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

[Des Westcott]

Hi everyone.

So I've decided to sell my apex and build a reef pi setup.

I'm starting with the power controller. My question is that can you write code like on apex to have your skimmer turn off when the return is off?

And also is there an on/auto/off function like on apex where auto looks like specific code you can write for the requirements of the equipment running off that outlet?

Thanks

Alex

As I have no experience with the Apex units, let me see if I understand you correctly and answer appropriately.

My question is that can you write code like on apex to have your skimmer turn off when the return is off?

You can create Macros which are a list of commands executed in order

eg
1) Turn equipment A off
2) Turn equipment B off
3) Wait 5 seconds
4) Run Macro XYZ

Still has a few minor teething problems that are getting sorted out, but a few of us have got Macros doing some very cool stuff.

is there an on/auto/off function
Yes. There are timers that you can set, Timers can activate equipment or Macros which opens up many powerful possibilities.

 

[b4tn]

I think I asked this before but can’t find the answer. I’m adding a second heater for redundancy. Can one temp probe control two separate outlets?

 

[GaryE]

It can do a macro, a macro can do multiple outlets.

 

[b4tn]

It can do a macro, a macro can do multiple outlets.

how do you use a macro for temperature control?

I was thinking to set up two identical temperature controls use the same sensor but each one would have a different heater outlet

 

[Michael Lane]

I think I asked this before but can’t find the answer. I’m adding a second heater for redundancy. Can one temp probe control two separate outlets?

A single temperature probe can definitely control multiple heaters. Just create another Temperature control object and select the same temperature probe. You can set a different threshold to turn on an additional heater, or use the same.

 

[GaryE]

A single temperature probe can definitely control multiple heaters. Just create another Temperature control object and select the same temperature probe. You can set a different threshold to turn on an additional heater, or use the same.

Was not aware you could do that

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

I have an AWC macro that I am unable to run with a timer and I am not entirely sure why. Is there any known issues with macros and timers? It runs perfectly fine manually running it through the macro tab but fails to work through a timer... Any thoughts?

 

[b4tn]

@Ranjib @Michael Lane I have a suggestion. For the equipment dashboard. Instead of having vertical lines it would be easier to read with horizontal lines. It would also allow for longer names without them getting cut off. As it is it’s kind of useless because I can’t view half my equipment. I usually go to the equipment tab to see what’s on or what’s off.

 

[mr.salty]

As I have no experience with the Apex units, let me see if I understand you correctly and answer appropriately.

My question is that can you write code like on apex to have your skimmer turn off when the return is off?

You can create Macros which are a list of commands executed in order

eg
1) Turn equipment A off
2) Turn equipment B off
3) Wait 5 seconds
4) Run Macro XYZ

Still has a few minor teething problems that are getting sorted out, but a few of us have got Macros doing some very cool stuff.

is there an on/auto/off function
Yes. There are timers that you can set, Timers can activate equipment or Macros which opens up many powerful possibilities.

Yeh I guess that's basically what I was after.

So for instance when I turn off my return pump with my neptune apex I have it programmed so the skimmer turns off also so it doesn't overflow.

Then when I start up the return pumps again my skimmer waits 5 mins and then starts.

I guess this can be achieved with macros?

 

[Bigtrout]

I'll go through it and let you know. It will take some time.

Ill try and peruse the manual...

I think I asked this before but can’t find the answer. I’m adding a second heater for redundancy. Can one temp probe control two separate outlets?

yes but do 2 probes, each controlling a heater outlet for extra failsafe, then if a probe goes haywire it only affects one heater!

 

[Bigtrout]

Yeh I guess that's basically what I was after.

So for instance when I turn off my return pump with my neptune apex I have it programmed so the skimmer turns off also so it doesn't overflow.

Then when I start up the return pumps again my skimmer waits 5 mins and then starts.

I guess this can be achieved with macros?

yes it can.
I have a feed macro...turns off return pump, waits 720 seconds turns it back on.
I also have a water change macro, turns off return pump and heaters. and a reverse macro to turn them on when done.

 

[Bigtrout]

Temperature probe started dropping out. Connector is reading "active low". Is it time for a new probe?

Where is it reading active low, please post your connector page and how/where the probe is wired. The connectors for the temp probes should not even be listed on the connector page.

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

Where is it reading active low, please post your connector page and how/where the probe is wired. The connectors for the temp probes should not even be listed on the connector page.

Pin 1 I think, or pin 0. The instructions I read many moons ago provided the instructions to add it as such.

 

[Bigtrout]

Pin 1 I think, or pin 0. The instructions I read many moons ago provided the instructions to add it as such.

Pin 0 and pin1 are jacks for PWM. Where physically(what pins...ie which gpio) do you have the temp probe wired to?
If you arent using pwm remove/delete that connector.

Temp probes wire to gpio4

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

Pin 0 and pin1 are jacks for PWM. Where physically(what pins...ie which gpio) do you have the temp probe wired to?
If you arent using pwm remove/delete that connector

So I should delete this connector?

 

[Bigtrout]

So I should delete this connector?

if you are not running anything with pwm, like a light or doser, yes.

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

if you are not running anything with pwm, like a light or doser, yes.

I'll get right on it

 

[Bigtrout]

Temperature probes with to gpio4(pin 7) and do not have to have a connector created on the connector page.

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

Does anyone have an example of using a macro timer...? It runs fine manually everytime but hasn't run since...

 

[youngreefer10g]

Alr everybody stick with me so I ordered a few things today to get started on my reef pi! (link to all products i purchased next to the product name.
Raspberry Pi Zero W starter kit from amazon ( CLICK )
Mini Breadboard ( CLICK )
Female/Male Extension ( CLICK )
Resistors ( CLICK )
This is what I've ordered so far is all of this compatible? Also what else do I need for this to do ATO, Automatic water changes, and have plugs to control.

Thanks
-Nolan