Noob help please - control circuit (timed)

Hello all,
I'm just about to dip my toe into Arduino - I have no programming skill whatsoever however I have an idea that I think will be perfect for an arduino control.

It may be ambitious for a first project, but the "expandable" nature of arduino means I at least have to give it a go!

First things first - I'm based in the UK, does anyone have any great resources where I can learn to program sketches for simple control projects?

Now, down to the project - essentially I'm after controlling a 12v DC water pump (caravan type pump - 12v DC max 2A) for periods of upto 2 hours.

Essentially I would like 4 buttons to operate - 1st button to set the pump away for 1 hour continuously, 2nd button to run the pump for 90 secs and then pause for 30 - cycle this twice and then run for 2 hours continuously, and 3rd a reset button that overides everything and then sets all timers back to awaiting an input from the user, and 4th button as a "run when pressed" control (so probably outside of the Arduino control - just a simple bypass between feed and grd switch for the pump?)

I would maybe in future like to tie this in with a 3/4 channel dosing unit control using peristaltic pumps, and just a jack that plugs the supply for the portable 12v water pump into the main Arduino, and then control from there.

Pretty LCD which shows which "cycle" the pump is in and time remaining would also be a bonus.

It seems feasible to me - so this is where I bow down to a lot more experienced people and open myself up to a good flaming.

All input appreciated, critical or otherwise :slight_smile:

Many thanks

BT

It seems feasible to me

Yes it does, perfectly possible, and not too hard either.
Your main problem is:-

I have no programming skill whatsoever

So best start to acquire some.

Eventually you will need to use the state machine approach as shown in the blink without delay sketch or as explained further here:-
http://www.thebox.myzen.co.uk/Tutorial/State_Machine.html

However that is probably too advanced for you at the moment.
So take some time and do the experiments and run the code in the top part of the menu File -> Examples, the sub menus labeled 1 to 10.
Maybe even get a starter kit.

Good luck.

That's great for starters - thanks for taking the time to reply!

I should be able to pick things up easily enough - as a kid I spent many happy hours programming my old 8-bit spectrum, admittedly it was BASIC (and Sinclairs version!) so I hope it should be ok.

What would be a good starter kit to get so I can start messing about with things?

These people are good:-
http://earthshineelectronics.com/
They also have a free booklet so you can start looking at it now.
Just google
arduino earthshine designs
And the PDF is in the top three hits.

First things first - I'm based in the UK, does anyone have any great resources where I can learn to program sketches for simple control projects?

Whereabouts? There are several Meetup groups and Hackspaces in the UK that have an Arduino interest that would welcome you.

I should be able to pick things up easily enough - as a kid I spent many happy hours programming my old 8-bit spectrum, admittedly it was BASIC (and Sinclairs version!) so I hope it should be ok.

Once you've done programming in one language, picking up another language is fairly easy, as the principle is the same, even if the syntax is different. I too started with Sinclair BASIC, taught myself Z80 assembler on the Spectum and wrote a program (Electrodraw) that I was selling.

What would be a good starter kit to get so I can start messing about with things?

I started with a Sparkfun kit that was bought from Oomlout.com, based in the UK. (Disclaimer: I've not tried other kits, but I hear that most are equally good) Avoid Maplins, as they are expensive.

Yes Oomlout are good. I see them at Maker Fairs and had a very plesent evening with Mr Oomlout and friends after the recent Newcastle show the other week.