build ur own climate controller, is it possible?

[firstTimeGrow]

I was pricing out climate controllers online and it really seems to be a pretty basic device. I was wondering if anyone has ever tried to build their own and if it was doable? I'm no mechanical engineer but I know we have a lot of McGuiver's on this board so i figured i'd ask. All it really needs to do is turn on/off certain plugs (fan, c02, humidifier) based on the temp/humidity. thanks for ur input imp:

firstTimeGrow Reviewed by firstTimeGrow on 04-04-2006. build ur own climate controller, is it possible? I was pricing out climate controllers online and it really seems to be a pretty basic device. I was wondering if anyone has ever tried to build their own and if it was doable? I'm no mechanical engineer but I know we have a lot of McGuiver's on this board so i figured i'd ask. All it really needs to do is turn on/off certain plugs (fan, c02, humidifier) based on the temp/humidity. thanks for ur input :pimp: Rating: 5

[LIP]

It's do-able, but technically speaking, it might not be do-able for everyone.

I'd personally make it from scratch because im good with electronics.

I'd just make a massive computer like board, with all the sensors needed, and run it off the mains (Obviously with a trasnformer)

You just need a thyristor and a humidity sensor and a 555 chip, and the rest if done with timers that you can buy from a shop. Obviously you'd need the right resistors, capacitors and transistors but it can be done.

Theres a few PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design programs out there to download.

[HydroDynamics]

Not that difficult, I'm working on a FAQ for this very topic. I've built mine for about 40 bucks that controls fans and co2 based on temp and 8001 controller. Co2 shuts down at lights out, fans only come on to lower temps, and also switch off the CO2 not to waste it. about a 7 degree swing before fans shut down.

Very simple design. you can use a regular thermostat from Lowes (fucking hate HD.. they have shit) (mechanical), 12V relays, 12V transformer from a POS phone you were going to throw out, PC board to hold it together, a light switch from Lowes to control CO2 to a 120V relay, throw in a few lamps to draw down shorts on the relays, a couple of switches (main/CO2 shutoff)... and a FUSE incase you fuck up! Don't want any fires!

Should have the FAQ up with instructions in a couple of days. Mines works great, tested with a ceramic heater in grow room for a few days, cycled just fine. Fun little project that goes well with the home made Krypos controller and the 12 buckets. Just waiting for the tomatoe clones to grow a bit before going into the 'pot's.

Watch for it in the Advanced section.

Negril - Damn rock cliff sheared off at Ricks. Not the same place it was.

[firstTimeGrow]

Hydrodynamics, that sounds like exactly what im looking for. I'm not the most advanced in electronics but i am a very quick learner. Any chance i can contact you somehow? there dont appear to be pm's on this board but im hesitant to post my email address here, if i should just do that though i will, thanks

this project would be especially good because due to financial restrictions i can't really begin growing for a week or two so it will be good to have a project

[HydroDynamics]

Best to wait for the FAQ in a couple of days. I will try to make it simple for those that can atleast solder. That is a prerequisite!! And if you can grow tomatoes, you can solder, no big deal.

What I have to offer is simple, cheap, works, and to say the least is pretty damn good. The only thing that I would like to add is a humidistat, which i am going to research first.

Going to get a vegitable patty... later.

[chisme]

we could probably do it wiv help from fellow diy enthusiast in this site lol the problem is getting those little parts that not every maplins stock lol your usa hardstore sells stuff like humidity sensors and control chips but in uk we are lucky if they stock sand paper

[chisme]

cheapest thormostats ive seen are the habistats used normaly for reptiles but would work the same as to keep climate one temp


www.cornish-crispa.com i thinks £25 habistat (probed-thermostat)

[chisme]

im looking to make a single plant hydrophonic system

all id need is a tray feeder tank and pump right?

[BlueDragonSmoke]

timer, growing medium,ph tester, nuti.,water....but ya

[LIP]

we could probably do it wiv help from fellow diy enthusiast in this site lol the problem is getting those little parts that not every maplins stock lol your usa hardstore sells stuff like humidity sensors and control chips but in uk we are lucky if they stock sand paper

Lol true, most of the DIY shops in UK suck. We really are lucky to find sand paper lol