Automated Aquarium Systems - Flexible Timer Controller FlexTC

Automated Aquarium Systems^™
User Programmable
"FlexTC"
Flexible Timer Controller

FlexTC-STND
FlexTC Inside View
FlexTC Close Up View

DESCRIPTION:

"FlexTC" (Flexible Timer Controller) is easy to configure with any user specific on/off timing sequences using the supplied Windows FlexTC Configuration Utility Software and a serial port on your PC!

FlexTC's Features:

4 OUTPUTS - Four Independent 120VAC (28VDC) Output Channels, (12Amp Max Load)
48 On/Off Settings - per Channel, per Day
4 TIMERS - Programmable from 1sec to 24hrs in 1 sec increments
CLOCK - Battery Backed Real Time Clock
RS232 Serial Port - Interface for customized setup with included Windows Configuration Software
Industry Proven - Embedded MicroChip PIC controller system
USB and Ethernet compatible - with our optional interface converters

Optionally control FlexTC with a Windows PC using your software or ours

Axtive-X Control - helps you develop your own software, includes sample source code and a Ready-to-Run Application.
4 INPUTS - Read the Four (4) 8-Bit A/D, Analog Input Channels (0-13.6VDC)
X-10 Power Line Interface - Connect direct to a PL513 module and any AC Power plug for X-10 Control
4 OUTPUTS - Control the Four (4) Relay Output Channels, any time ON and OFF - UNLIMITED times per day!

FlexTC's Applications:

Light Controller - Simulate Sunrise, Mid-Day, Afternoon, Sunset and Moon Lighting
Wave Maker - Control up to 4 pairs of opposing pumps (8 pumps total) to simulate wave motion
Dosing Pump Controller - dose your chemicals to within 1 second of accuracy
Water Top-off control - control your RO/DI and Kalkwaser for level control
Remote Alarming - use with our Auto-dialers or your PC's Modem
Remote Control over Ethernet - see our 7188E2 Ethernet to RS232 Converter
Datalog, Display, and Control your critical system information
and more....

MORE INFORMATION:

FlexTC's roots come from our FlexPLC (Flexible Programmable Logic Controller) which was designed for multiple Controllers (32 max) networked together on a single 2-wire RS485 addressable databus. However, the FlexTC has been designed to work as a single controller using standard RS232 serial interfaces, and is the ideal solution for anyone who wishes to have their own easily customizable stand-alone or PC relay control system.

Many customers asked for a simple, low cost, customizable controller. Well AAS has once again answered the needs of our customers with FlexTC Using any serial port on your PC you can easily configure the FlexTC to control any of your equipment based on its Real Time Clock. FlexTC also has 4 User Programmable Timers for repetative ON/OFF control cycles, perfect for applications such as wavemaker pumps. These 4 Timers are user settable from 1 sec to 24 hour on/off repeat cycles in 1 second increments. These Timers run continuously, 24 hours a day.

With a FlexTC you can control up to 4 independent 120VAC devices. Control Lights, Circulation Pumps, Dosing Pumps, Transfer Pumps, Wavemaker Pumps, Alarms, Solenoids, Valves, Auto Dialers and more...

Easy to Configure
To configure and customize FlexTC to meet your specific needs, simply connect your PC's serial port to the FlexTC. Then using the included Windows Configuration Software Utility you follow 3 easy steps, when done your FlexTC will be controlling almost anything just the way you want it controlled. A simple, low cost, PC Configurable custom Timing Control system.

After configuration is done, the FlexTC may be disconnected from your computer and the serial port cable. FlexTC will run all on its own as a stand alone embedded Controller, 24hrs a day - 7 days a week.

No need to worry about power outages. FlexTC has a battery backed clock and non-volatile memory so all time and program data are never lost. When power is restored, FlexTC continues running without missing a beat.

FlexTC can be reprogrammed tens of thousands of times, so when you want a change what your controlling FlexTC will be ready to make it happen. Simply reconnect your PC and serial cable, Run the Configuration Utility, Download your changes and your Done! 3 easy steps.

Available ActiveX Controls
Do you prefer to write your own software?

Do you want to have even more flexibility and control?

With your Windows PC you can -

Control the 4 outputs
Send X-10 commands over the power line
Read, datalog, and respond to the 4 A/D input channels

If your answer is "YES" - then it's easy to do with Visual Basic and our Active-X control.

4-Channel, 8-Bit A/D Analog Input
FlexTC can read 0-13.6VDC on each of its 4 inputs with 8 bits of A/D accuracy. That's a resolution of less than 60 millivolts!

Now you can easily write software that reads inputs and then performs very simple to very complicated logic functions. Drop the FlexTC-X control into your Visual Basic Application and your ready to read and control FlexTC AND/OR, IF-THEN, Logic for your custom control applications.

For example:
If (IN1 High AND IN2 Low) OR (IN3 Low) then OUT1 ON
would be very easy to do with FlexTC-X and visual basic.

With FlexTC-X you can easily read analog voltages at the inputs (0-13.6VDC range) and display the readings to your GUI, datalog, alarm, graph and even respond with FlexTC-X Output control.

X-10 Ready!
With FlexTC-X you can interface to a PL513 (one-way X-10 module) over standard telephone cables and send X-10 commands to any compatable X-10 modules. All you have to do is set the Controls House Code(A-P), Unit Code(1-16), and Select a Command(ON, OFF, DIM, BRIGHT, ALL LIGHTS OFF, ALL LIGHTS ON, ALL OFF). The sample source code has you up and running in minutes.

Many Possibilities

Use Level switches and pumps to easily monitor and control fluid levels in your tanks and sumps. Control Dosing Pumps, Transfer Pumps, RO/DI Systems, Water Top-off, Wavemakers, Ozonizers and more...

Monitor Flood Sensors and have your modem dial a pager to alert you of any problems while your away.

Periodically have your PC email you with datalog updates or system conditions.

Includes Visual Basic Source Code and a Ready to Run Application
Yep, you read it right. Included with your purchase of FlexTC-X you'll get plenty of sample VB Source code to get you up and running with your own software development efforts.

And if that's not enough, FlexTC-X also includes a runtime executable program that will allow you to control FlexTC right out of the box!

USB Too!
Want to control and configure FlexTC over a USB Port? - Not a Problem. Simply purchase a USB to RS232 Converter and your ready to go!
You can purchase a converter directly from us or at any number of suppliers of PC related hardware.

CUSTOM SOLUTIONS
We can combine our many pumps and sensors at time of order to customize a FlexTC to meet your exact needs. When ordering specify what you need and we will work with you to customize a FlexTC at our facility before shipping it to you. eMail or call us for specific details and pricing.

FlexTC = The most Flexible Timer Controller on the market today!

Download the FlexTC User's Manual(~700KB)

HOW TO ORDER:

Select from a few of our most common FlexTC SYSTEMS: (all Systems include the Windows Configuration Software Utility)

...or Customize your own FlexTC SYSTEM

FlexTC-CUSTOM: Custom Flex Timer/Controller with your Choice of many Outlets, Pumps, & more... $CALL us with your specs

Select your Pumps

Check out our DP101 Dosing Pumps and select your desired flow rates

SOFTWARE:

OPTIONS:

GLAND-3/4: 3/4" NPT Water Resistant Gland for adding Wiring such as X10 Telco Cables thru the Chassis wall... $6.00

USB to RS232 Converter: Download Changes and Control FlexTC over USB... $40.00

7188E2: Ethernet to RS232 Converter - Download Changes and Control FlexTC over Ethernet

How To Place your ORDER