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

 

[CooperDragon]

That's a pretty cool, elaborate, idea. It reminds me of the control systems in breweries a bit. While I'd consider this to be a high end product, it could be quite helpful to those who have multiple setups. Within each tank's controls it may be helpful to have individual settings for each light (basking light, UVB, CHE) as well as a clock to shoot for specific temps at different times of the day. With that kind of automation, you could even try to control the UVB output so it increases through the morning and decreases through the afternoon to more closely imitate sunlight. Perhaps it could tie into a UV Meter so you can shoot for specific UV readings. I also like the live feed idea. I use a live feed to monitor my dragon while I'm away from home and love it. From what I've seen, there is a lot of interest in that feature.