Help! Programmable controller with wireless interface for valves etc.,

[toffee]

I am totally ignorant about all this and need lots of help.

I am looking for a programmable controller with a wireless interface so I can access and control it via internet. The function of this controller is to control a few water valves, pumps etc., But primary 4 valves, the controller must be able to switch different valves off or on simultaneously.

Thank you for helping.

 

[awsomepk]

You might be able to do it with an arduino, but you need to know how to program and play with it. If you get a PLC, probably one from Horner, you might be able to do it. PLCs are expensive an used mostly in industrial places though, so if your only looking to do simple things, get an arduino.

But, PLC's are easier to use. If you have money but not time buy a Rockwell Automation one because they are easy to program using ladder logic. If you get a Rockwell one, you will use rsLogix 5000 to program it.

I know all this crap because my dad is an industrial engineer and he's teaching me some of it

Let me know if you need help finding anything

-John


Sent from my iPod touch using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

 

[toffee]

Thanks John, I have also been googling. So far, these are what I have found:

http://www.irrigationcaddy.com/index-4.html

http://grenouille34730.fr/En/index.html

http://www.toro.com/en-gb/homeowner...-control-systems/Pages/Model.aspx?pid=TriComm

http://www.quicksmart.com/qs_etherrain.html

http://www.cyber-rain.com/professional-irrigation-long-range-pedestal-controller.html

http://www.talgil.com/index.php?instance=5&actions=show&instance_id=17&id=117&current_lang=1

http://www.hunterindustries.com/

http://www.irritrol.com/pdf/catalog09_techspec.pdf

Needless to say, I am more confused than ever lol

 

[toffee]

This is what I want to do: Automating water change by using Red Sea Ocean Clear or Nu-Clear filter, both shares similar design.

On the following drawings:

1. A-D are valves wired to the controller.
2. By running "normal" 24x7 except 30 minutes under "drain" every other day.
3. The automated switch from "normal" to "drain" and back requires a programmable controller.
4. Being wireless will enable me to do a larger scale water change even when I am not on site.

 

[awsomepk]

**Note, I use PLC for any programmable logic controler, even the irrigation ones

You've really done your research! Here's just a few things I noticed about the links.

You picked a few that specifically say programmable via Ethernet. In my experience, USB Programmable controllers are much easier to use. Also, I'm not sure how you would do it via internet.

As for the valves, check out a Solenoid Valve(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solenoid_valve)

I'm not sure what else I can tell you, you seem to have your idea down pretty well. Any idea what you'll use for your PLC? If you don't I can talk it over with my dad tomorrow and see what he thinks. I talked to him about it, and if you were to get an industrial PLC you should get a horner.

That being said, the best looking one is the Irrigation Caddy especially for the price and flexibility. It looks really cool, and I might pick one up myself. Again, Let me know if you need help with anything, especially programming, I'm really good at it

-John