Arduino Controller
There have been a few members starting to toy with the idea of using an Arduino to monitor/control their aquarium. A few are looking to replicate the Jarduino system detailed here http://code.google.com/p/jarduino-aquarium-controller/ and demonstrated as follows:
Whilst this is a respectable system I find it lacking in a number of aspects, especially the visual presentation, and my medium term aim is to write a sketch to replace my existing system but to fully utilise the capabilities of modern touch screen TFT LCD's.
But first off, what is an Arduino; what can it do; and how do I get it set up - I don't have my new screen at this stage so this part of the setup will need to wait for a few days.
Arduino
You can read all about it here http://www.arduino.cc/en/Guide/Introduction but basically it is a small computer that incorporates a number of GPIO (General Purpose Input Output) ports that, via the addition of a large range of sensors, can be used to interact with the world.
For example, if it is 10 o'clock then turn on the lights; or if the temperature is over 30 degrees then turn on the fan - these are only very basic examples but hopefully it will give you an idea of how it operates.
Setup
Full details can be found here http://arduino.cc/en/Guide/Windows - there are also options for Mac and Linux operating systems.
I was going to provide my own summary, but this guide is pretty straightforward so there is no value in replicating what has already been documented. Please ask questions if you have any problems.
You are likely to have the Arduino banging around on your computer desk whilst you get it setup - this is not overly good for the circuit board so I would recommend that you purchase some rubber feet and attach them to the bottom of the board, like this
Hopefully, my screen will turn up soon and we can get started with some programs.
Whilst this is a respectable system I find it lacking in a number of aspects, especially the visual presentation, and my medium term aim is to write a sketch to replace my existing system but to fully utilise the capabilities of modern touch screen TFT LCD's.
But first off, what is an Arduino; what can it do; and how do I get it set up - I don't have my new screen at this stage so this part of the setup will need to wait for a few days.
Arduino
You can read all about it here http://www.arduino.cc/en/Guide/Introduction but basically it is a small computer that incorporates a number of GPIO (General Purpose Input Output) ports that, via the addition of a large range of sensors, can be used to interact with the world.
For example, if it is 10 o'clock then turn on the lights; or if the temperature is over 30 degrees then turn on the fan - these are only very basic examples but hopefully it will give you an idea of how it operates.
Setup
Full details can be found here http://arduino.cc/en/Guide/Windows - there are also options for Mac and Linux operating systems.
I was going to provide my own summary, but this guide is pretty straightforward so there is no value in replicating what has already been documented. Please ask questions if you have any problems.
You are likely to have the Arduino banging around on your computer desk whilst you get it setup - this is not overly good for the circuit board so I would recommend that you purchase some rubber feet and attach them to the bottom of the board, like this
Hopefully, my screen will turn up soon and we can get started with some programs.
