Engineering Ideas - New Phase in Control and Free Design Ser

[mattsmith93]

Hello, as you may be aware I am quite new to these forums but what you may not know is that I am an electrical/electronic/mechanical engineer.

I was curious if there was a market for all in one control systems for numerous tanks?

I am currently in the process of creating a main control system to run four tanks which I am building and was wondering what features would be ideal?

The main concept of the system is to be able to add numerous tanks onto this system simple by adding a tank with lighting and connecting it up to a control board up to the limitations of conventional power sockets.

The main control system will run temperature settings individually from a probe in each tank and also humidity readings. The system will run both lights to keep the correct temperature and a configure able time system to what suits your needs and for the preferred reptile etc.

For my personal use I am installing a network card that I will connect to my server to run a live feed video to my phone so I can constantly inspect and view the in closures. Would people like this?

The main system will also have a GUI interface on a touch screen monitor to allow for changes required and visual display of temperatures and humidity to and create warning codes for different parameters.

To install a new tank you would add a new card to the system and connect the lighting and a probe and set it to the correct configuration you require.

Would you guys be interested in a product like this and also what other features would you consider?

Also I do 3D design and if any one would like plans on any vivariums to be built if you give me some details I will be able to draw up some designs for you guys, as a way of saying thank you to the community.

Regards,

Matt

 

[mattsmith93]

Anyone?

 

[Taterbug]

You might find some profits already out there, but I'm not sure exactly. Are you talking about something like this but for multiple cages? http://ecozonevivarium.com/products-vivarium-controllers.aspx

It's definatly an interesting project. I've looked at the system habitat controllers by the price is way it of my budget/need right now and I'm not clever enough with electronics to make my own.

Dual thermostats would be nice (hot and cool) as well as a humidity monitor. I have an exhaust fan for my cage and it would be nice to have it controlled by humidity as well as temp.

Independent control of multiple lights would be nice so they can be timed to come on in stages, dusk/down simulation would be extra neat.

I'm interested to see your project develop!