Getting Started
UPDATE: February 11, 2013
In the best interest of the community, we have developed our own brand of hardware that make the process of setting up a controller and monitor so much easier. In fact, we have made it so easy that we believe anyone can do this. Another benefit of designing our own hardware, we have actually lowered the price even further! If you don't believe us, go ahead and start pricing out what it would take to build this on your own purchasing all the parts it would take to put this together. Don't forget to include shipping and your time! Last, we want people to be able to start building with a fully functioning system. That way we can see true innovation! It is a lot more encouraging to build on something that works than to first have to make something that works.
Our new process for building your own controller starts with the Knowledgeable board. We have taken the Arduino Mega and given it the true muscle it needed to become the powerhouse we need to run many different devices reliably as well as making it very easy to connect new devices without prototyping first. The Knowledgeable board is a complete replacement for the Arduino. It is 100% compatible with the Arduino but in no way affiliated. The Knowledgeable board touts WiFi, Bluetooth, an on board battery backed real time clock, and enough exposed connections for almost any kind of device you can think of. Still not enough, well then add any Arduino compatible shield! Next, you will probably want to take a look at the Senseable board. This will allow you to connect pH, ORP, salinity and dissolved oxygen sensors to your system - up to six in total. Most people will also want to control power outlets, for this we have developed the Powerable that will be released in early March. Also soon to come is a complete LED control system, the Lightable.
First, you need to figure out what you want your new controller to handle. Then, you can check out the store to grab all the hardware you will need. The hardware will soon come pre-configured. Then you can begin your build and customize the system to your hearts content! If you get stuck and need help with your code, please use the forum to get help. Also, we are always interested in hearing about you great ideas. If we believe your idea will benefit the community, (and it does not already exist), we will write your code for you for free and release it to the community. Remember, the goal of this project is to build a controller for less that the full commercial solutions as well provide unparalleled control and features.
In the best interest of the community, we have developed our own brand of hardware that make the process of setting up a controller and monitor so much easier. In fact, we have made it so easy that we believe anyone can do this. Another benefit of designing our own hardware, we have actually lowered the price even further! If you don't believe us, go ahead and start pricing out what it would take to build this on your own purchasing all the parts it would take to put this together. Don't forget to include shipping and your time! Last, we want people to be able to start building with a fully functioning system. That way we can see true innovation! It is a lot more encouraging to build on something that works than to first have to make something that works.
Our new process for building your own controller starts with the Knowledgeable board. We have taken the Arduino Mega and given it the true muscle it needed to become the powerhouse we need to run many different devices reliably as well as making it very easy to connect new devices without prototyping first. The Knowledgeable board is a complete replacement for the Arduino. It is 100% compatible with the Arduino but in no way affiliated. The Knowledgeable board touts WiFi, Bluetooth, an on board battery backed real time clock, and enough exposed connections for almost any kind of device you can think of. Still not enough, well then add any Arduino compatible shield! Next, you will probably want to take a look at the Senseable board. This will allow you to connect pH, ORP, salinity and dissolved oxygen sensors to your system - up to six in total. Most people will also want to control power outlets, for this we have developed the Powerable that will be released in early March. Also soon to come is a complete LED control system, the Lightable.
First, you need to figure out what you want your new controller to handle. Then, you can check out the store to grab all the hardware you will need. The hardware will soon come pre-configured. Then you can begin your build and customize the system to your hearts content! If you get stuck and need help with your code, please use the forum to get help. Also, we are always interested in hearing about you great ideas. If we believe your idea will benefit the community, (and it does not already exist), we will write your code for you for free and release it to the community. Remember, the goal of this project is to build a controller for less that the full commercial solutions as well provide unparalleled control and features.
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