reef-pi :: An opensource reef tank controller based on Raspberry Pi.

LionHeart2017 · Nov 22, 2018

Ranjib said:
Very cool

Yes, thanks, I want this controller to look epic, gonna try and beat how an apex setup looks [emoji12]

HM3105 · Nov 22, 2018

So, random issue. Pi zero. I've connected 5 DS18b20. The Pi won't power up. When I unplug the temp sensors it runs fine. Any thoughts?

Nevermind - Stupid wiring mistake. Carry on.

Ranjib · Nov 22, 2018

HM3105 said:
So, random issue. Pi zero. I've connected 5 DS18b20. The Pi won't power up. When I unplug the temp sensors it runs fine. Any thoughts?

Current draw? or one of the probe/connector is sorted ? Power down the whole thing, connect all the probes and run continuity checks for all temp probe related connectors.
I encountered the same yesterday night while upgrading raspbian in one of my test setup. But it went away after I tinkered with the probes.. been working fine since then. All this makes me think if something has to do with Raspbian/reef-pi

pickupman66 · Nov 22, 2018

ScottBrew said:
Nice looking feast! What time we eatin'??? Are you trying to run the Jebao straight from the pi? I think you need a brushless DC controller.

I have a pca9685 I was planning to use for it. I need to get an oscilloscope so I can see exactly what the jebao controller is doing.

pdisner said:
WOW[emoji779]️Man that looks intense! How long did the bacon macrame take [emoji23]. So here’s an idea to make yours even better! What would happen if I brined the bird before all that? It makes the meat so juicy tender. I mean it. I have always been the one to turn turkey down, just cuz it’s too way too dry the conventional zway. The makes the meat suck up the moisture and a little salt for flavor because of all the salt. I’m goin to try that!

I made 3 blankets during the hockey intermission last night. So not long at all.

You can brine them too. Won't hurt. The bacon keeps it juicy too. Plus I cover it at 130° internal temp.

HM3105 · Nov 22, 2018

Ranjib said:
Current draw? or one of the probe/connector is sorted ? Power down the whole thing, connect all the probes and run continuity checks for all temp probe related connectors.
I encountered the same yesterday night while upgrading raspbian in one of my test setup. But it went away after I tinkered with the probes.. been working fine since then. All this makes me think if something has to do with Raspbian/reef-pi

Figure it out, when I put sealed the connectors I pushed all the wires together.

ScottBrew · Nov 22, 2018

Ranjib said:
Nope. pigpio is software only right? Is there anything specific in pigpio that you think will be useful?
My current thought are around using MCP23017 to add another 16 I/O that can be used across outlets and inlets

Yes, a software linking of multiple pi's so "one pi to rule them all"

. I'm going to run out of gpio's since my lights are just relay controlled and want to add another 8 relays for rodi control of solenoids. Couple zero's running as slaves was what I was thinking.

Ranjib · Nov 22, 2018

Meanwhile....it’s getting ready , may be another 40 min. Side dishes are all done ,

ScottBrew · Nov 22, 2018

pickupman66 said:
I have a pca9685 I was planning to use for it. I need to get an oscilloscope so I can see exactly what the jebao controller is doing. I made 3 blankets during the hockey intermission last night. So not long at all.

@theatrus was explaining that the Current Eflux DC pump I have is probably a 3 phase which doesn't run from straight DC voltage and requires a controller chip. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/current-pump-controller-to-reef-pi.497618/ I have 2 devices that I am going to try by the end of the weekend to use to hijack the 0-5v potentiometer speed control knob. A FET board and a DAC that Ranjib suggested https://www.adafruit.com/product/935 . I'll post what I find here after I get it going.

LionHeart2017 · Nov 22, 2018

ScottBrew said:
Yes, a software linking of multiple pi's so "one pi to rule them all" . I'm going to run out of gpio's since my lights are just relay controlled and want to add another 8 relays for rodi control of solenoids. Couple zero's running as slaves was what I was thinking.

Building and collecting parts to build is as addictive as reefing, what have you started Ranjib[emoji12]

ScottBrew · Nov 22, 2018

LionHeart2017 said:
Got my self a dedicated Amazon fire 7 tablet today, so I can be posh and mount a tablet near my tank for control of reef-pi, well that is when I get all my bits, trouble I have here in UK is power relay, figuring out the nicest but safest way to do it.

Got in running in full screen as well[emoji2]

Mine is running on a 32" monitor, HAH, top that! Just kidding, great idea!!!

LionHeart2017 · Nov 22, 2018

ScottBrew said:
Mine is running on a 32" monitor, HAH, top that! Just kidding, great idea!!!

I was going to go with a pi raspberry display connected to the pi but figured why, when I can just use a tablet and can put it anywhere and this is half price of the raspberry 7 inch display and can do a lot more, something's with raspberry are good, some not so and can be pricey

Ranjib · Nov 22, 2018

ScottBrew said:
@theatrus was explaining that the Current Eflux DC pump I have is probably a 3 phase which doesn't run from straight DC voltage and requires a controller chip. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/current-pump-controller-to-reef-pi.497618/ I have 2 devices that I am going to try by the end of the weekend to use to hijack the 0-5v potentiometer speed control knob. A FET board and a DAC that Ranjib suggested https://www.adafruit.com/product/935 . I'll post what I find here after I get it going.

I had ordered this BLDC driver to test out my icecap 1K and jebao, but never got the time, and with wavemaker punted on 3.0 , I decided not to spend time on this till 2.0 is out.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D9B6J78/
Im glad you all are testing out. Whatever comes up, we'll be useful for all of us.

Ranjib · Nov 22, 2018

LionHeart2017 said:
I was going to go with a pi raspberry display connected to the pi but figured why, when I can just use a tablet and can put it anywhere and this is half price of the raspberry 7 inch display and can do a lot more, something's with raspberry are good, some not so and can be pricey

Yess.. and also not waste Pi's precious CPU and memory (most important).
The only drawback is now you need networking. Physical display is pretty good if you want to run Pi without connection to any network whatsoever.

Ranjib · Nov 22, 2018

One more round of baster, brushing with butter and I think we are golden

Mwdsonny · Nov 22, 2018

I'm working on and designing my own relay board since being enlightened about the weak max current of a raspberry pi. I'm designing my first set of boards to support 4 relays, and 4 dosing pumps (nema 17) figure you could connect 2 boards to a pi to get 8 and 8 easily. Can I get an idea of how many pumps and and relays are needed for an average reef setup.

ScottBrew · Nov 22, 2018

LionHeart2017 said:
I was going to go with a pi raspberry display connected to the pi but figured why, when I can just use a tablet and can put it anywhere and this is half price of the raspberry 7 inch display and can do a lot more, something's with raspberry are good, some not so and can be pricey

I agree, the pi screen is cool but pricey. The tablet is awesome! I didn't go out of my way to hook up the monitor, back of tank is in my wife's office, monitor was already hanging on the wall. A 12' HDMI cable and a keyboard with touchpad and I was set. I think I now have the most common ways of hooking up to it covered, physical monitor, ssh, browser and VNC.

ScottBrew · Nov 22, 2018

Ranjib said:
One more round of baster, brushing with butter and I think we are golden

Nice bird! We're a few hours ahead here in Florida. Finished cooking, eaten, dishes are running in the dishwasher and older daughter just ran off to the mall.

ScottBrew · Nov 22, 2018

Ranjib said:
I had ordered this BLDC driver to test out my icecap 1K and jebao, but never got the time, and with wavemaker punted on 3.0 , I decided not to spend time on this till 2.0 is out.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D9B6J78/
Im glad you all are testing out. Whatever comes up, we'll be useful for all of us.

Added to my cart in case of failure on other 2 counts.

ScottBrew · Nov 22, 2018

Mwdsonny said:
I'm working on and designing my own relay board since being enlightened about the weak max current of a raspberry pi. I'm designing my first set of boards to support 4 relays, and 4 dosing pumps (nema 17) figure you could connect 2 boards to a pi to get 8 and 8 easily. Can I get an idea of how many pumps and and relays are needed for an average reef setup.

Supply the relay board with 5vdc direct from the power supply instead of through the pi and you shouldn't have an issue. I'm running 12 relays, 8 solid states for 120vac control of pumps, wavemakers and heater and 3 of the 4 channel for 24vdc for on/off of lights strips. Solid states don't work for DC voltage so those are standard relays. I still need to add more for control of quarantine tank. On my 8 channel I have 2 main pumps, 2 wavemakers, skimmer, heater, UV and SW mixing drum pump.