Where can I get a Computer operated power controller/switch?

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hellonearthisman

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#28496 2-Dec-2008 06:13

I want to make an ai robot for my hotwater cylinder.

Where can I get a Computer operated power controller?

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#181515 2-Dec-2008 07:50

http://controlanything.com/

or build yourself..?? http://www.electronicsforu.com/efylinux/circuit/nov99/novcir1.htm

I searhed jaycar but nothing came up... but i would expect they have something like this.. they have at least everything to make it.

Fred

gomez

84 posts

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#184170 15-Dec-2008 06:47

Jaycar do have a product, but it will need to be modified slightly to handle higher loads as you'll need to drive a contactor or two as I wouldn't trust using 230VAC on the onboard relays.

http://www.jaycar.co.nz/productView.asp?ID=KV3595&CATID=25&keywords=&SPECIAL=&form=CAT&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID=432

I have used a couple of these to control lighting systems and have found them to be pretty good value.

"Of everything I've lost, I miss my mind the most"

FredDag

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#184175 15-Dec-2008 07:28

Thanks, they are some neat boards!

Fred

hellonearthisman

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#184306 15-Dec-2008 15:43

Would the US one need to be modded? It's 120v @ 20amp, would that have issues working on 240v?

Tahii

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#184310 15-Dec-2008 15:56

I'd go with the item Gomez mentioned. Seeing the setup he has designed in use shows just how versitile the hardware is.

With this device you have the choice of using the web-based server that is built into the device, or writing your own software that utilises the HTTP commands that they tell you to use in the manual that comes with the device (for the setup Gomez mentioned, we went for the custom software version).

gomez

84 posts

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#185198 19-Dec-2008 19:14

hellonearthisman: Would the US one need to be modded? It's 120v @ 20amp, would that have issues working on 240v?

Instead of modifying the board, just find some relays with a 24VAC coil and some higher rated contacts. Use a 24VAC transformer and common up one side of the contacts on the board, switch the other side.

Works very well for the application that I used it for.

"Of everything I've lost, I miss my mind the most"

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hellonearthisman

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#185224 19-Dec-2008 22:36

I don't know that much about electronics, I understand that I could use the jaycar cards to control 'custom' switches that control the 10amp+ device. Is there any more information on jaycar's 4 Channel Relay Board With IP Control.

What would it take to build a system, are there any open source projects?

gomez

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#185237 20-Dec-2008 04:30

Have a look at this link

http://www.aviosys.com/ippower.htm

"Of everything I've lost, I miss my mind the most"

hellonearthisman

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#185345 20-Dec-2008 18:10

gomez:
Have a look at this link

http://www.aviosys.com/ippower.htm

Thanks, http://www.aviosys.com/ippower9258SX.htm looks more like my electrical skill level but the AMPs look a little low for a hotwater cylinder.

gomez

84 posts

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#185376 20-Dec-2008 21:03

hellonearthisman:
gomez:
Have a look at this link

http://www.aviosys.com/ippower.htm

Thanks, http://www.aviosys.com/ippower9258SX.htm looks more like my electrical skill level but the AMPs look a little low for a hotwater cylinder.

I mentioned the solution in the previous posting. To operate the relays, use 24VDC between the relay card and a larger contactor, the larger contactor will control the hot water cylinder. If you are looking to do this on a commercial level, then I'd suggest running a 24VDC relay that pulls in the contacts of a 230VAC 10A relay, and then finally a contactor that is capable of handling a larger current draw.

You'll find that most automation applications run 24VDC (especially where PLCs are involved) to drive smaller relays to switch larger relays or contactors to run larger gear.

Why control a hot water cylinder with a web appliance? Surely a PLC would be better,

"Of everything I've lost, I miss my mind the most"

hellonearthisman

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#185384 20-Dec-2008 22:17

It's starting to make more sence.

I sorry for asking, but have you got some links to your other postings?

I also found these ARLEC Remote Control Power Switch - Triple Socket

Have to find out if they can handle the load, IR controlled.

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gomez

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#185413 21-Dec-2008 07:05

hellonearthisman: It's starting to make more sence.

I sorry for asking, but have you got some links to your other postings?

I also found these ARLEC Remote Control Power Switch - Triple Socket
http://www.dse.co.nz/dse.shop/en/product/M0154

Have to find out if they can handle the load, IR controlled.

I can do better and go and take some photos of the installation later on today for you to have a look at to illustrate how I'm running a lighting system off these boards.

"Of everything I've lost, I miss my mind the most"

hellonearthisman

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#185560 21-Dec-2008 22:27

I look forward to seeing what you have built.

My searching has found the RS-online have a PLC,logic module,zelio,starter kit,12 i/o module,software,cable,240Vac
But that's $400 and is more than my projects budget and I would still need some type of relay.

gomez

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#186127 26-Dec-2008 10:11

Sorry I haven't been able to get photos of the setup, hopefully Saturday I'll be able to get in there and snap a few pics.

While the Zelio PLC gear is pricey, they're great devices and the ZelioSoft package is rather flexible and gives a massive range of features.

I've got a few Melsec FXOs PLCs around here with knackered PSU boards in them (hard life of taking a LOT of HF in an engineering environment) that I'm going to get around to fixing one day.

"Of everything I've lost, I miss my mind the most"

hellonearthisman

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#188629 10-Jan-2009 19:33

I've been looking at more gadgets for random things and, this 12v Wireless remote controller on trademe. Range 30m.
Looks kind of nice, in the comments is this "this wireless remote connects directly to the solenoid pack and not the cable remote plug."

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