Well I think I just found my problem....Arduino + Avast Antivirus = issue I just reported. I rebooted and turned Avast off before I started the Arduino software. All the planets are back in line and everything works as it should.
Just FYI I have never worked with a micro-controller before however I have a need for a multi-timer to run several 12v/120v relays to hook up several standard plug in devices. I am trying to make a variant of a reef controller (I have a 90 gallon saltwater mixed reef fish tank) that I saw for several hundred dollars. I figure this project will cost be about the same however I dont learn anything by buying something and plugging it up.
I have two plugs that run a two stage t5 HO light.
I have one plug for the moon lights.
I have one plug for the refugium lights.
I have two plugs that run my dosinig pumps (these will only need to run for about 2 mins a day)
I have two plugs that run two Koralia flow pumps - at some point I want to figure out how to vary the voltage on these to simulate different wave patterns.
I have one plug for the main 900gph pump
I have one plug for the skimmer pump
I have one plug for the heater
Currently I have a bank of wires, surge suppressors and timers that keep failing on me. I would like to have something more solid that controls all of this. If anyone has used one of these in a similar situation please direct me to some links.
Thanks