DIY Cycle Timer

I have seen many requests for this and I may have found the only thread on the net that has a good description of a DIY Cycle Timer, so I wanted to share.....


http://forum.grasscity.com/grow-roo...diy-cycle-timer-recycle-timer-aeroponics.html

I really need to learn more about electronics... =]

They start at $100 but can take care of just about all timed items in a room. Also have inputs that it can react to.

Programmable Relays

The software to program them is free ( a good perk) Just gotta buy a cable to connect to them to program them.

BigBudBalls said:

They start at $100 but can take care of just about all timed items in a room. Also have inputs that it can react to.

Programmable Relays

The software to program them is free ( a good perk) Just gotta buy a cable to connect to them to program them.

Click to expand...

Can this be used as a climate controller with the help of a thermostat?

CustomHydro said:

Can this be used as a climate controller with the help of a thermostat?

Click to expand...

Yup, if the thermostat works like a switch or gives off a voltage to turn on/off. I have the one that has analog inputs, but it seems to be more a comparator then A/D. When I get a bit of time to play with it again, I'll see if I can get the Analog aspect to work with a simple thermistor and a few pots to cal the temp curve.

I like the idea of a *single* central controller. Syncing timers and such can be a bear. No fans if CO2 is on, no CO2 if lights are off, etc. You can do it all in one spot (though I got one to be used as a remote relay on the ModBus off a PLC that will be taking on a few home automation tasks)

I'm using a PLC and some x10 modules currently to control everything. And all on ethernet so I can access from the road via internet.

BigBudBalls said:

Yup, if the thermostat works like a switch or gives off a voltage to turn on/off. I have the one that has analog inputs, but it seems to be more a comparator then A/D. When I get a bit of time to play with it again, I'll see if I can get the Analog aspect to work with a simple thermistor and a few pots to cal the temp curve.

I like the idea of a *single* central controller. Syncing timers and such can be a bear. No fans if CO2 is on, no CO2 if lights are off, etc. You can do it all in one spot (though I got one to be used as a remote relay on the ModBus off a PLC that will be taking on a few home automation tasks)

I'm using a PLC and some x10 modules currently to control everything. And all on ethernet so I can access from the road via internet.

Click to expand...

Okay, I'm not going to pretend I know what u are talking about 100% but I did some research on x10 controllers and Powerline Carriers and I think I have the general concept... that Programable relay that u linked to, can it handle 1000watt light? It says it's only rated for 500watts or do you just need an x10module that will handle it?

CustomHydro said:

Okay, I'm not going to pretend I know what u are talking about 100% but I did some research on x10 controllers and Powerline Carriers and I think I have the general concept... that Programable relay that u linked to, can it handle 1000watt light? It says it's only rated for 500watts or do you just need an x10module that will handle it?

Click to expand...

I woldnt run big draws through the programmable relay. I'd just have it fire a bigger relay (ice cube) for the light. ( Electro-Mechanical Cube Relays ) Pumps fans, etc its fine with.

The x10 stuff isn't too bad. It another option. I just use it for supliment. I have it turn on the web cams, so I check on the girls (and I think one dude (I hope!!) )from the road and to run the water pumps to water them (soil guy here) The PLC is programed for watering. I think I did 2 pumps per zone.

The x10 appliance modules can handle 15a. but a x10 set up is going to cost about $250, but it does hook into your computer for programing.

But I think as a single central controller the programmable relay is a good option. Will need to hang off the extra realy for the 1000watter, but nothing tragic.

The software is a free download and it has a simulator so you can test it out.