Opinions NEEDED! Is there are market for this?
- Thread starter aviator
- Start date
2quills
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by aviator http:///forum/thread/378726/opinions-needed-is-there-are-market-for-this/60#post_3321049
Okay, another quick update:
I've finally managed to decide on enclosures for the system. the main box, where everything plugs in, will just be an unassuming black/beige box. dimensions are 10"L x 6"W x 3" deep. One of the 10" sides will have all 6 plugs, one of the 6" sides will have the socket for 110V AC and a plug for the 12V DC wall-cube. There will also be a series of LED's on the main box as well - probably on the outward facing side of the box. they're just status LED's so you know which plugs are "on" which are "off" and that the main unit is talking with the display. There may be a couple more, I haven't decided.
The display housing will look something like this: (pardon the poor rendering, I'm no artist)
it's dimensions are 4" x 5" x 1.375"
it has recessed holes in the back so you can hang it on the wall. A thin cord will protrude from the base of the unit and connect it to the main box. It will draw power from the main box so you don't have to have a plug in for the display as well. There will also be a small, round "window" on the front of the display for a light detector so that as the room lights dim, so does the display. (going back to full brightness if the screen is touched then dimming back after 15-20 seconds of no activity)
I've chosen to use a 12V wall-cube to power the electronics simpy because of cost. I could have built a 110-12V transformer inside the main box, but it requires a sizeable transformer plus adds a monumental amount of EMF inside the enclosure, meaning more parts and more money. Picture making the main box large enough to put a big wall-cube in and you will see what I mean. I will also have three ports where probes can be attached at the main box- if I can find decent probes. The attachments will almost surely be BNC type connectors. I won't be "making" the probes, I will use sets are currently on the market.
Incase I missed it somewhere...are there any plans to incorporate dimmining capabilities into the unit???
Originally Posted by aviator http:///forum/thread/378726/opinions-needed-is-there-are-market-for-this/60#post_3321049
Okay, another quick update:
I've finally managed to decide on enclosures for the system. the main box, where everything plugs in, will just be an unassuming black/beige box. dimensions are 10"L x 6"W x 3" deep. One of the 10" sides will have all 6 plugs, one of the 6" sides will have the socket for 110V AC and a plug for the 12V DC wall-cube. There will also be a series of LED's on the main box as well - probably on the outward facing side of the box. they're just status LED's so you know which plugs are "on" which are "off" and that the main unit is talking with the display. There may be a couple more, I haven't decided.
The display housing will look something like this: (pardon the poor rendering, I'm no artist)
it's dimensions are 4" x 5" x 1.375"
it has recessed holes in the back so you can hang it on the wall. A thin cord will protrude from the base of the unit and connect it to the main box. It will draw power from the main box so you don't have to have a plug in for the display as well. There will also be a small, round "window" on the front of the display for a light detector so that as the room lights dim, so does the display. (going back to full brightness if the screen is touched then dimming back after 15-20 seconds of no activity)
I've chosen to use a 12V wall-cube to power the electronics simpy because of cost. I could have built a 110-12V transformer inside the main box, but it requires a sizeable transformer plus adds a monumental amount of EMF inside the enclosure, meaning more parts and more money. Picture making the main box large enough to put a big wall-cube in and you will see what I mean. I will also have three ports where probes can be attached at the main box- if I can find decent probes. The attachments will almost surely be BNC type connectors. I won't be "making" the probes, I will use sets are currently on the market.
Incase I missed it somewhere...are there any plans to incorporate dimmining capabilities into the unit???
acrylic51
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by spanko http:///forum/thread/378726/opinions-needed-is-there-are-market-for-this/80#post_3321277
PRODUCTION NOW!!!
aviator
Member
2Quils,, yes. there is definatley a dimming feature onthe unit. Check the second to last paragraph in my last post.
There will also be a small, round "window" on the front of the display for a light detector so that as the room lights dim, so does the display. (going back to full brightness if the screen is touched then dimming back after 15-20 seconds of no activity)
There will be two options:
1. Manual dimming, allow you to select what light level you want.
2. Auto-dimming, based on how high the light levels are in the room. It will use a light sensor to detect light levels. As the light levels dim in the room, the unit will dim accordingly. I really like this feature since my main tank is in the living room. we like to dim the lights to watch movies - if the display will dim accordingly it means one less thing I have to do enjoy my TV.
there will also be an option to allow the unit to go completley dark after a certain period of time if you so choose.
There will also be a small, round "window" on the front of the display for a light detector so that as the room lights dim, so does the display. (going back to full brightness if the screen is touched then dimming back after 15-20 seconds of no activity)
There will be two options:
1. Manual dimming, allow you to select what light level you want.
2. Auto-dimming, based on how high the light levels are in the room. It will use a light sensor to detect light levels. As the light levels dim in the room, the unit will dim accordingly. I really like this feature since my main tank is in the living room. we like to dim the lights to watch movies - if the display will dim accordingly it means one less thing I have to do enjoy my TV.
there will also be an option to allow the unit to go completley dark after a certain period of time if you so choose.
2quills
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by aviator http:///forum/thread/378726/opinions-needed-is-there-are-market-for-this/80#post_3321334
2Quils,, yes. there is definatley a dimming feature onthe unit. Check the second to last paragraph in my last post.
There will be two options:
1. Manual dimming, allow you to select what light level you want.
2. Auto-dimming, based on how high the light levels are in the room. It will use a light sensor to detect light levels. As the light levels dim in the room, the unit will dim accordingly. I really like this feature since my main tank is in the living room. we like to dim the lights to watch movies - if the display will dim accordingly it means one less thing I have to do enjoy my TV.
there will also be an option to allow the unit to go completley dark after a certain period of time if you so choose.
Gotcha!
And thanks, because I had missed that this morning.
Appologies...I posted this morning before I had any caffine. What I was actually inquiring about was if you had plans for the unit to be able to dim lights for our tanks. There's a wave of people out there who've began to build their own LED rigs to light their tanks...it would be nice to be able to find an affordable controler with those dimming cababilites built into the controler without having to shell out several hundred or even thousands of dollars for a high end Profilux controler or something along those lines. Someone like me doesn't need the fancy, cloud coverage or lighting storm simmulations but the ability to creat a dawn to dusk effect with just the LED's would be nice.
Originally Posted by aviator http:///forum/thread/378726/opinions-needed-is-there-are-market-for-this/80#post_3321334
2Quils,, yes. there is definatley a dimming feature onthe unit. Check the second to last paragraph in my last post.
There will be two options:
1. Manual dimming, allow you to select what light level you want.
2. Auto-dimming, based on how high the light levels are in the room. It will use a light sensor to detect light levels. As the light levels dim in the room, the unit will dim accordingly. I really like this feature since my main tank is in the living room. we like to dim the lights to watch movies - if the display will dim accordingly it means one less thing I have to do enjoy my TV.
there will also be an option to allow the unit to go completley dark after a certain period of time if you so choose.
Gotcha!
Appologies...I posted this morning before I had any caffine. What I was actually inquiring about was if you had plans for the unit to be able to dim lights for our tanks. There's a wave of people out there who've began to build their own LED rigs to light their tanks...it would be nice to be able to find an affordable controler with those dimming cababilites built into the controler without having to shell out several hundred or even thousands of dollars for a high end Profilux controler or something along those lines. Someone like me doesn't need the fancy, cloud coverage or lighting storm simmulations but the ability to creat a dawn to dusk effect with just the LED's would be nice.
aviator
Member
I've thought a lot about adding the "change background" feature. I've thought about using an MMC card slot to do it. I've got the code already.... I'm not sure if I'm going to incorporate this yet or not, though I do like the idea. I'm like you, I like to "change it up" on occasion.
desertdawg
Member
I was wondering how it was going to hang on or by the tank, have the slots and one small wire is really a nice feature, your "Really Awesome Reef Controller" is sure looking good....
aviator
Member
I have plans to, once this first run is complete, create an LED version of the controller, yes. It will have the features you've asked for in it. However, since most people out there still have the standard T5, CFL or MH lights, this first run will be aimed at the. (truthfully, thats what I have too, so thats what I want!) - eventually though, the LED version will be released. It's much more complicated as the LED's take a series of MOSFET's to run via Pulse Width Modulation.. so the circuits are much different. (I've fooled around with them already though!)
So the answer to your question is yes.. but not in this first build.
The great thing about the LED version is that there are so many parts swapping places with the standard version that the price shouldn't change much.
So the answer to your question is yes.. but not in this first build.
The great thing about the LED version is that there are so many parts swapping places with the standard version that the price shouldn't change much.
aviator
Member
Okay, I've made a small (and poorly focused) video, as promised. It shows how the timers work, how the overrides work, how to adjust the time and date.. etc.. I will make more and better vids as time allows. enjoy! Again, I apologive for the poor focus. If you're curious as to what the screens really look like, reference the pictures earlier in the thread.
Keep in mind the entire system is on a breadboard right now. It required a complete re-work of the circuit. Don't freak out, it will all be on a nice clean circuit board when they go out. the "five LED's" I mention at the beginning represent the devices that would be plugged into the system - since it's on a breadboard, I'm not messing with 110V just yet.
Keep in mind the entire system is on a breadboard right now. It required a complete re-work of the circuit. Don't freak out, it will all be on a nice clean circuit board when they go out. the "five LED's" I mention at the beginning represent the devices that would be plugged into the system - since it's on a breadboard, I'm not messing with 110V just yet.
2quills
Well-Known Member
Will the system come with the breadboard too?
j/k
Great video...love the display!!!
I'll be waiting patiently to see what you come up with for the LED version, I know there are alot of people out there who would probably be interested, including, myself. But this version is looking quite promising. At an affordable price I would expect you to be able to sell those babies by the ton.
Great video...love the display!!!
I'll be waiting patiently to see what you come up with for the LED version, I know there are alot of people out there who would probably be interested, including, myself. But this version is looking quite promising. At an affordable price I would expect you to be able to sell those babies by the ton.
gemmy
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by meowzer http:///forum/thread/378726/opinions-needed-is-there-are-market-for-this/80#post_3321456
Yet another item I have no clue what it is
It's shiny and pretty tho. I am clueless about this item as well.
Originally Posted by meowzer http:///forum/thread/378726/opinions-needed-is-there-are-market-for-this/80#post_3321456
Yet another item I have no clue what it is
It's shiny and pretty tho. I am clueless about this item as well.
aviator
Member
GEmmy and meowzer, this is a touchscreen tank timer and monitor. there's a lot of info about it in the previous posts, It's been an ongoing project for a while.
2Quills,
LOL... yeah, I kind of hated to put a video together with it still on the breadboard, but I've been promising a video for a while and thought I needed to put SOMETHING up. I am re-cutting the PCB's this weekend and should be able to put a new video up after that. Perhaps of it runnig MY tank!!! YEAH!!!
Just so you guy's know, I've managed to negotiate a STEAL on these touchscreens, which means the price is coming down!! IF I have time this weekend, I'll put together a final cost tally and should be able to let everyone know a price range.
Oh!! And I have a GREAT idea for expansion for this little puppy, but I'll save that as a bonus for later... hehe
Victor
2Quills,
LOL... yeah, I kind of hated to put a video together with it still on the breadboard, but I've been promising a video for a while and thought I needed to put SOMETHING up. I am re-cutting the PCB's this weekend and should be able to put a new video up after that. Perhaps of it runnig MY tank!!! YEAH!!!
Just so you guy's know, I've managed to negotiate a STEAL on these touchscreens, which means the price is coming down!! IF I have time this weekend, I'll put together a final cost tally and should be able to let everyone know a price range.
Oh!! And I have a GREAT idea for expansion for this little puppy, but I'll save that as a bonus for later... hehe
Victor
acrylic51
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by aviator http:///forum/thread/378726/opinions-needed-is-there-are-market-for-this/80#post_3321465
GEmmy and meowzer, this is a touchscreen tank timer and monitor. there's a lot of info about it in the previous posts, It's been an ongoing project for a while.
2Quills,
LOL... yeah, I kind of hated to put a video together with it still on the breadboard, but I've been promising a video for a while and thought I needed to put SOMETHING up. I am re-cutting the PCB's this weekend and should be able to put a new video up after that. Perhaps of it runnig MY tank!!! YEAH!!!
Just so you guy's know, I've managed to negotiate a STEAL on these touchscreens, which means the price is coming down!! IF I have time this weekend, I'll put together a final cost tally and should be able to let everyone know a price range.
Oh!! And I have a GREAT idea for expansion for this little puppy, but I'll save that as a bonus for later... hehe
Victor
desertdawg
Member
So looking at the size of the screen compared to your hand, I don't guess I'll be watching Hunt for Red October on it....
One suggestion, can you add an am/pm adjustment arrow to the time adjust? scrolling around 12 hours to get to the other side of the day gets old fast.
AND, are you ready for some pre sales deposits? I just lost a bunch at the tables in Laughlin but I made sure I saved a little just for you...
One suggestion, can you add an am/pm adjustment arrow to the time adjust? scrolling around 12 hours to get to the other side of the day gets old fast.
AND, are you ready for some pre sales deposits? I just lost a bunch at the tables in Laughlin but I made sure I saved a little just for you...
aviator
Member
While I'd love to take a few deposits, I don't think that it's a great idea just yet.
I'd like to at least get the test units out in the field and put a little "time" on them before I start taking deposits.
Right now, it looks like DesertDawg and Acrylic51 will be my two testers. Before I send the units out thought, I'd like to talk to both of you on the phone. I'm not to that point yet, but I am very close. I finished the "Proof of concept" this weekend and have it running my tank!!!! MAJOR MILESTONE!!! I will post a video, hopefully, later tonight. It is pretty ugly (enclosure-wise) but it works and works WELL...
Anyway. When I get ready to send out the test units, I'd like to talk to you both in person just go over what I expect from you, what you expect from me, how firmware revisions will be handled, how to ensure that the tank you will be using it on isn't put at risk, etc... I'd like to reiterate that I don't expect either of you to spend a single penny on these test units. Everything will be on my dime. If there are firmware updates, you will both be expected to be able to open up the main box, pop out a chip and pop a new one in and send me the old one back. (Of course I will be paying ALL packing and shipping charges)
If you're still interested, let me know!
I'd like to at least get the test units out in the field and put a little "time" on them before I start taking deposits.
Right now, it looks like DesertDawg and Acrylic51 will be my two testers. Before I send the units out thought, I'd like to talk to both of you on the phone. I'm not to that point yet, but I am very close. I finished the "Proof of concept" this weekend and have it running my tank!!!! MAJOR MILESTONE!!! I will post a video, hopefully, later tonight. It is pretty ugly (enclosure-wise) but it works and works WELL...
Anyway. When I get ready to send out the test units, I'd like to talk to you both in person just go over what I expect from you, what you expect from me, how firmware revisions will be handled, how to ensure that the tank you will be using it on isn't put at risk, etc... I'd like to reiterate that I don't expect either of you to spend a single penny on these test units. Everything will be on my dime. If there are firmware updates, you will both be expected to be able to open up the main box, pop out a chip and pop a new one in and send me the old one back. (Of course I will be paying ALL packing and shipping charges)
If you're still interested, let me know!
desertdawg
Member
I'm in...
And I just bought a new hammer last week so chip changes should be a breeze.
I'll PM you my number.
And I just bought a new hammer last week so chip changes should be a breeze.
I'll PM you my number.