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

marspeed · Sep 30, 2017

so which version of Raspbian should I download desktop or lite or something else

AshwinRavi · Sep 30, 2017

marspeed said:
so which version of Raspbian should I download desktop or lite or something else

I have desktop version and works fine

Ranjib · Sep 30, 2017

marspeed said:
so which version of Raspbian should I download desktop or lite or something else

Desktop version if you are not too familiar with Linux. It will be easier to configure WiFi and time zone , etc

marspeed · Sep 30, 2017

thanks

Brad Cox · Sep 30, 2017

Ranjib said:
Why? Not happy with the light itself ? Or due to control issues ?

Na the lights are good and control is good. Just always liked the kessils so i think i might take the plundge.

Cary · Sep 30, 2017

marspeed said:
thanks

I found it difficult to load on a SD after downloading the zip file to a Unix computer. Yes I am new to unix, but the instructions I found were not very helpful. The zip file is still in my downloads folder and the sd drive is still inserted. If I ever figure out how I will write a procedure for it. Part of the problem seems to be that rasping creates 3 partitions, at least for me. Good luck @marspeed.

Ranjib · Sep 30, 2017

Cary said:
I found it difficult to load on a SD after downloading the zip file to a Unix computer. Yes I am new to unix, but the instructions I found were not very helpful. The zip file is still in my downloads folder and the sd drive is still inserted. If I ever figure out how I will write a procedure for it. Part of the problem seems to be that rasping creates 3 partitions, at least for me. Good luck @marspeed.

Use etcher, it’s super-simple you don’t have to do any formatting or partition with it
https://etcher.io/

Ryan115 · Sep 30, 2017

Ranjib said:
Use etcher, it’s super-simple you don’t have to do any formatting or partition with it
https://etcher.io/

You beat me to it.
I agree completely, etcher is fantastic and they have a version for Windows, Mac and Linux.

Ryan115 · Oct 1, 2017

Also, if you are going to be trying to do the initial connect to a headless system, I would recommend installing raspbian instead of NOOBS. You can set it up to auto install raspbian from NOOBS, but it is just more work to do.

Cary · Oct 1, 2017

Ranjib said:
Use etcher, it’s super-simple you don’t have to do any formatting or partition with it
https://etcher.io/

Thanks Ranjib. Hey......Aren't you on a holiday? Ignore us and have fun.

Cary · Oct 1, 2017

Ryan115 said:
Also, if you are going to be trying to do the initial connect to a headless system, I would recommend installing raspbian instead of NOOBS. You can set it up to auto install raspbian from NOOBS, but it is just more work to do.

I hate to admit it, but when I couldn't get the new load after my initial screw up of the ip address I bought a new SD pre-installed with the software. I have been running since last sunday..thanks for the info.

marspeed · Oct 1, 2017

etcher is super simple first try success

Cary · Oct 1, 2017

marspeed said:
etcher is super simple first try success

Good deal.

Ryan115 · Oct 1, 2017

Finally got my APC modded power controller up and running. I may or may not break something now, but turning it on and off too many times.
Also, I couldn't wait to get my lights, so I now have a single 5mm LED ramping up and down through the day.

On to calibrating my heater as a secondary safety cut off

REEF-PI IS AWESOME!!!

marspeed · Oct 1, 2017

I'm going to enjoy building this controller tomorrow I'm going to install reef pi and start building the rest I ordered a case with large rear cover to house screen and pi with extra room for components
https://www.adafruit.com/product/3187

https://www.adafruit.com/product/3570

Brad Cox · Oct 1, 2017

Do u have any pics of the apc mod?

Ranjib · Oct 1, 2017

Aloha

Ryan115 · Oct 1, 2017

Brad Cox said:
Do u have any pics of the apc mod?

You are in luck, as I just had to take it back apart.
I had the bright idea to remove the circuit from a phone charger and hardwired it internally, so I wouldn't have another plug taken up on the outside. That all works great, until the 5v supply goes out...
Anyway, this is from a APC750, so I had 10 plugs to wire in. Since I only have an 8 channel relay, 2 of the plugs are always on, which is nice to have too.
Disregard a few of the wiring colors, as I tried to give myself some variability to connect to the relays.
After cutting the hot rail between each plug, they got pretty loose and wanted to push out, so hot-glue to the rescue.
If I did it over again, I would have changed a few minor things, but since the only $ I have into this power box is the relay board (everything else was lying around) I am pretty happy with it.

Cary · Oct 2, 2017

Ryan115 said:
You are in luck, as I just had to take it back apart.
I had the bright idea to remove the circuit from a phone charger and hardwired it internally, so I wouldn't have another plug taken up on the outside. That all works great, until the 5v supply goes out...
Anyway, this is from a APC750, so I had 10 plugs to wire in. Since I only have an 8 channel relay, 2 of the plugs are always on, which is nice to have too.
Disregard a few of the wiring colors, as I tried to give myself some variability to connect to the relays.
After cutting the hot rail between each plug, they got pretty loose and wanted to push out, so hot-glue to the rescue.
If I did it over again, I would have changed a few minor things, but since the only $ I have into this power box is the relay board (everything else was lying around) I am pretty happy with it.

Man that looks great. I would love to see a wiring diagram. I still have not figured out how to wire my apt 550. What is the circuit board in the center?

Ryan115 · Oct 2, 2017

Thanks, I'll see if I can mock up a wiring diagram for this, as I didn't make one when I did this.
The circuit in the center is the 5v supply that I gutted.