DIY Wavemakers Controller

thatbamaguy

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Alright, let's hope I keep this thread updated through this process and beat with me because this may take a while. I'm warn you that some of this will get really technical but I'm be sure to pull it back in to the important parts of the build from time to time.

Background:
I have 2 Jebao (SW and OW) Wavemakers and a small maxijet in my 110H mixed reef. I previously built some really nice lights and my own ESP32 (~Arduino) based WiFi controllers for them. Now I've got the Arduino bug and want to build a controller for my wave pumps for more control and the ability to change their behavior in a schedule. What I'll be doing is similar to what you get out of an Apex Wav setup or the Aqualink in the early stages but I'll won't need those expensive equipment and I'll gave the ability to update with new options.

Idea:
Esp32 based Jebao (or any BLDC pump) controller for up to 4 Wavemakers and one static pump for Sea Sweep. I may add a closed loop later since I still have pipes in my but in rock wall that are currently disconnected.

The 4 Wavemakers will have many modes which are configurable and the ability to sync the pump in either mirror, inverse, or a pattern. A scheduler will be available on the webpage to automatically switch modes and settings as planned.

The maxijet will be attached to a servo to swivel left and right in controllable degrees, speed, and either smooth or stepped movement (ex: could point one direction for 10 seconds and another for 10 or just pan). The maxijet will also be hooked to a controlled outlet to turn on and off.

There will be a feed mode to turn all pumps if for 10 minutes and a float switch that shuts all pumps down during a water change.

More features may be added once all of this is working as expected.

Initial build will be a prototype and use parts bought on Amazon and eBay.

A later build will have a custom pcb and use sinusoidal drivers but that step will take some pretty advanced tuning that o don't want to delay the other functionality I'm building.
 

Joekovar

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I opened up a Jebao SOW-8 the other night and noticed it has a pretty standard looking wireless "breakout" module haphazardly soldered on to the main board.

Being as these things have a "slave" mode, where they'll listen to another controller, I think it'd be worth finding out exactly which wireless module they're using, then developing something that exploits that slave mode.
 
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thatbamaguy

thatbamaguy

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I opened up a Jebao SOW-8 the other night and noticed it has a pretty standard looking wireless "breakout" module haphazardly soldered on to the main board.

Being as these things have a "slave" mode, where they'll listen to another controller, I think it'd be worth finding out exactly which wireless module they're using, then developing something that exploits that slave mode.
That's a great idea. The reason I've stayed away from this is because I haven't been satisfied with the slave mode. I've never gotten 2 pumps to actually be in sync with each other and you are still limited to what commands it can receive and modes the stock controller can run.
 

Joekovar

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That's a great idea. The reason I've stayed away from this is because I haven't been satisfied with the slave mode. I've never gotten 2 pumps to actually be in sync with each other and you are still limited to what commands it can receive and modes the stock controller can run.
Bummer.

I look forward to what you come up with, as mine seemed to detect the powerhead wasn't connected when I had it open and thus didn't give me anything of immediate use on my multimeter , so I just put it back together for the time being.
 

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