Controlling a Lightbox: power and temperatures

Using Arduino Project Guidance
#1

Hello everyone,
I am a newbie in Arduino tech but, as shortly described in the Subject,
I would like to control a Lightbox (a small box to indoor growing of Chilli).

I need to manage different devices:

  • a couple of lights to keep a scheduled lightcycle (220V AC)
  • a couple of small fan (clip fan), they should turn on for 15 minutes every 15 minutes (220v AC)
  • if applicable, use it as a chrono-thermostat for a small heat cable. (220V AC)

Might an Arduino manage all these ojbects?
Thanks in advance for every reply

#2

Arduino can do this easily, but you must use some 220V relays and be carefull as 220V is lethal.

You could use something like - http://arduino-direct.com/sunshop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=201 -

The code is something like this: (not complete and tested and may contain logical errors :wink:

#define LIGHTON       (6*60*60*1000L)  // 6 hours
#define LIGHTOFF      (18*60*60*1000L)  // 18 hours

unsigned long lastLight = 0;

int lightStatus = LOW;
int heatStatus = LOW;

void setup()
{
  Serial.begin(115200);
  Serial.println("start...");
}

void loop()
{
  unsigned long current = millis();

  if (current - lastLight > LIGHTON && lightStatus == LOW )
  {
     lastLight = current;
     lightStatus = HIGH
  }
  if (current - lastLight > LIGHTOFF && lightStatus == HIGH)
  {
     lastLight = current;
     lightStatus = LOW
  }
  Serial.print("Light: ");
  Serial.println(lightStatus);  // optional
  digitalWrite(LIGHTPIN, lightStatus);

  // here more or less similar code for fan 

  // thermometer 
  float temp = -25.0 + analogRead(A0) / 5;   // assuming an analog thermometer with a certain formula (depends on the sensor assuming Celcius
   
  if (temp < 20)  // assuming to keep the temp between 20 and 22 degrees
  {
    heatStatus = HIGH;
  }
  if (temp > 22) 
  {
    heatStatus = LOW;
  }
  digitalWrite(HEATPIN, heatStatus);
  Serial.print("Temp: ");  
  Serial.println(temp);
  Serial.print("Heat: ");
  Serial.println(heatStatus);  

   delay(1000);
}

You can control the FAN based upon time or temperature or both…
Additional you can add a water sensor and make automatic waterfeeding…

THis should get you started…

#3

robtillaart:
THis should get you started...

Thank you very much for your reply.
Your suggestions will be useful to get started in this world: in fact , I just have a 'programmer perspective' and just a few knowledge about the electronic scenario.
I hope to fill the gap soon and getting experienced in both applications :slight_smile:

#4