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Hey guys! I've not been around for a while; I've been super extra busy with my senior year of college, which is stressful yet exciting.
Anyways, one of the many projects I'm strapped with this semester is a programmable, automated, climate-controlled terrarium! I figured I'd start this thread to show the progress of said terrarium (prototype version only right now!) . I'll have a few pictures in a little bit, and a video of the interface working.
For you techies out there, it's powered by Arduino
__________________
I'm Sean
And I have 1 little corn named Vermicelli
Hey guys! I've not been around for a while; I've been super extra busy with my senior year of college, which is stressful yet exciting.
Anyways, one of the many projects I'm strapped with this semester is a programmable, automated, climate-controlled terrarium! I figured I'd start this thread to show the progress of said terrarium (prototype version only right now!) . I'll have a few pictures in a little bit, and a video of the interface working.
For you techies out there, it's powered by Arduino
What variables does this control, only heat and humidity? Go into more detail about what an automated climate controlled terrarium does for those who aren't so tech savvy. Set it and forget it? haha
It will control temperature and humidity, and be capable of adjusting either up or down to match setpoints. Currently provides for Hot Spot, cool side, and ambient air temperature control, as well as ambient humidity control.
And yes, it is set it and forget it! The video I'll link to shortly demonstrates the current interface (first run-through, so it'll get better). The duration of the video is approximately how long you'll have to work to set the system indefinitely. After that, you just need to top up the water for the misting system.
PICTURES! Please note that this is, at this point, proof of concept. I would not dream of putting an animal in this thing as it is built, but I would certainly like to make a much better one (in terms of construction quality) for the future.
Front View (back isn't in yet )
Side view showing Fan for ventilation (dessication and temperature control)
Water Pump and spray nozzle for misting system
Video to follow.
__________________
I'm Sean
And I have 1 little corn named Vermicelli
Here is the video, as promised. Please forgive the vertical phone recording and the various vocal flub-ups. Enjoy!
Also, just as an additional disclaimer: I don't own Savs, and I haven't done any copious research, so DO NOT TAKE THE TEMPERATURE VALUES IN THIS VIDEO AS ACCURATE OR HEALTHY FOR SAVANNAH MONITORS (BOSC MONITORS). I used Savs as an example for the temperatures because they gave me reason to adjust the temperature into triple digits.
__________________
I'm Sean
And I have 1 little corn named Vermicelli
Which brings me to my next point, once you do build a finished product, what do you plan to put in it first ;P
I've toyed with the idea of a Rhaco (Crestie, Gargoyle, etc) colony of some description. Failing that, maybe a smaller arboreal snake? This system is HIGHLY adaptable to any terrarium shape, so I might finally build a 4x2x2 for the Carpet I've been wanting for years
__________________
I'm Sean
And I have 1 little corn named Vermicelli
I've toyed with the idea of a Rhaco (Crestie, Gargoyle, etc) colony of some description. Failing that, maybe a smaller arboreal snake? This system is HIGHLY adaptable to any terrarium shape, so I might finally build a 4x2x2 for the Carpet I've been wanting for years
Do something that records greater temp gradients than the cresties/gargs/leachies. If they can live with the entire enclosure basically the same temperature, youre new device won't be working to its full potential. Get a lizard or something that can utilize different basking spots at diff temps, make it more of a challenge :P
Hahaha yeah, I'm thinking so, but I just LOVE the way that whole species complex looks and acts. We'll see.
I'm also thinking about taking the humidity control system to market. If I could expand it to cover 4 or 5 terrariums independently, I think there'd be a pretty good call for it.
__________________
I'm Sean
And I have 1 little corn named Vermicelli
Oh right, me too. I won't charge you for my testing services...everything free of charge for a fellow forum member but I get to keep the cages.
Haha riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight...I'm sure you guys would LOVE that
We'll see how it goes. There's a lot of polishing that needs doing but I may well donate something as a contest prize....and of course if there's a beta test phase, I know where to come first!
__________________
I'm Sean
And I have 1 little corn named Vermicelli
So basically what you're designing is a plant growth chamber with a glass front. I've been looking at my growth chamber for years wishing I could convert it to a viv. Glad to see someone is giving it a try.
So basically what you're designing is a plant growth chamber with a glass front. I've been looking at my growth chamber for years wishing I could convert it to a viv. Glad to see someone is giving it a try.
As it turns out, yes that's exactly it haha. Those things are pretty cool looking! I just looked up a bunch....the majority seem a little big for a viv though. And can you control individual climate zones within the chamber?
__________________
I'm Sean
And I have 1 little corn named Vermicelli
In a typical model you can program lights, day/night temps and humidity. They're supposed to be designed to provide uniform temps throughout the unit, but they're never that good. It might be a problem though to have a basking area and a cooler area, although I bet it's doable. I haven't used my temp gun in it to find out the temp range, but that's a good idea. You might be able to find some good equipment from a manufacturer to help your project along.
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