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Automation and Monitoring of Systems
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Author:  Bridgette [ Oct 14th, '08, 14:29 ]
Post subject:  Automation and Monitoring of Systems
Hi

Being a tinkerer, no not tinkerbell, I was wondering if anyone had played around with automating the system by microprocessor or computer and monitoring and trending the results, noting to elaborate or in the commercial relms of cost, just simple computer or micro interfaces etc

Bridgette :flower:
(Bree)
Author:  Bridgette [ Oct 14th, '08, 14:30 ]
Post subject:  Re: Automation and Monitoring of Systems
I should say "nothing" to elaborate not "noting" like I had written, sorry

Bree :colors:
Author:  veggie boy [ Oct 14th, '08, 15:26 ]
Post subject:  Re: Automation and Monitoring of Systems
Don't you mean "too" elaborate :P
Author:  hygicell [ Oct 14th, '08, 17:39 ]
Post subject:  Re: Automation and Monitoring of Systems
thanks for this topic, Bree, as it interests me immensely too

Siemens LOGO! is a small and affordable and easy to program PLC with built in screen that could do the job
counters and timers (simple timers, but also daily and weekly) and lots of other functions are all incorporated in the standard software
so you can program monitoring and regulation at will
and have warning text messages show up on the screen so you can immediately pinpoint the problem
and they exist in a 12/24 V DC version so can be incorporated in backup and solar systems
input and output points can be expanded
they are extremely reliable, I have been working with them for years
I am almost sure you can connect them to a PC to stock the data into charts too
never tried that though

temperature is easy and cheap to monitor, pH relatively easy and affordable I think, but DO sensors are horribly expensive
for temperature, flow and pressure you can choose between thermostats, flow switches and pressostats (analog and cheap) and temperature, flow and pressure sensors (digital and more expensive)

what else would you want to monitor?

frank
Author:  Dufflight [ Oct 14th, '08, 18:08 ]
Post subject:  Re: Automation and Monitoring of Systems
Once you have your system running you get a feel for how its going. Checking on a computer would not be as much fun as going out and having a look. But low water level warnings and power or pump failures could be handy.
Author:  hygicell [ Oct 14th, '08, 18:53 ]
Post subject:  Re: Automation and Monitoring of Systems
agreed, Dufflight
but in commercial or semi commercial systems
in short in any system where some produce is going to anybody who doesn't live on the premises
and that includes your own family that has flown out of the nest
one will be required to prove that all possible measures have been taken not only to avoid all possible contamination but also that animal health is guaranteed.
that is a consequence the arrogant attitude of people who did not care about this, only about making big bucks

frank
Author:  Dufflight [ Oct 14th, '08, 19:01 ]
Post subject:  Re: Automation and Monitoring of Systems
hygicell wrote:
agreed, Dufflight
but in commercial or semi commercial systems
in short in any system where some produce is going to anybody who doesn't live on the premises
and that includes your own family that has flown out of the nest
one will be required to prove that all possible measures have been taken not only to avoid all possible contamination but also that animal health is guaranteed.
that is a consequence the arrogant attitude of people who did not care about this, only about making big bucks

frank


Sorry I thought they were asking for nothing to elaborate or in the commercial relms.
Author:  hygicell [ Oct 14th, '08, 19:13 ]
Post subject:  Re: Automation and Monitoring of Systems
hygicell wrote:
in short in any system where some produce is going to anybody who doesn't live on the premises
and that includes your own family that has flown out of the nest

last comment, Dufflight
let's get back to the wonderfully interesting subject of Automation and Monitoring of Systems

frank
Author:  Outbackozzie [ Oct 14th, '08, 19:56 ]
Post subject:  Re: Automation and Monitoring of Systems
Nope, I love checking the system every day :cheers:
Author:  veggie boy [ Oct 14th, '08, 19:59 ]
Post subject:  Re: Automation and Monitoring of Systems
I like the idea of being able to log onto a website to check on certain crucial elements to do with my system if I am away from home for a couple of days. Water height sensors and also sensors to confirm that autosiphons are functioning as they should, in addition to temperature and stuff like that would be good. Once I have my greenhouse, I'd also be interested in monitoring air temp in greenhouse, humidity and maybe even light levels if possible.

I'm not good with electronics (or computers for that matter) - so I guess it's unlikely I'll be able to go this way.

BTW - this would not replace my going out to the system whenever I can - but would be great for when away and also to log some interesting stuff over time.

I've always been interested to know - for instance - whether my siphons work like clockwork, or whether they vary in terms of kick in and break times.
Author:  Outbackozzie [ Oct 14th, '08, 20:04 ]
Post subject:  Re: Automation and Monitoring of Systems
Beer + stopwatch = monitoring :D
Author:  Hex [ Oct 15th, '08, 00:31 ]
Post subject:  Re: Automation and Monitoring of Systems
I`d only monitor things that you have control over.
Knowing when the water is too warm might be a good thing, but if you have no way to cool it you`ll go grey with the worry.. you may be better off not knowing :mrgreen:
Author:  Outbackozzie [ Oct 15th, '08, 18:48 ]
Post subject:  Re: Automation and Monitoring of Systems
Good point.
Author:  Gilly [ Oct 15th, '08, 18:54 ]
Post subject:  Re: Automation and Monitoring of Systems
Quote:
Beer + stopwatch = monitoring


+1

Keep it simple St#?%d :lol:
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