OK Kirk. Thanks for the reply. I have a couple of follow-up questions: First, Is accuracy of your temperature set points (or other I/O) a critical issue for controlling a process? Because, a PID or Smith compensator control can give you far better control of your process than a bi-metallic strip for example. Second, I'd like to rephrase the question: Is there any way (in your opinion) that obsolete computers can be put to use for the purposes of generating alternative energy?
Lastly: Can anything really be called "foolproof"? If I count the number of times that I have a power outage/lightning strike on my property, I still come up with a good risk assessment -- especially since set points can be stored in memory while power is down and I'm not sure if any control system aside from a purely mechanical one, would be effective during those relatively rare times that a mishap occurs. I've made all of my arguments (so far) without touching on the potential of a computer like a 486 as a platform for control and data acquisition -- all for the price of a ....bi-metallic strip. So, after reading your reply and agreeing with its logic, I'm still not convinced that the idea of using "obsolete" computers is too far off base. Mike Kirk McLoren <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: A temperature controller that would not upset because of lightning or other power line disturbance and would not lose its settings with power supply failure may prove superior especially if less expensive. Thus a bimetal strip may prove best in the long run. I am in favor of data logging and alarms via computer but fool proof and ultra reliable control usually means no computer. Kirk --- Michael Redler wrote: > > Hi everyone, > > For those of you who are working on your process > control for ethanol/methanol or biodiesel > production, I was wondering about something. > > I hate to send anything to the land fill or scrap > yard that I might be able to use later and I'm sure > you feel the same way. This philosophy has caused me > to become a bit of a pack rat (and dumpster diver). > My basement is neatly organized with old (486 and > P1) computers, motors, and other > mechanical/electrical devices from dissected > printers and other obsolete or broken down > equipment. > > I was thinking of developing generic software (in C > or assembler) for old computers to convert them into > process controllers. For example, it might make an > effective temperature controller for your still. If > this works, I would take the programs and put them > on a web page for download. If it's truly generic > (compatible with all XX86 architecture), it will be > a matter of copying the executable file to the hard > drive of a computer, adding a line to the > autoexec.bat file and making a harness > (serial/parallel port to solid state relays and > sensors). > > Has anyone tried this already and if so, can that > person please share their experience with me and > those interested in this thread? > > Thanks! > > Regards, > > Mike > > > _______________________________________________ > Biofuel mailing list > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > http://wwia.org/mailman/listinfo.cgi/biofuel > > Biofuel at Journey to Forever: > http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html > > Biofuel archives at Infoarchive.net (searchable): > http://infoarchive.net/sgroup/biofuel/ > __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - now with 250MB free storage. Learn more. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 _______________________________________________ Biofuel mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://wwia.org/mailman/listinfo.cgi/biofuel Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Biofuel archives at Infoarchive.net (searchable): http://infoarchive.net/sgroup/biofuel/ _______________________________________________ Biofuel mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://wwia.org/mailman/listinfo.cgi/biofuel Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Biofuel archives at Infoarchive.net (searchable): http://infoarchive.net/sgroup/biofuel/
