ChrisATX:
Thanks mrburnette.
It will take me a bit to do the background research to follow your post 100%.
consider it homework
My brother, a software engineer, also recommended either a Netduino or Raspberry Pi.
Bro is smart
Cozir makes an integrated all in one Humidity/Temp/VNIR CO2 sensor that would be perfect. I need to find out what kind of device would be controlled by it to allow changes in ventilation of excess CO2 from the chamber.
CozIR®-A 2,000ppm CO2 + RH/T Sensor | CO2Meter.com
Accuracy: ±50 ppm ± 3% of readingI need to keep the chamber at ~500 ppmv. Keep in mind that the water entering the chamber at a rate of 1 drop per 30 seconds will have a pCO2 of >5000 ppmv.
This will require a serious eye based upon chamber volume and permissible venting and humidity fluctuations. Modeling will be required.
Cheap. If you source one, do so from one of the "big" houses that can provide tracking to true source of manufacturing.
General note from my college research days in the lab: buy many sensors, test and "map" each for archives. Match and serialize all sensors to be utilized... Put lot under controls. Do same for interface modules, mate repair parts to sensors and bulk test, record. Select deployment sensors from spare stock. Any significant PID issues should be mapped into software from day #1. Results header should always spit out serial numbers of sensors used at any present time... This will allow for validation of sensors in the data stream!
Better yet, use XML for data passing.