Monster energy bar conversion.

[Broady2067]

Hi i have one off these (see pic's) and was wondering if anyone has done a conversion for use with Reef Pi. If so how do i go about it to fit in with my build. @Sral suggested i was thinking about DB9 connector or GX16 or 20.
Fig 1 my build, Fig 2 bar bar and Fig 3 end view,


Fig 1

Fig 2


Fig 3

 

[blaxsun]

No idea, but best of luck!

 

[Broady2067]

No idea, but best of luck!

Thanks for the support i will do my best. I have seen a post about a dj bar bar been converted with relays so i will do some digging.

 

[Fish Fan]

I'm largely a noob with this kind of stuff, but I'm in the process of trying to build my Reef-Pi power bar, so I'm interested, and I think we've chatted briefly before.

I am confused as to why you've chosen that particular power strip to work with (did you have it on hand already?). It looks like you have a 10 channel relay in your Reef-Pi box, and this power strip has only 8 outlets (one of which may be always on/non-controllable?). Also, the power strip seems to have some USB ports, which I get would be handy, but it also seems to have coaxial cable TV input/outputs. Are the coax connectors useful for Reef-Pi in any way?

Again, I am not an electrical engineer, but here in the U.S. we used to have Monster brand power supplies sold at places like BestBuy many years ago. I'm sure I still have one somewhere (read: suckered). They were very expensive. Over the years, I have heard many people who I would say are both more knowledgeable and frankly smarter than I am tell me that the Monster products were overpriced crap.

I'm not trying to bash on your project, just trying to understand it ;-)

Is there some reason you want to use this power strip? Again, I most likely have one in my parts bin, so I'm all ears as to why and how this would work with Reef-Pi.

Thank you for your help!

 

[Broady2067]

I'm largely a noob with this kind of stuff, but I'm in the process of trying to build my Reef-Pi power bar, so I'm interested, and I think we've chatted briefly before.

I am confused as to why you've chosen that particular power strip to work with (did you have it on hand already?). It looks like you have a 10 channel relay in your Reef-Pi box, and this power strip has only 8 outlets (one of which may be always on/non-controllable?). Also, the power strip seems to have some USB ports, which I get would be handy, but it also seems to have coaxial cable TV input/outputs. Are the coax connectors useful for Reef-Pi in any way?

Again, I am not an electrical engineer, but here in the U.S. we used to have Monster brand power supplies sold at places like BestBuy many years ago. I'm sure I still have one somewhere (read: suckered). They were very expensive. Over the years, I have heard many people who I would say are both more knowledgeable and frankly smarter than I am tell me that the Monster products were overpriced crap.

I'm not trying to bash on your project, just trying to understand it ;-)

Is there some reason you want to use this power strip? Again, I most likely have one in my parts bin, so I'm all ears as to why and how this would work with Reef-Pi.

Thank you for your help!

Hi thanks for the reply. I answer to your question, i am currently using this to power my aquarium. It is one i bought for my entertainment center. I thought it could be used as a complimentary power bar in case i needed more outlets (can never have too many), and the fact it has telephone, Rj45 and audio sockets i thought may come in hand.

 

[gbroadbridge]

Hi i have one off these (see pic's) and was wondering if anyone has done a conversion for use with Reef Pi. If so how do i go about it to fit in with my build. @Sral suggested i was thinking about DB9 connector or GX16 or 20.
Fig 1 my build, Fig 2 bar bar and Fig 3 end view,


Fig 1

Fig 2


Fig 3

I always advise caution when modifying commercial power boards as modification will void any approvals or UL certification.

If the board were responsible for a fire you would find any home insurance would not respond to the loss.

 

[Sral]

I always advise caution when modifying commercial power boards as modification will void any approvals or UL certification.

If the board were responsible for a fire you would find any home insurance would not respond to the loss.

Wouldn’t the same be true for any kind of DIY ReefPi system, short of the ones using Kasa strips or maybe Robo-Tank (if even) ?

 

[gbroadbridge]

Wouldn’t the same be true for any kind of DIY ReefPi system, short of the ones using Kasa strips or maybe Robo-Tank (if even) ?

Yes, if you have modified an approved device by adding a wired interface.

I tend to use devices with built in RF control (usually using LIPD spectrum), rather than bluetooth or WiFi. You can hardwire the transmitter to your Pi or other MCU.

That ensures compliance with regulations as well as physical isolation, with the added benefit of peace of mind in the event of something unexpected.

 

[Broady2067]

Yes, if you have modified an approved device by adding a wired interface.

I tend to use devices with built in RF control (usually using LIPD spectrum), rather than bluetooth or WiFi. You can hardwire the transmitter to your Pi or other MCU.

That ensures compliance with regulations as well as physical isolation, with the added benefit of peace of mind in the event of something unexpected.

To clarify, i would want this upgrade to be used in conjunction with Reef Pi and powered from the main box with a fuse to blow in case of overload.