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

[Ranjib]

Hope it's ok to share this. Hoping nothing looks too far off.

This is awesome :-), thank you for sharing, I am still torn on the housing of the power bars, particularly the relay board and the AC wiring. There must be some way to make improve it. Maybe some UL listed housing or something similar(thinking out loud).

 

[Ranjib]

Interestingly there was a recent thread on how to support 16 outlets using apex/eb8 or GHL, the pricing was almost in few hundred dollars... but that brings whole lotta different features (surge protection, current consumption, UL certified etc etc)... I dont think we need all (particularly current usage, the cost to benefit ratio is similar to pH meter), but having a safe, known capacity (how many amp), housing + electronics that can be prepared from available /known componentes (amazon or ebay source , reputable vendors) will be good.

One thing I am considering is datalogger powerbars like this: http://www.rowewireless.com/digital-loggers-web-power-switch-pro/
it will increase the cost almost 2x to 4x though, but lot of peace of mind... theres a very good options at cheaper price point as well: https://www.adafruit.com/product/2935 .

 

[Ranjib]

Couple of updates on the website front,
- I have published fritzing project files (containing hardware schematic) of power controller, temperature controller, and lighting controller. These files ate present in DesignFiles repository under reef-pi github organization, and also linked on individual build guides in the website
- Lots of grammar fixes across power, temperature and lighting guides
- Updated the power controller guide to reflect latest reef-pi UI based workflows, the power guide was based on configuration file driven workflow from older reef pi version. Its lot simpler now with almost everything done via UI and without any configuration file changes ...
I'll continue my work on dosing controller , after that wave makers on the software side, while build guides on the website front. Build guides are high priority than software work currently, as I would prefer to release 1.0 version with thorough documentation and well tested basic features, instead of half tested features with scant documentation.

let me know if y0u have any feedback. As usual, all build guides are published under http://reef-pi.com/build-guides/
happy reefing ..

 

[marspeed]

One thing I am considering is datalogger powerbars like this: http://www.rowewireless.com/digital-loggers-web-power-switch-pro/
it will increase the cost almost 2x to 4x though, but lot of peace of mind... theres a very good options at cheaper price point as well: https://www.adafruit.com/product/2935 .

I also looked at those switched power bars the smaller one looks nice but has limited control

 

[Ryan115]

Great work, as always.
One thing I have noticed on the reef-pi site, is the description that comes up when typing it in. I am not sure where that would need to be fixed to change the "o" to a "p"

Now to figure out why my relay's only let me have a few off at a time before acting up. First thought is that the 5v supply cant provide enough power to that many coils. Anyone know the current draw on the coil for these typical 5v relay modules? Alibaba has specs for one listed at ~90mA. So unless my 800mA supply can only actually provide ~300, something else is going on.

 

[HM3105]

Interestingly there was a recent thread on how to support 16 outlets using apex/eb8 or GHL, the pricing was almost in few hundred dollars... but that brings whole lotta different features (surge protection, current consumption, UL certified etc etc)... I dont think we need all (particularly current usage, the cost to benefit ratio is similar to pH meter), but having a safe, known capacity (how many amp), housing + electronics that can be prepared from available /known componentes (amazon or ebay source , reputable vendors) will be good.

One thing I am considering is datalogger powerbars like this: http://www.rowewireless.com/digital-loggers-web-power-switch-pro/
it will increase the cost almost 2x to 4x though, but lot of peace of mind... theres a very good options at cheaper price point as well: https://www.adafruit.com/product/2935 .

Link for the 16 outlet option?

I'm a little scared to turn that thing on though, I was hoping @Aaron Smith would show up to say "never plug that in ever".

Does anyone know if I need a seperate powersupply for the relays or should the Rpi provide enough? The Sainsmart website each relay should need 20mA function so I believe it should be ok but I thought I would ask the crowd.

Maybe consider looking to some of the home automation websites, there are a few that use Rpi's to run the whole thing through relays.

Another option is to use those bench style outlet bar. They run roughly $50-$100 dollars but they should be fairly easy to modify and incorporate the relays. In my scenario, I use a lot of DC equipment and they have those big wall wart style plugs. I needed better spacing.

I'm pretty sure we could also take apart a DJ powerstrip and easily integrate the relays inside.

There are a few 3d printed cases which would also be nice. Here is an example - https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:336948.

 

[Cary]

Great ideas. Sorry to diverge.

Has anyone had a problem setting up their Adafruit.io? I am not sure that I set it up correctly. But, I am sure I didn't breadboard my temp sensor correctly also (learning learning learning). I thought it would be nice to create some steps in the Adafruit.IO\telemetry area for the github builds, but I want to make sure that I have the proper steps.

1. sign up on Adafruit.io after having a light or temp sensor to display
2 create a "temperature" or "light" dashboard name in lower case. For more than one LED channel requires one for each channel?
3. get a key from Adafruit - more steps here
4. enable telemetry in reef-pi and enter the key and dashboard name in the blanks - more blanks and names information here

Next steps?

Okay boys and girls..If you all will provide input for this, I will do a pull and add the information in the build area.

How about it?
Thanks - going back to learning basic breadboarding, oh, and making money to feed the Mrs.
-out-

 

[Ranjib]

Great work, as always.
One thing I have noticed on the reef-pi site, is the description that comes up when typing it in. I am not sure where that would need to be fixed to change the "o" to a "p"

Now to figure out why my relay's only let me have a few off at a time before acting up. First thought is that the 5v supply cant provide enough power to that many coils. Anyone know the current draw on the coil for these typical 5v relay modules? Alibaba has specs for one listed at ~90mA. So unless my 800mA supply can only actually provide ~300, something else is going on.

15-20 ma , for most mechanical relays.

 

[Ranjib]

Great work, as always.
One thing I have noticed on the reef-pi site, is the description that comes up when typing it in. I am not sure where that would need to be fixed to change the "o" to a "p"

Now to figure out why my relay's only let me have a few off at a time before acting up. First thought is that the 5v supply cant provide enough power to that many coils. Anyone know the current draw on the coil for these typical 5v relay modules? Alibaba has specs for one listed at ~90mA. So unless my 800mA supply can only actually provide ~300, something else is going on.

Thanks for catching that typo on title, fixing it right now.

 

[Ranjib]

Link for the 16 outlet option?

I'm a little scared to turn that thing on though, I was hoping @Aaron Smith would show up to say "never plug that in ever".

Does anyone know if I need a seperate powersupply for the relays or should the Rpi provide enough? The Sainsmart website each relay should need 20mA function so I believe it should be ok but I thought I would ask the crowd.

Maybe consider looking to some of the home automation websites, there are a few that use Rpi's to run the whole thing through relays.

Another option is to use those bench style outlet bar. They run roughly $50-$100 dollars but they should be fairly easy to modify and incorporate the relays. In my scenario, I use a lot of DC equipment and they have those big wall wart style plugs. I needed better spacing.

I'm pretty sure we could also take apart a DJ powerstrip and easily integrate the relays inside.

There are a few 3d printed cases which would also be nice. Here is an example - https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:336948.

I think you should be fine, we recommend a beefy 2.4 am power supply for Raspberry Pi. Pi itself can draw anywhere between 800 -> 1.2 amp. PCA9685 another 0.2-0.3 amp, rest is for the relay board. You should try it out, Pi will show under power indicator if its not getting enough amp (the flash icon on the display), so watch out for that and decide.... if you are powering display as well.. then yeah you definitely need a separate or may be a single 10 amp 5v power supply ..

 

[Ranjib]

Great ideas. Sorry to diverge.

Has anyone had a problem setting up their Adafruit.io? I am not sure that I set it up correctly. But, I am sure I didn't breadboard my temp sensor correctly also (learning learning learning). I thought it would be nice to create some steps in the Adafruit.IO\telemetry area for the github builds, but I want to make sure that I have the proper steps.

1. sign up on Adafruit.io after having a light or temp sensor to display
2 create a "temperature" or "light" dashboard name in lower case. For more than one LED channel requires one for each channel?
3. get a key from Adafruit - more steps here
4. enable telemetry in reef-pi and enter the key and dashboard name in the blanks - more blanks and names information here

Next steps?

Okay boys and girls..If you all will provide input for this, I will do a pull and add the information in the build area.

How about it?
Thanks - going back to learning basic breadboarding, oh, and making money to feed the Mrs.
-out-

Yes one for each channel. Feed name should be 'channel-1', 'channel-2' ...etc
Adafruit.io key can be found on adafruit.io website under the profile page. Adafruiut has a dedicated tutorial on how to useadafruit.io which also shows how to obtain key, how to use it etc
The feed input in reef-pi UI, inside the telemetry section , under system tab , is used as global prefix. Unless you need it, leave it blank or empty. When specified , reefpi will prefix all feed name with this value . this is required only if you have multiple reef-pi and separate out their telemetry with separate feeds
Currently the feed setup process is manual and painful. I am planning to add code that will create the feed if its not present, automatically. This will reduce the adafruit io setup process to only signup and get key.
We need a telemetry specific guide , for sure. I have a slaveholder page right now, I plan to usage it once the 1.0 code is frozen....any help in the meantime will be helpful

 

[Bronc]

I’m really excited to start building this! My PI 3 should arrive tomorrow.

I’m completely new to PIs and Linux. I’m not sure exactly what I want to control yet. I have an automated doser now that works beautifully. I will most likely add lighting control for my T5s and a temperature probe. I have plenty of old APC UPSs I can scavenge parts from if needed. I also have a webcam I use currently I like. Any suggestions?

 

[Cary]

Join in the fun!

 

[Ranjib]

I’m really excited to start building this! My PI 3 should arrive tomorrow.

I’m completely new to PIs and Linux. I’m not sure exactly what I want to control yet. I have an automated doser now that works beautifully. I will most likely add lighting control for my T5s and a temperature probe. I have plenty of old APC UPSs I can scavenge parts from if needed. I also have a webcam I use currently I like. Any suggestions?

I am very happy that you considered reef-pi. I'll say let's go slow and do a basic build first with just Pi + Reef pi and may be a couple of receptacles to control some equipment, followed by the temperature controller.
Did you order anything else other than the Pi ?

 

[Cary]

I was able to get my temperature sensor working. I still have not gotten Adafruit working. I guess I need to slow down and read more carefully.

Ranjib (or anyone in the group), does the graph update each 1 minute automatically? Mine does not and seems to only update when I click the system update button.

 

[Bronc]

I am very happy that you considered reef-pi. I'll say let's go slow and do a basic build first with just Pi + Reef pi and may be a couple of receptacles to control some equipment, followed by the temperature controller.
Did you order anything else other than the Pi ?

I ordered this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C6Q2GSY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Cary]

sorry for the duplicate. It also updates when I click any other tab and then click the temperature tab

 

[Ranjib]

I was able to get my temperature sensor working. I still have not gotten Adafruit working. I guess I need to slow down and read more carefully.

Ranjib (or anyone in the group), does the graph update each 1 minute automatically? Mine does not and seems to only update when I click the system update button.

yup, the graph does not update automatically .. i'll note down this, and get it fixed in the next release, thanks for pointing it out.
What problem you are facing with adafruit.io ?
- Have you enabled telemetry and provided adafruit.io key under the system tab?
- Have you created a feed named "temperature" in adafruit.io website?
- What does reef-pi log says? Can you share it?

 

[Ranjib]

I ordered this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C6Q2GSY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You'll need receptacles and relay for the equipment controls : https://reef-pi.github.io/build-guides/power/
For the temperature probe you'll need a ds18b20 probe and a 3.7k resistor: https://reef-pi.github.io/build-guides/temperature/ (this guide is still work in progress)

 

[Ryan115]

15-20 ma , for most mechanical relays.

The 5V relays used on this board are drawing a fair bit more. Mine are HK3FF-DC5V-SHG. The other one that seems pretty common, SRD-05VDC-SL also specs out around 70mA. I think 20-30mA may be more common for 12v relays.

I tested mine out with a 1 ohm resistor on the 5v line.
0-relays on - 3.1 mA
1-relay on - 70.3 mA
2-relays on - 132 mA

Currently I cannot activate more than 2 relays at a time, even though the DC supply is rated at 700mA.
I am going to buck down my 12V 150W supply for further testing.