Lan Barnes wrote:
On Mon, Oct 09, 2006 at 10:46:58AM -0700, Richard W. Ernst wrote:
Two part question.
If I wanted to control a sprinkler setup from my computer, linux
preferably, but windows is ok at this point as well, what would I
need/where would I go for the hardware end of it? Ideally, I don't want
to have to run the computer all the time for the controls, just to
modify settings.
Most fancy controllers I've seen in my web research, use wireless, or
serial connections, nothing usb by default. I'd like to avoid the
wireless and X10 interfaces, but serial is easy and cheap. So, part two
of my question is how does linux see a usb to serial adapter, since many
systems don't come with serial ports any more.
Thanks,
What are you doing this for? Work? Or a home project?
I explored doing home control of my biodiesel. I concluded that it was
impractical, wildly expensive, and perhaps dangerous. Who wants 29 gal
of hot used fry oil dumped on his garage floor while he's at work
because he <gasp> wrote a bug? (And electrically controlled 3/4" gate
valves are stunningly expensive. How many do I have? 7? 8?)
You might ask yourself the same question: How am I going to exhaustively
test this for everything, including power failure and restore, to
prevent inappropriate sprinkling.
If the question is fire risk, physical systems are made where a glass
plug breaks from heat.
But if you're talking lawn sprinkling, the hazards may be far lower.
But I would also personally never embark on such a project unless I had
priced out the commercial solutions unless intangibles (learning, sense
of accomplishment) outweighed going that route.
Home project. Your scope is WAY beyond what I need/want.
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