While not the most electronically-inclined individual, I am a computer scientist--but have little grasp on the hardware (especially analog) side of these things. I have the need to construct a control mechanism for my wine cellar. Here are my specs:
- I need two "threshold sensors," one for temperature (which will be a thermostat) and one for humidity (is there such thing as a "hygrostat"?). I only need them to act on two states: 'sufficient' temp. and humidity, and 'insufficient.'
- Coupled with these sensors will be a common space-heater and humidifier. I need to know how I can create an intermediary"on/off" switch to both of these 120V-A/C outlets. When the "insufficient" state of either condition arises I want to complete a circuit that will allow the heater/humidifier to run until the "sufficient" state has been acheived and then terminate the circuit.
- I need to know if this is even possible in the far less cost- prohibitive analog realm. I could rig an overly-complicated DAQ-card based and software-driven constant-polling set-up for #1), but still would need help on the switching described in #2).
If anyone has an easy solution for me (and likes a good bottle of wine, which I would be happy to offer as remittance) I would greatly appreciative.
Thx all,
Luke