10/18/03
Just wanted to post a quick update for anyone following along...This project is NOT dead...it is actually progressing very well. I have a RTC (Real Time Clock) chip interfaced to the Atmega, and have the menu code completed. The controller is ready to do time based chores like lights etc, but it is no where near finished. One of the other ReefCentral forum members is completing a pH probe interface for the controller, and when it is done, it will be added. I was experimenting with using a cheap thermistor for a temperature probe to keep costs down for anyone who is thinking about building this, but it has major issues with RF interference. Consulting with Mbelding (who is doing the pH probe) it was suggested to use coax cable...this may be an option, and I will give it a shot, but I am leaning toward using a dedicated I2C thermal sensor chip that can do ambient and a remote sensor for the tank. It will add about $2 to the cost, but will allow us to put the remote temp probe up to 100 feet away...without worrying about RF interference. I am waiting on the chip to get here, and will add it asap. Thought some actual proof this was progressing would cheer some people up: First up a shot of the everpresent breadboard, notice the use of the GSLcd interface...working well. Notice the battery? well, it keeps the clock correct if the power is turned off, and it allows for battery backed storage of all the user settings...
Next a closeup of the joystick controller I think will be spiffy when implemented. Once again, the high tech mounting involves a glue gun...this is only to make a small interface for the breadboard, in the finished project, this will be just the tiny silve square with the black dot in it you see...and yes it is a joystick...4 directions and push for enter.
Finally, a shot of the screen...whoopppee right? Well, I am not putting up a movie file, but take my word for it that the clock works :)
