Automated Aquarium Systems™


Sample AMACS RS485 Control Systems

Click for a Block Diagram
Click on the Image to get a Block Wiring Diagram of this
Windows PC Aquatic Monitoring and Control System

AMACS Opened
This is an opened view of the AMACS Distribution Panel
This system has pH and EC controllers for 1 Tank.
It will soon be upgraded to add 7 more sets of controllers for a total of 8 Tanks.
View a screenshot of the AMACS Software for this System


More Sample Systems



  1. All I want to do is datalog pH and ORP to my PC. Also I'd like to have the system alarm if either one of these parameters exceed any HI/LOW limits as defined by me. Can AMACS do this and how much would it cost ?

    2. Answer: YES - The AMACS can do that and here's what you'll need;

    1. A Dedicated Windows PC (User supplied) - click here to review the minimum PC system requirements
    2. SW_TOOLPAK:Monitoring and Control Software & Hardware ToolPak CD
    3. DP-7000: Distribution Panel
    4. FA-24PS: 24VDC, 2A Power Supply Module
    5. 7520: RS232 to RS485 Converter Module
    6. CBL-232: Serial Interface Cable, DB9-DB9, 6 ft
    7. CBL-485: RS-485 Serial Interface Cable, 20ft
    8. 7018:8-Channel Thermocouple, Voltage, 4-20mA Input Module
      (7018 reads pH and ORP sensors leaving 6 expansion channels)
    9. PS-12V: 12 VDC Power Supply
    10. HI2911B/5:AmpHel pH Sensor
    11. HI2931B/5:AmpHel ORP Sensor

    TOTAL Estimated Cost...$1000.00 (does not include the cost of a User Supplied PC)


  2. I BREW MY OWN BEER. I want to use the AMACS for monitoring my brewing process, can this be done? If so, what will I need to monitor Temperature, pH, ORP, Flow and Water Pressure?

    3. Answer: YES - The AMACS is a Data Acquisition and Control System in the sense that Aquariums are not it's only use! Here's what you'll need;

    1. A Dedicated Windows PC (User supplied) - click here to review the minimum PC system requirements
    2. SW_TOOLPAK:Monitoring and Control Software & Hardware ToolPak CD
    3. DP-7000: Distribution Panel
    4. FA-24PS: 24VDC, 1.2Amp Power Supply Module
    5. 7520: RS232 to RS485 Converter Module
    6. CBL-PWR: 7520 Power Interface Cable, 2ft
    7. CBL-232: Serial Interface Cable, DB9-DB9, 6 ft
    8. 7018:8-Channel Thermocouple, Voltage, 4-20mA Input Module
      (7018 reads Temp, pH, ORP, Pressure, and Flow Switch leaving 3 expansion channels)
    9. E-624: 12 VDC Power Supply
      (supplies DC Voltage to the Pressure Transducer)
    10. HI2911B/5:AmpHel pH Sensor
    11. HI2931B/5:AmpHel ORP Sensor
    12. FL-PPS3205: Flow Switch Sensor
    13. PX26-030GV: 0-30 PSIG Pressure Sensor
    14. CBL-PWR: Power and Input Cable for Pressure Sensor, 10ft
    15. HT-E93826-45: Type-T Thermocouple Probe
    16. CBL-TC10: Type-T Thermocouple cable, 10ft

    TOTAL Estimated Cost...$1500.00 (does not include cost of User Supplied PC)


  3. In my aquarium I want to control 6 lights, monitor water level in 2 tanks, control 2 refill pumps for topoff water on each tank, and monitor flow/no flow condition in 4 separate system lines. What do I need?

    4. Answer: You would need the following items;

    1. A Dedicated Windows PC (User supplied) - click here to review the minimum PC system requirements
    2. SW_TOOLPAK: Aquatic Monitoring and Control Software & Hardware ToolPak CD
    3. DP-7000: Distribution Panel
    4. FA-24PS: 24VDC, 2A Power Supply Module
    5. 7520: RS232 to RS485 Converter Module
    6. CBL-PWR: 7520 Power Interface Cable, 2ft
    7. CBL-232: Serial Interface Cable, DB9-DB9, 6 ft
    8. 7042: 13-Channel High Current Digital Output Module
      (7042 controls 6 lights and 2 pumps, leaving 5 expansion channels)
    9. 7053: 16-Channel Contact Closure Input Module
      (7053 reads the 2 level switches and 4 flow switches, leaving 10 expansion channels)
    10. 4ea FL-V10SS: Flow Switch Sensor
      (4 sensors for flow - data sheet not yet available)
    11. 2ea LV-NKP6401: High or Low Water Level Switch
      (2 sensors for water level)

    TOTAL Estimated Cost...$1500.00 (does not include cost of User Supplied PC)


  4. What would I need to do the following: Monitor and Control pH with a CO2 injection solenoid, Monitor ORP, Control 2 Lights, and Control 2 Wavemaker pumps?

    5. Answer: You would need the following items;

    1. A Dedicated Windows PC (User supplied) - click here to review the minimum PC system requirements
    2. SW_TOOLPAK:Monitoring and Control Software & Hardware ToolPak CD
    3. DP-7000: Distribution Panel
    4. FA-24PS: 24VDC, 2A Power Supply Module
    5. 7520: RS232 to RS485 Converter Module
    6. CBL-PWR: 7520 Power Interface Cable, 2ft
    7. CBL-232: Serial Interface Cable, DB9-DB9, 6 ft
    8. 7042: 13-Channel High Current Digital Output Module
      (7042 controls: 1 solenoid for CO2, 2 lights, and 2 pumps, leaving 8 future expansion channels)
    9. 7018: 8-Channel Thermocouple, Voltage and mA Input Module
      (7018 reads the ORP and pH sensor inputs, leaving 6 future expansion channels)
    10. DR-OAC: Digitally Controlled Relay Module
    11. HI1001: In-LinepH Electrode
    12. HI2001: In-Line ORP Electrode

    TOTAL Estimated Cost...$1500.00 (does not include cost of User Supplied PC)


  5. I like what you have above in Sample System Number 3 but I also want to Control ORP by turning on some Ozone supply solenoid. What else would I need to add ORP control?

    6. Answer: You would only need to add the following item;

    1. DR-OAC: Digitally Controlled Relay Module.... $35.00
      (relay interface for OZONE solenoid)

    TOTAL Estimated Additional Cost...$35.00


  6. What would I need to monitor 1 aquarium for; pH and Temperature and to also control 2 pumps, 1 light and 1 heater. I also want to have the 70dB local alarm option and the remote alarming/paging using my Modem?

    7. Answer: You would need the following items;

    1. A Dedicated Windows PC (User supplied) - click here to review the minimum PC system requirements
    2. SW_TOOLPAK: Monitoring and Control Software & Hardware ToolPak CD... $95.00
    3. DP-7000: Distribution Panel... $80.00
    4. FA-24PS: 24VDC, 2A Power Supply Module... $80.00
    5. 7520: RS232 to RS485 Converter Module... $85.00
    6. CBL-PWR: 7520 Power Interface Cable, 2ft...$20.00
    7. CBL-232: Serial Interface Cable, DB9-DB9, 6 ft...$20.00
    8. 7042: 13-Channel High Current Digital Output Module.... $135.00
      (7042 controls: 2 pumps, 1 light, 1 heater and the external Alarm, leaving 8 future expansion channels)
    9. 7018: 8-Channel Thermocouple, Voltage and mA Input Module...$245.00
      (7018 reads the Temperature, and the pH sensor inputs, leaving 6 future expansion channels)
    10. DR-OAC: Digitally Controlled Relay Module.... $35.00
    11. HI1001: In-Line pH Electrode..... $110.00
    12. HT-E93826-45: Industrial Type-T Thermocouple Probe Assembly.....$100.00

    TOTAL Estimated Cost...$1,005.00(does not include cost of User Supplied PC)


  7. I'm into HYDROPONICS. What would I need to monitor 8 Hydroponic tanks, each one for; both Hi and Low Water Levels, pH, Conductivity(EC), and Temperature? I also want to control 2 dosing pumps(1 for pH and 1 for EC) in all 8 tanks!

    8. Answer:No Problem. You will need the following items;

    1. A Dedicated Windows PC (User supplied) - click here to review the minimum PC system requirements
    2. SW_TOOLPAK: Monitoring and Control Software & Hardware ToolPak CD... $95.00
    3. FA-24PS: 24VDC, 1.2A Power Supply Module... $80.00
    4. 7520: RS232 to RS485 Converter Module... $85.00
    5. CBL-PWR: 7520 Power Interface Cable, 2ft...$20.00
    6. CBL-232: Serial Interface Cable, DB9-DB9, 6 ft...$20.00
    7. CBL-485: RS-485 Serial Interface Cable, 20ft... $20.00
    8. 7053: 16-Channel Contact Closure Input Module.... $135.00
      (reads the 8 "Hi" and 8 "Low" Level Switches)
    9. 3 each 7018: 8-Channel Thermocouple, Voltage and mA Input Module...$735
      (1 reads the 8 Temperature sensors, 1 reads the 8 pH sensors & 1 reads the 8 EC Sensors)
    10. 8 each HI981411: Mini pH Controller..... $960.00
    11. 8 each HI1286:pH electrode with 2 m (6.6') cable..... $360.00
    12. 8 each HI983313:Mini CONDUCTIVITY Controller with probe..... $1240.00
    13. 8 each HT-E93826-45: Industrial Type-T Thermocouple Probe .....$800.00
    14. 8 each AAS CBL-TC10: Thermocouple Cable, 10ft... $160.00
    15. 16 each LV-NKP6401: High or Low Water Level Switch....$800.00

    TOTAL Estimated Cost...$5510.00 (does not include cost of User Supplied PC)


  8. I'm into Monitoring WEATHER. Can the AMACS do this too? If so, what would I need to monitor and datalog Air Temperature, Barometric Pressure and Relative Humidity ?

    9. Answer: Guess What?...of course, the AMACS can do that too. You will need the following items;

    1. A Dedicated Windows PC (User supplied) - click here to review the minimum PC system requirements
    2. SW_TOOLPAK: Aquatic Monitoring and Control Software & Hardware ToolPak CD... $95.00
    3. DP-7000: Distribution Panel, includes all I/O connectors and wiring... $80.00
    4. FA-24PS: 24VDC, 2A Power Supply Module... $80.00
    5. 7520: RS232 to RS485 Converter Module... $85.00
    6. CBL-PWR: 7520 Power Interface Cable, 2ft...$20.00
    7. CBL-232: Serial Interface Cable, DB9-DB9, 6 ft...$20.00
    8. CBL-485: RS-485 Serial Interface Cable, 20ft... $20.00
    9. 7018: 8-Channel Thermocouple, Voltage and mA Input Module...$245.00
      (reads the Temperature, Pressure and Humidity sensors)
    10. RH100-001: Relative Humidity & Temperature Transmitter, 10mV/%RH & 10mV/°C ... $95.00
    11. OMEWS-BP: User Selectable 4-20mA or 1-5VDC, Barometric Pressure Transmitter... $220.00
    12. 3 each AAS CBL-xx20: Sensor Interconnect Cable, 20ft... $60.00

    TOTAL Estimated Cost...$1,020.00 (does not include cost of User Supplied PC)


  9. I'm a programmer and I want to write my own software, can I do this and save some money?

    10. Answer: Sure you can. All 7xxx Modules come with their own manuals so if your into that stuff then go for it. Just deduct the cost of the AAS SW-7000R Software. By the way, if you want to save even more money you can elect to assemble your system yourself, then we'll deduct the additional labor cost we charge.



  10. I'm into VIVARIUMS (keeping high humidity environment lizards, frogs, etc..). What would I need to monitor and datalog Air Temperature and Relative Humidity? Don't forget, I want to turn on and off a Misting spray of water periodically, in case my humidty is too low. This way my frogs will be happy !

    11. Answer: AMACS can do that. You will need the following items;

    1. A Dedicated Windows PC (User supplied) - click here to review the minimum PC system requirements
    2. SW_TOOLPAK: Monitoring and Control Software & Hardware ToolPak CD... $95.00
    3. DP-7000: Distribution Panel, includes all I/O connectors and wiring... $80.00
    4. AFA-24PS: 24VDC, 2A Power Supply Module... $80.00
    5. 7520: RS232 to RS485 Converter Module... $85.00
    6. CBL-PWR: 7520 Power Interface Cable, 2ft...$20.00
    7. CBL-232: Serial Interface Cable, DB9-DB9, 6 ft...$20.00
    8. CBL-485: RS-485 Serial Interface Cable, 20ft... $20.00
    9. 7018: 8-Channel Thermocouple, Voltage and mA Input Module...$245.00
      (reads the Temperature and Humidity sensors)
    10. RH100-001: Relative Humidity & Temperature Transmitter, 10mV/%RH & 10mV/°C ... $95.00
    11. DR-OAC: Digitally Controlled Relay Module.... $35.00
      (relay interface for water mist solenoid))
    12. 2 each CBL-xx20: Sensor Interconnect Cable, 20ft... $40.00

    TOTAL Estimated Cost...$815.00 (does not include cost of User Supplied PC)






    NOTE(1): Please keep in mind that to monitor any Analog transmitter output such as those used for pH, ORP, or CONDUCTIVITY, you will need to only purchase One 7018 8-Channel Analog Input Module. This gives you the ability to add up to 8 sensors per 7018 module. So you would only need to buy one 7018 to monitor up to 8 sensors in one or multiple tanks. The 7018 is...$245.00

    NOTE(2): The 7042 13-Channel High Current Digital Output Module gives you the ability to control up to 13 different outputs per 7042 module. So you would only need to buy one 7042 to control a total of 13 different 120VAC components in any combination, such as; lights, pumps, valves, solenoids, etc...The 7042 is...$135.00

    NOTE(3): The 7053 16-Channel Contact Closure Input Module gives you the ability to monitor up to 16 different inputs per 7053 module. So you would only need to buy one 7053 to monitor a total of 16 switch closure components in any combination, such as; level switches, flow switches, float switches etc...The 7053 is...$135.00








    RS-485 PRODUCTS:

    1. 7011 1-Channel Thermocouple Input Module
    2. 7012 1-Channel Voltage and 4-20mA Input Module
    3. 7013 1-Channel RTD Input Module
    4. 7017 8-Channel Voltage and 4-20mA Input Module
    5. 7018 8-Channel Thermocouple, Voltage and mA Input Module
    6. 7042 13-Channel High Current Digital Output Module
    7. 7044 4-Channel Digital In & 8-Channel Digital Out Module
    8. 7053 16-Channel Contact Closure Input Module
    9. 7067 7-Channel Relay Output Module
    10. 7080 2-Channel Counter/Timer Module
    11. 7520 RS-232 to RS-485 Converter
    12. DIN-540A 24VDC, 2A Power Supply Module
    13. Digitally Controlled Relay Modules



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