Software development for an all in one controller

[ShawnJones]

Dustin, I too looked into this and started the project about 6 months ago. What I ended up with was very similar to BeanAnimal's design. AVR uC, solar/lunar calculations, GUI, etc. What I found to be the easiest way to incorporate a remote PC into the equation was by implementing TCP/IP into the design and creating a web server on the controller, then controlling the system via PHP.

BeanAnimal is right about his last statement, there are more people that want to add new features because it's cool and not enough people that design with embeded systems and electronics. Projects generally loose community support quickly after this point.

Good luck in your design, I feel that it's much better to pick one single feature and concentrate your efforts to that aspect, once it is stable go to the next, try to limit yourself, not to include the kitchen sink and get lost in code and hardware.

BeanAnimal, wish I would have realized you project efforts, it would be a great project to work with someone on.

Shawn

[BeanAnimal]

Shawn... I am working on adding the Wiznet unit to my AVR. I am fairly new to microcontrollers and am working in BASIC (BASCOM). I would certainly like to compare notes with you some time. The current phase of the project is getting the I2C DACs working for 0-10V signaling (dimmers, VFDs, etc)

[dixonjk]

What VFD's, pumps, and motors do you use? I am currently shopping.

[BeanAnimal]

The Yaskawa drives are pretty nice, but very expensive. You can get cheaper stuff at automation direct. As for motors, baldor is a good choice.

[dixonjk]

I found out that I have to convert my Sequence pump from 56J to 56C frame inorder to find a 3phase motor to fit it. Seems that smalle motors are hard to find. Trying to buy on Ebay makes it more limited. The pump comes with a 1750 rpm motor, do you think it would be okay with a 1100? Also what effect would I see if ran a 1/3 hp motor on my 1/4 VFD?