Any Colourblind or Lazy people out there? Follow this

Okay, so this project actually started out as home automation, then I decided to rather turn it into Aquarium automation. I know automating things is not everybody's idea of enjoying a hobby, but I think the automated parameter tester might be worth while for most people. Will see when it is done.

What I have done so far gave me an idea for a small bit of the project that actually might be useful. I have created a small device that can detect colour for you. I know such devices already exist, and you can easily use your cellphone to detect colours for you, but for those that don't like comparing colours, or who can't due to colourblindness for certain colours, might find this useful.

Currently it involves shining lights at certain angles, using a multimeter and a intricate spreadsheet, but as soon as my micro-controllers arrive, I'll build one that will be basically the size of a lighter which you can teach the colours of your particular test kit and the LCD will display the best value for you.

Currently it detects colours with lets say 70% accuracy, but my hacked together circuit consisted of a lot of dark spots, which will be eliminated in further designs.

The circuit design AND firmware AND software will MOST PROBABLY be under a Creative Commons license, and I try to keep the hardware as cheap as possible for those who want to build it themselves. The micro-controller I plan to use will most probably be going through a price reduction later this year which will be great.

If it works as planned, and enough people would use it, I can arrange PCboards and casings to be manufactured which you will be able to buy. I will also sell micro-controllers pre-programmed (since not a lot of people have a programmer lying around), but the firmware will find its way onto a website for public usage.

So, the question is, is this a project I do as a proof of concept? Sounds cool? Or would you actually be prepared to shell out the R200 odd it will cost if you buy the manufactured parts (if the price does drop as much as expected, you will be able to build this DIY for about R70 including batteries, maybe even cheaper)

:deal:?

 

I would definitely need one. I'm colourblind and can't do any aquarium tests without another person around, as I cannot read many of the strips with any accuracy. Watching this closely.

 

I would definately be interested in this as well. I'm more interested in automatically logging the values, but it would still be simpler using this way.

 

The auto-tester/logger is a work in progress, but I needed a colour comparator for it, so I designed this. The microchip I use does have the capability of logging the data directly to PC, or with the addition of a SD card it can store lots of data for you. The end result will hopefully be something that can upload daily/weekly tests to a website where a signature will be created for you to be used on forums, or something similiar.

Just need to make sure I do not use any patented ideas from places like seneye... that might be hard, will have to look at what patents are available so I do not step on any toes.

 

I'm exactly the same. I ask my wife or @scotty to tell me what the colours are.