help with design of a controller.

[venkiw]

I am hobbyist trying to design a controller for my Aquarium.

This is what I need:

8 Channels for Monitoring Parameters Like

Temp.
Ph.
ORP
DO
etc.

Ability to set a min and max value for each of these that would trigger an alarm (modem may be required for paging or dialing emergency numbers).

Have set points and turn on a relay if it fall below and another if goes above set point.

LCD interface for displaying information and key pad for setting up the set points. RTC and backup battery.

In Addition to this I need 4 channels on a cyclic timer. And 4 channels on a programmable timer.

Any help will be appreciated and shopping list would be nice to have. I can source the probes required (Analogue).

Can I use any of these standard boards?

An interface to the computer is acceptable (for remote monitoring), but would prefer a wireless solution.

Thanks

VW

[nmitech]

Here is a list of products which have almost everything you need except wireless solution. Check this out,

MicroControllers,
http://www.newmicros.com/cgi-bin/store/order.cgi?form=prod_detail&part=NMIY-0020-FP
or,
http://www.newmicros.com/cgi-bin/store/order.cgi?form=prod_detail&part=NMIY-0031-FP
or,
NMIX-series such as NMIX-0016/20/22/26/332. These are also compatible with peripheral cards, but the NMIY-series has better mechanical mounting.

Analog Input Card,
http://www.newmicros.com/cgi-bin/store/order.cgi?form=prod_detail&part=NMIS-L-4004-8

Real Time Clock card,
http://www.newmicros.com/cgi-bin/store/order.cgi?form=prod_detail&part=NMIS-L-9003

Timer Card,
http://www.newmicros.com/cgi-bin/store/order.cgi?form=prod_detail&part=NMIS-L-9004

Modem card,
http://www.newmicros.com/cgi-bin/store/order.cgi?form=prod_detail&part=NMIS-L-5100

LCD & KeyPad card, this is optional for microcontroller board which does not have LCD interface built-in,
http://www.newmicros.com/cgi-bin/store/order.cgi?form=prod_detail&part=NMIS-L-7070

[venkiw]

Thanks for the prompt answers:

Originally posted by nmitech
[B]
MicroControllers,
http://www.newmicros.com/cgi-bin/store/order.cgi?form=prod_detail&part=NMIY-0020-FP



Do I need a ADC along with the board NMIY-0020-FP, or is it built in the board. I know it has 8 channels of 8 bit A/D, but is converter also required.

Thanks

Venki Worathur

[nmitech]

NMIY-0020 has 8-channel 8-bit A/D, but 5 channels are shared with the Keypad encoder. If the keypad option is used, then only 3 channels of A/D are available. So it may not enough for your application.

[RMDumse]

The converter is complete. It will read voltages between V Ref High and V Ref Low. Usually V Ref High is hooked to 5V and V Ref Low is hooked to GND. No voltages above or below ground should be hooked to V Ref High or V Ref Low, but if you wanted to read a narrower range (like 0 to 2.5V) that can be done.