Would you buy?

[beckdg]

that sounds like an excellent option. and with that $250 you'll get an expandable base model you just plug in your ethernet AND power cords and go? if so that's awesome. would one need some intelligence and/or electrical/computer knowledge at all? i'm assuming the vacation software would be self extracting with a simple install?

this really is an excellent idea. my only concern (obviously) is making it attractive for your target audience for overall ease of use. if it takes any skills or thinking you'll substantially lower your audience. i know it's redundant at this point but so are good electronics and that's the first thing on my mind when i think of this.

also, have you considered remote controller modules? having the base near the router has it's pluses but wiring to the vivs from there in many cases would cause a conundrum.

honestly, i want one already but i'm quite concerned about wiring my upstairs to my downstairs.

have you considered making it compatible with aquariums for dosing/water changes etc.? i find aquarists are far more likely to drop a big dollar to get what they want. that would open up your target audience a bit i would think.

[Nighsliv]

One way to avoid having to run Ethernet all through your house would be to use Power Line Carrier (PLC) devices, there are several on the market that are plug and play. Just plug one into the outlet close to the router (Can't be in a power strip) then plug the other close to the controller, hit the sync buttons (Like on wireless auto syncing features), and you are good to go. Gives you close to 100MBps too if I remember right of not more.

[MtuPup]

so hardware is going to be a major hangup on the project, but I'm trudging through. I just procurred a control for an astonishing $40! if I can get this bugger to do what i cant it to do it is greatly going to bring down the cost.

[beckdg]

that sounds great... cause i'm cheap.

[Mikey8567]

I like and plan to buy the mistking EZ-400, but if there was something else that had expandability, and a nice easy to use (I don't need the idiot proof style but there are those that would in a off the shelf product) computer interface (via network, assignable IP addy, Hell a stand alone server would be nice, usb, ect) would be a damn nice thing. But there will always be the price issue. too pricey and only the hard core people will buy it (who knows maybe zoo's or any place with live exhibits) leaving the others only wishing for it. Double edged sword. No one can ask a person that puts that much work into something like that to sell it cheap.

But I'm a Tech Geek so things like that make me go "Hmmm I like that!"

I would be interested in seeing what you come up with.

[MtuPup]

price is a huge concern for me too. i think that's what is taking the most of my time trying to develop a product like this. sorry i've been so quiet on it lately. I acquired a hobby PLC and I'm still trying to get motivated to sit down and program.

[Mikey8567]

PLC is a good way of doing the Comm. WiFi modules have come way down too. was looking at some at Digi-Key. They have many start kits for those wishing to break into the tech of it and design hardware using it. They have a lot of the suff you might need or be looking for in interfaces ect.

Master list. Take a look at the controls and sensors section ect.
Digi-Key

And their wireless solutions part of the site, it's broken down on the type of wireless on the left side

Wireless Solutions | DigiKey Technology Zone

Hope it helps some for ya.

[MtuPup]

well Bob f'ing Saget...
someone beat me to it:
Digital Aquatics - The Next Generation in Aquarium Controllers

I want to pick one of these up just to see how they did it. For a price point of $250 that's pretty awesome.

[beckdg]

there's a net module that comes on the high end package ($269)... or can be added.

damn shame too... that's under their news section dated 12/04/09