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

Ranjib · Dec 1, 2018

dmolavi said:
I have a manual dimmer for the BuildMyLED fixture, and ReefBrite has one available too. How would I go about figuring out what each needs for dimming, etc? Sorry for the newb question...new to the pi scene...

Start with posting picture of your light and specifically the control signal/adapter part, once we deduce what type of control signal it expects (voltage and current ) rest is easy

Ranjib · Dec 1, 2018

pickupman66 said:
I did some googling. Looks like 25mA per pin totaling 400mA. Time to look around.

I know for sure there are some through hole 3.6 mm led that consumes 2-5 ma current

pickupman66 · Dec 1, 2018

Ok. Cool. Can you link me?

Ranjib · Dec 1, 2018

pickupman66 said:
Ok. Cool. Can you link me?

http://www.kingbrightusa.com/category.asp?catalog_name=LED&category_name=KCLow+Current+LED&Page=1

Ryan115 · Dec 1, 2018

Most of the panel mount LEDs draw <20mA.
If you want lower/dimmer just add higher limiting resistor
https://www.digikey.com/products/en...rt=1000011&page=1&stock=1&photo=1&pageSize=25

Or you can always get mounting sleeves for regular LEDs

OllieNZ · Dec 2, 2018

Another one that will be joining the Pi controller club. I've just ordered a Pi Zero W. I'm planning on reading the thread cover to cover but are there any particular post#'s I need to pay attention too?

b4tn · Dec 2, 2018

OllieNZ said:
Another one that will be joining the Pi controller club. I've just ordered a Pi Zero W. I'm planning on reading the thread cover to cover but are there any particular post#'s I need to pay attention too?

Welcome! It’s probably best to start with the guides then post when you have questions. I found it easiest to search the thread when looking for info rather than trying to read the whole thing.

https://learn.adafruit.com/users/ranjib

OllieNZ · Dec 2, 2018

b4tn said:
Welcome! It’s probably best to start with the guides then post when you have questions. I found it easiest to search the thread when looking for info rather than trying to read the whole thing.

https://learn.adafruit.com/users/ranjib

Will do that then, thanks.

ScottBrew · Dec 2, 2018

OllieNZ said:
Will do that then, thanks.

I second what b4tn says. Also do a site search in R2R for reef-pi. In addition to this thread, there are quite a few individual build threads for the reef-pi and they may give you some inspiration for your own build.

dmolavi · Dec 2, 2018

Ranjib said:
Start with posting picture of your light and specifically the control signal/adapter part, once we deduce what type of control signal it expects (voltage and current ) rest is easy

Here are my fixtures. The BuildMyLED is on the left and has the silver driver module.
The reefbrite dimmer is http://www.reefbrite.com/product/in-line-dimmer/

b4tn · Dec 2, 2018

I just ordered these for float switch’s and temp probes. They have several different pin counts. I ordered 2, three pin and 2, two pin connectors.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZHXKN2/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_hkabCbW0KDPVZ

Ranjib · Dec 2, 2018

Christmas prep..

Screen Shot 2018-12-02 at 10.31.34 AM.png

b4tn · Dec 2, 2018

Ranjib said:
Christmas prep..

LOL, I was going to do the same thing with dimming tree lights on a timer but my wife said no.

Ranjib · Dec 2, 2018

b4tn said:
LOL, I was going to do the same thing with dimming tree lights on a timer but my wife said no.

We had to do it since our light and wall outlet is blocked by the tree, hence wife agrees

. To her point this blocks my electronics shelf as well during the holidays , so more time for family

pickupman66 · Dec 2, 2018

Yeah I am considering a pi as well for lights but instead just bought a single outdoor smart plug for the outdoor ones. Hey Google. Light it it up!

sfgabe · Dec 2, 2018

Is there / will there be some mechanism for running scripts (python, shell, etc.) from reef-pi, and triggered by other parameters (time, float switches, etc.)?

I built a cheap-o fish feeder that I can control with a python script or curl command. It would be great to be able to run that from reef-pi instead of sending an external command from another device.

Build instructions are here btw if anyone wants to make their own: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3225569

ScottBrew · Dec 2, 2018

Ranjib said:
We had to do it since our light and wall outlet is blocked by the tree, hence wife agrees . To her point this blocks my electronics shelf as well during the holidays , so more time for family

You have a lovely family Ranjib!

Ryan115 · Dec 2, 2018

dmolavi said:
Here are my fixtures. The BuildMyLED is on the left and has the silver driver module.
The reefbrite dimmer is http://www.reefbrite.com/product/in-line-dimmer/

The Inventronics driver takes a 0(1)-10VDC for dimming.
This is no problem for reef-pi. It should be able to run off of the same circuit that I built for my SbReeflights.
It will use the 12V from the driver, step it down to 10V for the dimming circuit, and then use the PWM from the pi to control the dimming.
It may be able to run straight from a 10V PWM, if not a simple RC circuit will smooth out to get an "analog" dimming.
The other light is a big ???

ScottBrew · Dec 2, 2018

dmolavi said:
Here are my fixtures. The BuildMyLED is on the left and has the silver driver module.
The reefbrite dimmer is http://www.reefbrite.com/product/in-line-dimmer/

Ryan115 said:
The Inventronics driver takes a 0(1)-10VDC for dimming.
This is no problem for reef-pi. It should be able to run off of the same circuit that I built for my SbReeflights.
It will use the 12V from the driver, step it down to 10V for the dimming circuit, and then use the PWM from the pi to control the dimming.
It may be able to run straight from a 10V PWM, if not a simple RC circuit will smooth out to get an "analog" dimming.
The other light is a big ???

The Reefbrite light(s) need a 0-24vdc control if they are like mine or whatever the minimum voltage they will turn on with, maybe 3 volts. The constant current control is built into the lights, the power supply is just a generic brick. Mine have 6 segments with 6 LED's each, each segment has its own current controller.

dmolavi · Dec 2, 2018

Ryan115 said:
The Inventronics driver takes a 0(1)-10VDC for dimming.
This is no problem for reef-pi. It should be able to run off of the same circuit that I built for my SbReeflights.
It will use the 12V from the driver, step it down to 10V for the dimming circuit, and then use the PWM from the pi to control the dimming.
It may be able to run straight from a 10V PWM, if not a simple RC circuit will smooth out to get an "analog" dimming.
The other light is a big ???

I have the dimmer for the Inventronics that I can get a pic of if you think that will help wrt dimming...

ScottBrew said:
The Reefbrite light(s) need a 0-24vdc control if they are like mine or whatever the minimum voltage they will turn on with, maybe 3 volts. The constant current control is built into the lights, the power supply is just a generic brick. Mine have 6 segments with 6 LED's each, each segment has its own current controller.

So basically a variable voltage output from the reef-pi and the lights take care of the rest?