NetMax wrote:
"Liz" wrote in message
oups.com...

I think the temperature stuff would be no problem - electronic controls
are already available specifically for fish tanks and I would think one
of them will plug into your computer for the text messaging part of
things. I'm sure there's also non-fish-specific equipment that will do
this.

I've seen electronic pH meters as well.

For lighting, I'd bet there's something, but the easiest would be to
have something which senses a loss of power.... But then, how's it
gonna send you a message with no power? Perhaps program the UPS
software on your computer to send the text message when the UPS kicks
in (and again when it starts up again) - then you'd know your house
lost power. (This would require an "always on" internet connection -
make sure you've got good firewalls and anti-virus software in place.)

Don't look for stuff made for aquariums - it's not all gonna exist -
it's too expensive - look for stuff made for labs, plants and similar
industrial application - then pretty much everything will exist (for a
price). If you have specific questions, I'd be willing to run a few
past our metrology department (I work in a non-clinical testing lab -
in IT).

IMO, knowing if the power goes out, having redundant filters and
redundant heating would take care of the biggest concerns.

Liz

PS: Will post a separate reply to NetMax's idea later...



Typically (system backup design), ac power is used to hold a relay on a
dc circuit in an open state. During a municipal power loss, the relay
coil is de-energized and closes a dc path, which provides 12Vdc from a
marine/motorcycle battery to a dc powerhead (commonly sold as bilge
pumps) which is always in line with your filtration system.
Additionally, 12V airpumps are sold for this purpose as well. This
requires no controller IO access or special programming. It is logic
with pedals ;~).

Communicating the problem to your office phone or cell phone will usually
not be difficult if an auto-dialer is triggered on a landline. The call
is typically routed to a telco phone switch which utilizes banks of 48Vdc
batteries to provide loop current to phones (why some phones work during
a power failure). If there is a repeater in the path, or your office is
also having a power failure, then the reliability of the call is suspect.
Many office PBXs have partial service on their analog lines. ymmv, but
again, no controller IO access or special programming would be needed.

hth
I am tring to find a way to automate my tanks through a embedded
computer. I will share my reserch to you netmax my idea is to have
temp/waterlevel/fedding automated and other itemes displayed on a small
lcd whole unit will be aprox 1' x 1" x 4" without feeding and other
additives just the box.