Summary of AquaCont – Aquarium Control using pic microcontroller
The AquaCont is an aquarium monitoring system built around a PIC18F4520 microcontroller. It manages electrical devices via 8 relays, featuring a real-time clock with lithium battery backup, a digital temperature sensor, and an RS232 port for PC communication using WinTimer software. The interface includes a 4x20 LCD display and 8 bicolour LEDs. The system separates power supplies (5V for logic, 12V for relays) and uses optocouplers to ensure safety isolation from high voltage.
Parts used in the AquaCont:
- PIC18F4520 microcontroller
- Real time clock integrated circuit with lithium battery
- Digital temperature sensor
- 8 relays
- LC2416 EEPROM memory
- 4x20 LCD display
- 8 bicolour LEDs
- RS232 serial port
- Optocouplers
- WinTimer PC software
The AquaCont is an electronic system witch permits to manage and to monitor most of the parameters of all the electrics devices that can be found in a aquarium. The PIC18F4520 used to realize it, combines a real time clock and a temperature sensor in order to control 8 relays. The system main characteristics are:
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time / calendar
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weekly timer for 6 daily events
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digital temperature sensor
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additional eeprom memory
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8 outputs controlled by relays joinables to timer events ( 2 of them that can be joined to temperature sensor)
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LCD display 4×20
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8 bicolour LEDs associated to output ports
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RS232 serial port for PC communication
The LCD display permits to monitor the current date and time, the temperature detected by the sensor and moreover it permits to visualize each port status in the last row. In the following LCD screens display it is possible to program the weekly timer events, set the temperature sensor parameters and manage the serial connection with a PC where is running the included WinTimer software.
The power supply needed by the main board is 5V, while the relays board requires 12V; the different source power was useful in granting the protection of the microcontroller and his circuits from overvoltage and short circuit on the 220V. Two optocouplers are utilized for that purpose ensuring the isolation of the different voltages.
The weekly timers are programmed basing on the clock provided by the proper integrated circuit supplied with a lithium battery. The timers data are memorized in the micro’s eeprom. The RS232 serial port allows to simply program the micro using the corresponding PC software; the functions provided in the PC software are also included in the firmware, except for the PC clock syncing. Using the Pc software is also possible to assign a description, to each of the 8 relays ports that will be memorized in the additional LC2416 eeprom memory. In this memory will be also stored the temperature sensor’s settings data.
For more detail: AquaCont – Aquarium Control
- What is the main function of the AquaCont system?
The system permits managing and monitoring most parameters of all electric devices found in an aquarium. - How many relays can the system control?
The system controls 8 relays joined to timer events. - Can some relays be connected to the temperature sensor?
Yes, 2 of the 8 relays can be joined to the temperature sensor. - What voltage powers the main board versus the relay board?
The main board requires 5V while the relay board requires 12V. - How does the system protect the microcontroller from overvoltage?
Two optocouplers are utilized to ensure isolation of different voltages and grant protection. - Where are the weekly timer data memorized?
The timers data are memorized in the micro's eeprom. - Does the system allow naming each relay port?
Yes, the PC software allows assigning a description to each of the 8 relay ports stored in the LC2416 eeprom. - What software is used to program the micro via the serial port?
The included WinTimer software running on a PC is used for programming.
