I'm currently searching for an automation board, which can be cpu-slaved, and be able to control 3 temperature sensors, 10 solenoid valves (separately) and one (maybe two) pump.
The Arduino looks like a good way to do so, there is the Duemilanove (2009) model available here, or the development kit.
I just wonder which model is the most adapted to my needs. And if I need to make some modifications on the board to allow the Arduino to control all these outputs and inputs efficiently.
As of the Soft, is there any open-source soft providing these functions which I could use as a base? Or do any of you have some tips or ideas to provide me?
Thanks always, and any idea/help is warmly welcomed !
I just wonder which model is the most adapted to my needs. And if I need to make some modifications on the board to allow the Arduino to control all these outputs and inputs efficiently.
You will need switching devices, either transistors or relays, to control the solenoids and pump(s). You will have to find out the operating voltages for the solenoids and pump and the current draw they require. You will most likely require an external DC power supply to handle the current requirements of the solenoids and pumps.
As far as reading temperature sensors it all depends on what specific temperature sensor you select.
The Arduino or most of the Arduino clones would work well.
One question is how you plan to connect the Arduino to the "main" CPU. Will it be close enough that you can use USB? If so, the Duemilanove would be fine. If not, one of the boards with a built-in RS-232 (Fundamental Logic's MaxSerial or NKC's Freeduino Serial) might be better.
There's no need to modify the Arduino: instead, you connect it to some external board with your custom electronics on it. The amount of extra circuitry you'll need probably won't fit on a Prototyping shield, so you might find it convenient to use one of the "Arduino-like" boards with different dimensions, that are more suitable for plugging into a larger assembly. E.g., the DuinoStamp, Arduino Pro Mini, or Boarduino (google will find the makers' webpages for you so you can get details).