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Re: Seed Starting -// Fans and Timers

Square Foot Gardening List - http://www.flinet.com/~gallus/sqft.html

> I don't believe it was heat related.  The plants are kept in my basement
> and there are no vents from the HVAC system.  It is cool down there
> year round, though I have not actually taken a temperature reading.
> We tend to heat the upstairs around 65 degrees.
>
>
> I used the same cheap timer you would use to turn a small lamp on
> and off.  I used a small six inch fan that only required a two prong
> connector same as on the timer.  I could see how it would be more
> expensive if you wanted to switch a larger load.  Best time to buy a
> few of these timers was two weeks ago, as many places, walgreens
> osco and the like, were clearing them out after selling them to turn
> the various holiday lights on and off.  I find that these cheap switches
> are hit and miss, some fail after a month or two, some (rarely) work
> great for ages.
>
> The computerized timers.  A big hassle if this all you are going to use
> them for.  Overkill.  But if you are already into that kind of stuff it's
> easy
> to do.  All the lights in my house are on special switches, that a human
> or a computer can use.  Certain appliances are on switches that can
> be controlled by a human or the computer, for example crockpot
> in the kitchen and various fans.  The computer interface part costs
> about $35.  The computer controlled switch for the fan costs $8-10
> on sale $15 otherwise.  Since this borders on OT if you have any
> other questions I will be happy to answer any offlist.  The stuff I use
> is from www.x10.com.  It works great for me but many have had troubles
with
> the computer communicating across the a/c lines.  I have been using
> this kind of stuff since the late 70's with few problems myself.
> I have a "Macro" in my external interface that turns the starting area
> lights on
> at 4am and off at 10 pm.  From 6am - 10pm every 2 hours another
> macro turns on a small oscillating fan for 15 minutes.
>
   I don't know exactly why I am receiving these posts from you but I have
found the thread slightly interesting.  I have often toyed with the idea of
having the computer control stuff.  I have a couple of old systems which I
could dedicate to the purpose.  None of them have any form of windows nor
the power to run it.  They are an Atari 128,  an Atari 800 48k, and a
Commodore Vic 20 5k.  They all work allbeit at the snails pace of 4.7mhz.
If you have any Idea where I should start looking for advice etc on how to
put either to use I would appreciate you sending it to me.  I had at one
time a home made rig which did use time or temperature to control an ac
outlet thru a relay.  The temp. thing never did work correctly as it was
much to sensitive.  Have you ever done anything with infra red and the
computer that would allow it to control TV VCR etc.  That is real
interesting.


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