Aquarium Computers

[Galibore]

I was thinking...

...there are quite a few computers and controllers on the market currently. But not one single one that solves the problem of cluttered power supplies/multiplugs etc.

Does anyone know of a computer that not only controlls, but also acts as the power supply.

When using a normal controller, the hardware being controlled, still needs to be plugged in somewhere and the wire connected to the controller. This actually adds to the mess.

[Galibore]

My thinking is that you have one unit with one cable from wall socket. Then it acts as an intelligent multiplug with buil;tin timers, inputs etc. And no plugs involved.

[Waynan]

I hear what you are saying, but there are design related issues that make it difficult to do...

[Mekaeel]

i guess the only way to do it will be to link your computer and tank etc. to a generator

[Bristlebasher]

Originally Posted by Galibore

My thinking is that you have one unit with one cable from wall socket. Then it acts as an intelligent multiplug with buil;tin timers, inputs etc. And no plugs involved.

Just think how big something like this would be - and where do you mount it so that it would still be easy to get everything plugged in?Small tank will be fine but on a bigger tank extension cords etc will be needed.

Will be way more messy.

[Galibore]

Why would it be so big? It would be bigger than other computers, but not that much. Remember there will be no plugs involved.

[Waynan]

But that would mean that you have to cut plugs off and thus void warranties...

[Galibore]

Yeah...didn't think about that.

[Bristlebasher]

But that would mean that you have to cut plugs off and thus void warranties...

Ditto

and how would it be expanded??

Sorry - dont think it is a very good idea

[Galibore]

Originally Posted by Bristlebasher

Ditto

and how would it be expanded??

Sorry - dont think it is a very good idea

Expanded?

[Copperband]

yupp expanded, if you add more goodies you'd need to expand for extra connections.

[Galibore]

How does current computers allow for that?

[Copperband]

i would imagine by means of the power bars they control? Still doesn't solve your clutter issue. Have you looked at the DB board approach Adriaan uses?

[djmurray]

Im sure there are controllers that just control certain items in the tank....

[Galibore]

Originally Posted by Copperband

i would imagine by means of the power bars they control? Still doesn't solve your clutter issue. Have you looked at the DB board approach Adriaan uses?

Yeah, very neat but can you add relays to a DB board?

[Copperband]

sure you can put them in the same enclosure

[Galibore]

Cool, My brother in law is an electrician but lazy as hell and will probably make me pay for it. If it wasn't for that I would have done it already....lol.

[djmurray]

lol

[phat]

so whats a medium rated trip switch?

i mean like on a car, you can get away with only carrying 20 amp fuses as spare cause generally the ones that blow are between 10 and 30

so whats a save range to go for on a DB board?

[Hill]

I would say 5A (if you can get them) and 10A. 5A will generally be enough to run 1250W worth of equipment.