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

[b4tn]

The 3.5mm plugs act wonky sometimes. Even when new. Many people moved away from the 3.5mm to other types of connectors. I believe @Diamond1 has had very good results with aviation connectors. Maybe he will comment.

I had the exact same issue with my probes using the 3.5mm plugs. I would have to wiggle them around, pull them out a little, push them in a hair, etc. God forbid I move the box because then I would have to fine tune the plugs again! I went with screw terminal plugs. They are bulky but they are super solid and its fast to switch out or add probes without soldering.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MZHXKN2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Diamond1]

I was getting the same issues pre 2.2 with the dosers as well. Glad I am not nuts. lol

LOL You're not nuts.
I noticed this happening with the pumps around the same time you did, but since the pumps were working and I needed to address some configuration issues with gpio pins and my wykat hat I was planning on doing a a complete redo of my configuration then address the issue after i got that figured out.

 

[Ryan115]

I'm actually using Mini XLR connectors for temp probes.
https://www.amazon.com/Female-Panel...48344005&sr=8-3&keywords=mini+xlr+panel+mount

I am using the mini xlrs as well, and I love them. I did not have any issues with my 3.5mm plugs (old radioshack plugs) but I am happy that I switched.
I went with the 3 pin version for my temp probes and I am going to be using the 4 pins for my lighting controls.
https://www.amazon.com/Connector-Au...7&sr=8-10&keywords=3+pin+mini+xlr+panel+mount

 

[Diamond1]

I am using the mini xlrs as well, and I love them. I did not have any issues with my 3.5mm plugs (old radioshack plugs) but I am happy that I switched.
I went with the 3 pin version for my temp probes and I am going to be using the 4 pins for my lighting controls.
https://www.amazon.com/Connector-Au...7&sr=8-10&keywords=3+pin+mini+xlr+panel+mount

Agreed. The mini xlrs are rock solid.

 

[b4tn]

LOL You're not nuts.
I noticed this happening with the pumps around the same time you did, but since the pumps were working and I needed to address some configuration issues with gpio pins and my wykat hat I was planning on doing a a complete redo of my configuration then address the issue after i got that figured out.

;Wacky

 

[daveCB]

Thanks All - I am either going with Mini XLR's or Phoenix style sockets with plugs. In my industry, we use both extensively without issue. Thanks for all of the comments.

 

[theatrus]

Question for @theatrus - will the pico boards be compatible with Reef-Pi 3?

Yup. The pH adapter on the board has a MCU that mimics an ADS1115 so the pH functionality works the same across both reef-pi pH adapters.

 

[crusso1993]

I was getting the same issues pre 2.2 with the dosers as well. Glad I am not nuts. lol

What does the doser issues have to do with you being nuts? The two are mutually exclusive. Try to keep that in mind and do not comingle them.

LOL You're not nuts.
I noticed this happening with the pumps around the same time you did, but since the pumps were working and I needed to address some configuration issues with gpio pins and my wykat hat I was planning on doing a a complete redo of my configuration then address the issue after i got that figured out.

Don't encourage him about the "not being nuts!"

;Wacky

This is exactly what I am talking about!

BTW - I notice these things because I AM NUTS and I can easily recognize it in others! ;Wacky;Wacky;Wacky (Oh, and don't think you're too far off either @Diamond1 )

 

[daveCB]

Mini XLR's ordered!

Another question: Can you successfully extend the cable for the optical sensors (DFROBOT FS-IR02)

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

We're about a month out from pH functionality with the base boards?

 

[Bigtrout]

I'm actually using Mini XLR connectors for temp probes.
https://www.amazon.com/Female-Panel...48344005&sr=8-3&keywords=mini+xlr+panel+mount

I am having success with ethernet connectors for the probes as well

 

[Ranjib]

We're about a month out from pH functionality with the base boards?

Yup. That’s my current estimate ... but it can always change if we encounter bugs(delayed) or get a some free cycles ( faster).

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

Yup. That’s my current estimate ... but it can always change if we encounter bugs(delayed) or get a some free cycles ( faster).

Yes! I'm going to buy a double junction probe soon for this.

 

[Diamond1]

;Wacky

Yes! I'm going to buy a double junction probe soon for this.

Nice I just got my probe today it was delayed because the snow storm here over the weekend.
Snow plow guy knocked down my mailbox and I wasn't getting mail till I got the box back upright.

I think the plow drivers around here paint little mailboxes on the doors of their truck like WWII fighter pilots used to.;Shifty

 

[Reefology1]

You are not over your head. It is just your head is not in the clouds like these geniuses.

The problem you are having is that the config.txt is a system file and is protected from accidental changes. It won't save changes for a normal user. To get around this open terminal and use the command "sudo nano /boot/config.txt". make the change then save by pressing ctrl X then yes to save.

"sudo" gives you admin rights and allows the file to be changed. "nano" is a text editor you can run from the terminal window.

I only know all this because I spent 30 minutes banging my head into a wall on why I couldn't change the file. The knot on my head grew new brain cells and I finally understood.

thanks a bunch Mikeneedsahobby, this did the trick written in a way I could understand. I think I need to follow a single thread (this one way too long), been reading too much, to decide which options I want to employ. Need simple terminology (like above) as I'm new to all this programming language. Do you have a build thread? or is there one you'd recommend?

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

Nice I just got my probe today it was delayed because the snow storm here over the weekend.
Snow plow guy knocked down my mailbox and I wasn't getting mail till I got the box back upright.

I think the plow drivers around here paint little mailboxes on the doors of their truck like WWII fighter pilots used to.;Shifty

Better than the plow taking out a hydrant

 

[crusso1993]

Better than the plow taking out a hydrant

You are clearly not "in the know" when it comes to really cool things to see! LOL!

 

[dmolavi]

Since there are folks out there that aren't "linux-saavy", would it be possible/feasable to create a reef-pi image that already has the /boot/config.txt changes, etc already done for folks? I could easily make the image, hosting it would be another story.

 

[Ranjib]

thanks a bunch Mikeneedsahobby, this did the trick written in a way I could understand. I think I need to follow a single thread (this one way too long), been reading too much, to decide which options I want to employ. Need simple terminology (like above) as I'm new to all this programming language. Do you have a build thread? or is there one you'd recommend?

I would agree and recommend not to use this thread to get ideas on your build. This thread likely to cause "confusion by choices" as it is a high volume thread primarily intended for me to announce release, get some feedbacks, and share some reef tank photos on the way . Its best to start your thread and tentatively explain your goals and follow the guides/other build threads. Its coherent that way

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

I would agree and recommend not to use this thread to get ideas on your build. This thread likely to cause "confusion by choices" as it is a high volume thread primarily intended for me to announce release, get some feedbacks, and share some reef tank photos on the way . Its best to start your thread and tentatively explain your goals and follow the guides/other build threads. Its coherent that way

Agreed.