Another reef-pi build.

[Ranjib]

Holidays have been crazy but I got a chance today to get back on this project. I made a float switch bracket from a $4 sheet of lexan and some nylon bolts from Home Depot. I just cut a couple 1” strips and used a heat gun to make the bends. It’s not pretty but it’s going to work just fine.

do you fabricate that contraption? or its readymade available?

 

[b4tn]

do you fabricate that contraption? or its readymade available?

@Ranjib I made it. Home Depot has inexpensive 12x12 sheets of acrylic. I think it was $4 and change. I cut two 1” strips. I pinched it between two boards and used a heat gun to get the acrylic soft enough to bend and made the shapes. The holes are just a regular drill and the adjustment slot was made with a dremel.

 

[b4tn]

It’s modeled after the one I already have in my sump. Except I think I paid over $40 for it from BRS. It was an official RKL bracket and float switch kit for the controller. I ordered 6 float switches on amazon for $7 and the acrylic for $4. If only I knew then lol

 

[Diamond1]

I love it,
Looks better than my pvc/suction cup contraption.

 

[Ranjib]

I love it,
Looks better than my pvc/suction cup contraption.

I know right ? I am now cataloging all these parts. I think they complement a controller.

 

[b4tn]

Well, another if I could do it over again. For the 8 pins to the lights I think I would use CAT6 cable and connectors instead. I just spent the better part of 4 hours soldering CAT 6 cable to the 8 pin aviation connectors. The connectors are extremely robust and I see no chance of them failing but man where they a bear to solder. I dont know if its because I have been putting it off and didnt want to do it or because my 12 watt soldering iron would not get hot enough. I would get the connector hot enough to melt solder and by the time it was hot enough the wire casing on the CAT 6 would melt. It was so delicate that even my finger nail holding the hot wire down would put a hole in the wire casing. Once I got the technique down I was on my last one lol but its done and they seem pretty solid.

But... I went to run and get my phone to take some pictures of my work and took a tumble on the stairs lol. Now I am waiting to see if I can get some x-rays done on my foot. ;Rage On the bright side If I am end up in a cast I will have more time to sit down and finish this project lol.

 

[Diamond1]

Oh man that sucks about the fall. I hope you heal up soon with no broken bones. Not exactly a high note to end the year on.

I know how you feel about the AV connectors it was harder to solder those than anything I soldered on the boards. My first attempt was done with a soldering iron like yours and it turned into a mess of melted insulation and bad connections. I started from the inside pin and worked my way around the connectors and by the time I got to the last 2 it was really hard to get them right without melting the one next to it.
Luckily I bought 10 pairs of them and was able to do them with my new adjustable solder station. I found 750 degrees worked nicely to get the solder to flow and it was quick enough not to melt the insulation to badly.

 

[crusso1993]

Well, another if I could do it over again. For the 8 pins to the lights I think I would use CAT6 cable and connectors instead. I just spent the better part of 4 hours soldering CAT 6 cable to the 8 pin aviation connectors. The connectors are extremely robust and I see no chance of them failing but man where they a bear to solder. I dont know if its because I have been putting it off and didnt want to do it or because my 12 watt soldering iron would not get hot enough. I would get the connector hot enough to melt solder and by the time it was hot enough the wire casing on the CAT 6 would melt. It was so delicate that even my finger nail holding the hot wire down would put a hole in the wire casing. Once I got the technique down I was on my last one lol but its done and they seem pretty solid.

But... I went to run and get my phone to take some pictures of my work and took a tumble on the stairs lol. Now I am waiting to see if I can get some x-rays done on my foot. ;Rage On the bright side If I am end up in a cast I will have more time to sit down and finish this project lol.

Holy what the heck! Hoping nothing too serious happened and you're back home in a hurry!

 

[b4tn]

So ticked right now lol it’s the outside bone on my right foot.

 

[Diamond1]

Ouch!! Well like you said at least you got time to finish your reef-pi.
Hope you have a speedy recovery.

 

[crusso1993]

So ****** right now lol it’s the outside bone on my right foot.

Duuuuude! That's a pretty nasty break! A broken metatarsal SUCKS! I'm an ultra runner and stress fractured a couple of mine a few years ago and it was no fun. Sending good vibes your way and try to enjoy your New Year nonetheless. A BIG bottle of your favorite adult beverage will definitely help!

 

[crusso1993]

Hey - maybe you can lay claim to the first seriously injured person while working on reef pi!

@Ranjib - what say you?

 

[ScottBrew]

So ****** right now lol it’s the outside bone on my right foot.

Sorry to hear about your foot, hoping for fast healing!

 

[b4tn]

Hey - maybe you can lay claim to the first seriously injured person while working on reef pi!

@Ranjib - what say you?

LOL.

 

[b4tn]

Thanks everyone. It doesn’t hurt that bad. More annoying than anything.

 

[b4tn]

And as originally intended. Here are the aviation connectors soldered up and ready to go. The float switch is also soldered but I still need to shrink wrap it.

 

[Ranjib]

So ****** right now lol it’s the outside bone on my right foot.

So sorry to see this :-( . Wish you all the best for a fast recovery.

 

[Ranjib]

Hey - maybe you can lay claim to the first seriously injured person while working on reef pi!

@Ranjib - what say you?

All I can say is rest

 

[Ranjib]

And as originally intended. Here are the aviation connectors soldered up and ready to go. The float switch is also soldered but I still need to shrink wrap it.

These aviation connectors look chunky.

 

[Ranjib]

Hope you are feeling better and recovering well. Just wanted to drop by and give our warm regards.