Monitoring multiple items

thekl0wn · 10-23-2008, 01:28 PM

So, I've been "lightly" approached about developing something to monitor a new type of system that my dad and another contractor are starting to install. Everything they're currently wanting seems pretty feasible via the Fusion Brain.

The hitch is that I'm pretty sure that before too long, they're going to want a few more sensors added to the list, and I just wanted to check in to see what all is already out there... Also keep in mind, that none of this has to be precision... Just somewhat reliable, because that's what it will be for is gathering data over the course of time, to analyze and adjust settings.

First and foremost: Temperature sensors. Now, I know that there are sensors available from FB, but the other contractor literally has baskets upon baskets of 2-wire temp sensors. From my understanding, as long as they're 5v sensors, they will work. (and if more, then they can be "converted" to work) There will be multiples of these!

Next is the list of items that could have data gathered from...
-Air pressure
-Air flow (CFM)
-Air temp (above)
-Water flow (GPM)
-Water pressure
-Water temp (above)
-Day/Night (I know this one's already there...)
-110V draw
-220V draw

I believe I've read in the past about the air pressure (0-100psi at most) sensors being used. That's good.

Water pressure? May prove to be a valid metric in the future. Same type of sensor?

CFM/GPM... Any thoughts?

Knowing what kind of wattage something is pulling (both 110/200) would be incredibly useful!

mx270a · 10-23-2008, 02:13 PM

The inputs on the fusion brain read voltage. It can read 0-5 volts, in 1024 steps. It will monitor anything that has an output between 0 and 5 volts.

Your two wire temp sensors are basically resistors that change resistance based on temperature. You can add a couple other regular resistor to that to create a basic voltage divider circuit, which can be connected to the fusion brain.

greenman100 · 10-23-2008, 03:29 PM

we have current sensors. current * volts = watts

Rowan · 10-23-2008, 07:10 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by thekl0wn

Just somewhat reliable, because that's what it will be for is gathering data over the course of time, to analyze and adjust settings.

What are you going to be using to actually perform the data logging? Remember the more parts you add to a system, the more parts there are that can fail (not sensors, as in PSU, HDD etc). In this case, your problem will more likely be the PC to fail/freeze/need to be reset, we all know how reliable Windows is... How long will the system need to log data for without interruption, and how critical is the data or the adjustments the PC will be making?

Quote: Originally Posted by thekl0wn

Now, I know that there are sensors available from FB, but the other contractor literally has baskets upon baskets of 2-wire temp sensors. From my understanding, as long as they're 5v sensors, they will work. (and if more, then they can be "converted" to work) There will be multiples of these!

The 'problem' with using multiple different temerature sensors is that..they're all different - with different ranges, calibration values, voltage outputs etc, so finding one that works out of 100 could be quite a task. It just depends on if they're all the same or not, and what they output. Like, you may be able to find one that works with certain value resistors, but then the next one will be completely different (unless again, he has buckets and buckets of the same part)

Quote: Originally Posted by thekl0wn

Knowing what kind of wattage something is pulling (both 110/200) would be incredibly useful!

The current sensor the guys sell uses an Allegro ACS754-050, a Bi-Directional ±50A AC/DC current sensor. Please be carefull if you're going to be using this on mains voltages (110/220), making sure to mount and isolate correctly - also abide by any rules set by your country (ie here in Australia we can't legally install anything on mains voltage unless you're licenced)