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

[Ranjib]

This is a nice unit. I have one with the metal tips which has rusted but still works just fine. I got a bag of 5 for like $10 and so far in two+ years I only had to swap one out due to it stopped working. Now that is with moving and having it sit on the self for like a month before going back into a tank. The rust doesn't affect the reading (I test monthly to make sure my reads are still good)

I also ordered a bunch of them to test things. I am spraying them with plastidip spray for a coating. I'll keep you all posted on how well it worked, only time will reveal the rust related concerns (others in the forum mentioned this should be fine, same as silicone dip) , I'll do an extra side by side comparison with other probes (canakit & sparkfun).
Post 1.0 I want to revisit all the modules and as part of that pt-1000 probe will be evaluated for temperature... something to keep in mind.

 

[Ryan115]

I also ordered a bunch of them to test things. I am spraying them with plastidip spray for a coating. I'll keep you all posted on how well it worked, only time will reveal the rust related concerns (others in the forum mentioned this should be fine, same as silicone dip) , I'll do an extra side by side comparison with other probes (canakit & sparkfun).
Post 1.0 I want to revisit all the modules and as part of that pt-1000 probe will be evaluated for temperature... something to keep in mind.

I started looking at the doing some similar tests.
If you are already underway, have you looked at testing any after passivating? I've seen that once or twice around the forums, but no one showing any results from testing.
http://howtobrew.com/book/appendices/appendix-b/passivating-stainless-steel

 

[Ranjib]

I started looking at the doing some similar tests.
If you are already underway, have you looked at testing any after passivating? I've seen that once or twice around the forums, but no one showing any results from testing.
http://howtobrew.com/book/appendices/appendix-b/passivating-stainless-steel

Nah... I am not spending too much time on any of the individual modules, once I am happy with its stability/reliability. I think I am happy with the current state of things with lighting (one of the feature remained, namely 30min or 1hr interval based light cycle instead instead of fixed 2 hours ), temperature, equipments, timers. I think camera module needs some more love (ability to upload image in flickr or imagur or email) and the doser module needs to be created from scratch... next focus on getting those things done while testing out all the existing things and document the build process..
The price difference between coated temperature probe and bare steel probes are not super high to make a compelling case. I am trying to keep the overall controller cost down, but this is not a significant cost factor. For example a DAC board for lighting or a ph probe circuit will significantly increase the build cost.

 

[Chris_ATX]

You guys are doing a great job on this and I think I might be ready to dive in.

What would I need to get this going if I want to be able to set timers for lights (non-dimmable T5), control and monitor temp (also be expandable for other probes as they become available), ATO and just be able to turn other things like skimmer and wavemakers on/off?

Thanks.

 

[Brad Cox]

Is there anything else needed except the temp prob?

 

[Ranjib]

Is there anything else needed except the temp prob?

A 4.7K (10K) resistor. DS18b20 probes are 1 wire based , and does not require any additional circuit.
https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruits-raspberry-pi-lesson-11-ds18b20-temperature-sensing/hardware

 

[Ranjib]

You guys are doing a great job on this and I think I might be ready to dive in.

What would I need to get this going if I want to be able to set timers for lights (non-dimmable T5), control and monitor temp (also be expandable for other probes as they become available), ATO and just be able to turn other things like skimmer and wavemakers on/off?

Thanks.

Get a 8 channel mechanical relay (will allow you controlling upto 8 equipments), one 4.7k (or 10K) resistor and one ds18b20 probe (for temperature), one photo electric sensor (for ato).
This guide covers the equipment /on-off /timer stuff: https://reef-pi.github.io/build-guides/power/
I'll publish the temperature and ATO guide soon,

 

[Ryan115]

Ranjib,
I dont have the full guide written up, but here is what I have so far for temperature guide
Temperature Sensor Guide

Sensor Options:

DS18B20

· https://www.adafruit.com/product/38...9DMi8N799Vvx0Yi9B6qAWJ_RIpLUI22kaAvKpEALw_wcB

· https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11050

Items needed:

· DS18B20 Temperature sensor

· 4.7k or 10k resistor

· Stereo Audio panel mount jack (if using an enclosure for pi)

· Stereo Audio plug (if using an enclosure for pi)

Tip = VCC
Ring = DQ
Sleeve = GND

 

[Chris_ATX]

Get a 8 channel mechanical relay (will allow you controlling upto 8 equipments), one 4.7k (or 10K) resistor and one ds18b20 probe (for temperature), one photo electric sensor (for ato).
This guide covers the equipment /on-off /timer stuff: https://reef-pi.github.io/build-guides/power/
I'll publish the temperature and ATO guide soon,

Is there any benefit of going with the Pi 3 over the Pi Zero?

 

[Ranjib]

Is there any benefit of going with the Pi 3 over the Pi Zero?

Pi 3 is more powerful, uses normal hdmi pet, has regular USB ports and can run official pi touch display. So it's easy to work with. It's a must have if you want touch screen, I would also recommend it if you are building an all in one controller.
Pi zero is smaller and cheaper , less powerful than pi3 but good enough if you are building just a dosing or lighting or temperature controller

 

[Chris_ATX]

Pi 3 is more powerful, uses normal hdmi pet, has regular USB ports and can run official pi touch display. So it's easy to work with. It's a must have if you want touch screen, I would also recommend it if you are building an all in one controller.
Pi zero is smaller and cheaper , less powerful than pi3 but good enough if you are building just a dosing or lighting or temperature controller

Then I will definitely be getting the Pi3. Will start ordering everything this weekend.

 

[Brad Cox]

Is the lighting tab not working?

When i set my pins then go to add the lighting it shows update and delete only.

 

[Ranjib]

Is the lighting tab not working?

When i set my pins then go to add the lighting it shows update and delete only.

Did you add jack ? Jacks represent pwm output while outlets represent relays. Jacks can have multiple pins, comma separated, while outlets only have one. Once you have jacks, you can use them to add new lights.

 

[Brad Cox]

Did you add jack ? Jacks represent pwm output while outlets represent relays. Jacks can have multiple pins, comma separated, while outlets only have one. Once you have jacks, you can use them to add new lights.

I did yes.

 

[Brad Cox]

I dont think i have my pca wired correctly

 

[Brad Cox]

Ok it wont let me use pin 0,1. I put in 6,7 and it shows the slider butni have no output.

 

[Ranjib]

I did yes.

This is very weird. I have not seen this, likely some bug, or something not configured,, lets go through the setup, step by step, share your logs and pics of wiring

 

[Ranjib]

I dont think i have my pca wired correctly

Can you try accessing the reef-pi ui from some other place, like laptop or mobile or tablet, want to cross check that its not the browser.

 

[Ranjib]

Can you try accessing the reef-pi ui from some other place, like laptop or mobile or tablet, want to cross check that its not the browser.

Also, let us know what version of reef-pi you are using. You can find it now on the systems tab.

 

[Ranjib]

I did yes.

Something is wrong with the lights, i think theres a light that got added without name, or something like that. I would recommend deleting the lights (click on the delete button) and add new one