Control reefbreeders photon v2 pro with reef-pi?
- Thread starter waynel
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I was not able to get any details on the Vdk module, hard to confirm without the specs.
OP
OP
From some pictures I've found googling, the pinout of the vdk module is:
Pin Function
3 gnd
4 0-10v port
7 gnd
8 0-10v port
and there are 3 ports on the module, 6 channels.
If it just wants 0-10V, it should be easy to just feed it 0-10V. Don't see a problem with it.
Sral
Valuable Member
Just saw this one, sry ^^
Judging from your photos and the text on their website about the Apex VDM Kit its doable, as @theatrus said.
First important photo, the main control circuit has 6 "PW" channels for the 6 color channels, as described in the link above:
The standard photon v2 has a wireless remote with LCD screen, as described in the text in the link above, which is probably what this board at the end is for:
This is at the exact same place and has the exact same plug layout as the APEX VDM module that you can install there.
So my guess is: this interfaces with your remote and simply outputs the PWM or PW signals for the main board.
If you look at the Apex VDM integration board in the link, you also see that it's very simple, just a few resistors, capacitors and and two IC that probably handle the zeroing discussed in the video.
Only problem I see is that the Temperature probe is also connected to this board, which therefore controls the fans.
So two ways forward:
- build the VDM integration kit yourself (difficult due to the Fan control)
----> you would need to know how the fan signal needs to behave
----> you would need to know if the main board expects a 10V PWM, or a 0-10V DC signal
- buy the Apex VDM integration kit and feed it from Reef-Pi
----> you would still need to know the approximate frequency of the PWM signal
In both cases I would at least try to contact the manufacturer. My Light was build by a comparatively small-ish upstart company here in germany and they were very forthcomming with advice for Reef-Pi integration, even though they never heard of it ^^
Judging from your photos and the text on their website about the Apex VDM Kit its doable, as @theatrus said.
First important photo, the main control circuit has 6 "PW" channels for the 6 color channels, as described in the link above:
The standard photon v2 has a wireless remote with LCD screen, as described in the text in the link above, which is probably what this board at the end is for:
This is at the exact same place and has the exact same plug layout as the APEX VDM module that you can install there.
So my guess is: this interfaces with your remote and simply outputs the PWM or PW signals for the main board.
If you look at the Apex VDM integration board in the link, you also see that it's very simple, just a few resistors, capacitors and and two IC that probably handle the zeroing discussed in the video.
Only problem I see is that the Temperature probe is also connected to this board, which therefore controls the fans.
So two ways forward:
- build the VDM integration kit yourself (difficult due to the Fan control)
----> you would need to know how the fan signal needs to behave
----> you would need to know if the main board expects a 10V PWM, or a 0-10V DC signal
- buy the Apex VDM integration kit and feed it from Reef-Pi
----> you would still need to know the approximate frequency of the PWM signal
In both cases I would at least try to contact the manufacturer. My Light was build by a comparatively small-ish upstart company here in germany and they were very forthcomming with advice for Reef-Pi integration, even though they never heard of it ^^
Not sure you need to bother w/ the vdm module
Just identify the driver ic on the big center board.
That will give you the dimming protocol.
Basically discard the " control board" and replace it w/ the reef pi.
Pretty sure the vdm module converts 10v to whatever the drivers want
Fan circuit may or may not be a problem.
Could be independent thermistor controlled unit..or not.
Anyway key is what does the orig brain board send to the drivers?
Vdm showing conversion from 10 v analog to some flavor of pwm
I'd bet 5v-ish.
Interesting .
Just identify the driver ic on the big center board.
That will give you the dimming protocol.
Basically discard the " control board" and replace it w/ the reef pi.
Pretty sure the vdm module converts 10v to whatever the drivers want
Fan circuit may or may not be a problem.
Could be independent thermistor controlled unit..or not.
Anyway key is what does the orig brain board send to the drivers?
Vdm showing conversion from 10 v analog to some flavor of pwm
I'd bet 5v-ish.
Interesting .
Last edited:
Actually no need to find the driver ic..Upgrade board sort of defines the driver PWM.
Left end (not shown) has a plug for a temp sensor.
ESP32 has a built in temp input.
reefbreeders.com
Left end (not shown) has a plug for a temp sensor.
ESP32 has a built in temp input.
Reef Nexus Integration Kit - ReefBreeders.com
The all new Reef Nexus Integration Kit allows you to fully control your Photon V2 and V2+ via our Reef Nexus App
reefbreeders.com
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