From: jim.richards65@yahoo.com   
      
   On Wed, 28 Nov 2012 14:00:22 -0500, j  wrote:   
      
   >   I'd like to automate my solar heating system. So,I'll need a little   
   >control logic that reads some temps and switches on a fan and possible   
   >some servos.   
   >   
   >It's been a while since I've looked at the options, but I see Arduino is   
   >readily available with a variety of hardware.   
   >   
   >Recommendations for control logic, sensors, or other hardware? Arduino   
   >or something else?   
   >   
   >Jeff   
   Jeff,   
      
   I use the Arduino also (more about that later), but Mike's post caught   
   my eye, if you're way more comfortable programming in BASIC are not   
   comfortable programming in C, I'm told there are other "Arduino like"   
   alternatives which use BASIC that have their supporters, I've only   
   ever used the Arduino.   
      
   The Arduino we did has an LCD, 4 control buttons, 3 DS18B20   
   temperature sensor and controls:   
   1.  Heater control (AC electric heater; SSR control - on/off)   
   2.  Water feed control (DC motor fixed speed pump - on/off)   
   3.  Beer feed control (Parastaltic pump run by variable speed stepper   
   motor - step pulses or motor winding phases)   
   4.  Reflux control (solenoid controlled valve - on/off)   
   5.  Alarm (relay control - on/off)   
   6.  Alert (piezo buzzer - pulsed to create beep, or on/off   
   continuous).   
      
   Here's a picture:   
   http://i825.photobucket.com/albums/zz177/Curbie_Pics/Controller.jpg   
      
   It's open source and would make a fine differential controller as is   
   if you rewrote the control software section.   
      
   I can find the on-line link if you're interested, there is also an   
   custom sheild board for all the I/O avaliable.   
      
   Curbie   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)