy]

What about something like this WP to hide all the stuff inside and mount the controller on the front.

http://www.radioshack.com/family/ind...032058.2032230

You may need to still mount the power strip outside. Not sure how big it is, but you can certainly hide the relays at least.

[Wasserpest]

Hehe, that's the thing... besides the controller and the power strip you don't have much, just 4 little relays maybe, so that box would probably be overkill. I think mounting all those things onto a board will work, the ugly part will be all the power cables plugging into the power strip.

I will post pictures when there is some progress...

[Wasserpest]

There has been progress. An hour or two of soldering didn't sound really enjoyable, so the stuff has been sitting under my desk for - ooops - two months. Last night I finally found some time and dedication and soldered it all together. I will post pictures and stuff after making sure it works as expected, but so far, so good. Maybe I start another thread to get rid of all the startup fluff.

[Augus]

Great news WP, can't wait to see the whole setup and pics.

[gmccreedy]

how much did you end up spending?

[Wasserpest]

$35 for the irrigation controller.
$3.33 for each relay --> total of $13. (there might be cheaper options)
$.70 for each outlet --> total of $2.

Not counting wires and screws which can be salvaged from other things, it adds up to ~$50. A bit more expensive than a similar solution combining mechanical and electronic timers, but much more convenient and compact.

I still need to make it look nice with a front plate, and box it all in, but I might be able to finish it Sunday and will post some pictures next week.

[Wasserpest]

Just in case you wondered where the pictures are... had a little setback. Two of the four relays that I used in the setup are no good. One is shorted (which the timer accurately reported!) and the other one is open. Should have taken a minute and tested them when I got them. So now I have to rip that thing apart and replace the two relays...

Other than that, I love the features and easy programming of the irrigation controller.

[gmccreedy]

I thought there was six relays? I must be confused.

So are you just modifying a standard power strip and bypassing the hot legs to each outlet with the relay? Or are you using standard household outlets?

I am curious how this thing will look when done.

[colinthebassist]

Here is what I'll be using to control my tank. 64 Outputs and 32 Inputs may seem like to many, but thats not what I say.

[Wasserpest]

Originally Posted by gmccreedy

I thought there was six relays? I must be confused.

So are you just modifying a standard power strip and bypassing the hot legs to each outlet with the relay? Or are you using standard household outlets?

I am curious how this thing will look when done.

I bought 6 relays, but just want to use 4 with this little setup. Keep in mind two things: 1) the relays will switch two ways (DT - double throw) so one relay can toggle two outlets, and 2) even though there are 6 zones, I want to use one or two directly (without relay) with water change solenoids. So I figure 4 zones with relays to switch 6 outlets, one for water change, and one spare for some other future use.

I will draw something up to make it easier understandable.

I gave up on modifying the standard power strip, using regular double outlets now.

[gmccreedy]

What happened with this little contraption?

[Wasserpest]

Here is the link to the final project: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/di...ontroller.html

It is one of the few DIY projects that worked out perfectly. Not sure for how long the little relays hold up, but so far, not a single problem at all.

Thanks to the battery backup it is holding time extremely well, not affected by power outages.

Thanks for asking... very recommended if you don't mind soldering a few wires. I had a few PM's asking for specifics... don't be shy and post your solution if you built one.