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Need input on Herp-related business idea
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by LarryDFishel on October 11, 2006
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A couple of friends and I are considereing building something I've been thinking about for a while.
Briefly, it's a sytem for controlling heating, lighting and possibly other things like misting sytems for reptile enclosures. The biggest difference between our idea and anything else I've seen is that rather than having a separate box with controls for each cage or small group of cages, the controllers would be networked and contolled by software on a PC. Aside from allowing setup of large groups of cages from one point, it would allow more flexible control.
For instance:
Set heating and lighting to gradually change over a specified period.
Set heat and light ranges and times to gradually change with programmed "seasons".
Group cages by home region to simplify setup.
Possibly allow web based monitoring and override of settings.
Possibly integrate web cams.
We hope to keep the price for the controllers below the price per cage (not counting the PC) of all but the very simplest current controllers (dumb thermostats), so that this will be affordable for private keepers (like me).
What I need to hear are:
Who would be interested in this?
Who thinks it sounds too complicated and is perfectly happy with current, simple controllers?
What (if anything) are you using now?
For any breeders or curators with large display collections out there, is this something you need?
Would you be willing to work with something from a new company?
What are you using now?
Does anyone know of anything similar that I might not have seen yet?
Any other features you would like to see?
We would not be building the heating or lighting (at least for now), just the controllers.
Please let me know what you think.
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RE: Need input on Herp-related business idea
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by Cro on October 11, 2006
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Larry, sounds like a great idea!
If you will not be selling misters, heaters, etc., perhaps you can provide links to those that work best with your controller.
Keep up informed as to how the idea advances.
Best Regards JohnZ
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RE: Need input on Herp-related business idea
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by Rob_Carmichael on October 11, 2006
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Larry, this is impressively high tech. I believe Spyder Robotics are already doing something very similar so you may want to check with them. Personally, I'm a techno-tard but I would be willing to give it a try (just make sure you have idiot proof directions). Good luck.
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RE: Need input on Herp-related business idea
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by vanerka on October 11, 2006
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Thats a great idea. My current system is all just timers. I also know that there are programs out there ebut you could also integrate some kind of feeding schedule and other data entry points like last shed, tank/enclosure cleanings, age, size, weight etc. Good luck on your idea because its a good one.
Best regards, Eric
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RE: Need input on Herp-related business idea
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by snakeguy101 on October 11, 2006
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perhaps you could have it on a rack that could hold 10 or so cages and individualy control each one, have the software set up easily where you pick the unit to edit and control the heat, light and moisture with a gradient scale, i have drawn up plans for something like this but i have never had enough momentum to follow it through, i will definietly buy one once it is made, i could realy use something like this
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RE: Need input on Herp-related business idea
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by kacz on October 11, 2006
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Larry, I teach Engineering Design at the university level. I would recommend the book "Engineering by Design", by Gerard Voland. It is an excellent resource of the systematics and protocols for a successful design. Too often what is popularly referred to as "invention" is little more than a crap-shoot destined to practical and commercial failure. This text has general tips, tricks, heuristics and methods that I'm sure would serve you well.
It sets up the engineering process as a problem to be solved, and instructs you on the many ways to effectively solve the problems. It also gives you some neat ways, such as rank-ordering and descision matrices, with which you can identify and quantify priorities and objectives.
Good luck. If I can be of any help, feel free to email me.
Paul
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RE: Need input on Herp-related business idea
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by natedog08 on October 14, 2006
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wow, i was thinking the same thing. just kidding. I think thats a great idea. If you kept it cheep, I bet they would sell great. ESPECIALY around pennsylvania where all we get is petco and petsmart. All you get there are single lighting systems where you cant charge or replace the battery. Ive been there, i bought a lighting system once and the battery juiced out. At that time i found out i couldnt re-charge it or replace the battery. I ended up calling the company and they said that i had to buy a new one. Now i know how they get all their money, they make people buy new ones every few weeks. AND THE SAD THING IS, PEOPLE STILL BUY THEM!!! In result, i had to go all of the way to maryland to buy a good lighting system. Parents were ticked off.
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RE: Need input on Herp-related business idea
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by MoccasinMan on October 17, 2006
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I like the idea. Are you moving forward with it? I woul appreciate any updates on your progress.
Andrew
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RE: Need input on Herp-related business idea
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by LarryDFishel on October 20, 2006
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Thanks for the input everyone. I will let everyone know if this goes forward, but I'm not sure how long it will be before I know.
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