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

[wykat]

Getting started on 2.0 documentation , theres a lot to be done, I’m thinking of covering at least these

• Update all existing guides with 2.0 specific things (like ULN2803 & ADJ powerstrip in power controller, pi based pwm in lighting controller, multi ato, multi-temperature sensors etc)
• Add new build guides for new 2.0 modules (ph, doser, macro, camera )
• Update general guides (housing will include plastic enclosures, 3d printed parts design files, new wiring connectors and color-coded circuits etc)
• Add build images, screenshots and possibly videos as part of the guides
• Publish comprehensive copies of the guides to learn.adafruit.com as well.

Let me know if you think I should add anything extra.

I was a surprised about the current requirements for the PWM module. Your wrote
[QUOTE="Depends upon what light you are powering, Kessil draws 20-70ma per channel. I have a moonlight (biocube led strip) thats directly controlled (i.e. the pwm directly powers the light) and draws around 1A, i use a logic level power mosfet for that[/Quote]

The LM7810 can supply maximum of 1A, so no chance to simplify. Would be interesting to know your mosfet solution. Somehow I never liked mosfet :confused:

 

[Ranjib]

I was a surprised about the current requirements for the PWM module. Your wrote
[QUOTE="Depends upon what light you are powering, Kessil draws 20-70ma per channel. I have a moonlight (biocube led strip) thats directly controlled (i.e. the pwm directly powers the light) and draws around 1A, i use a logic level power mosfet for that

The LM7810 can supply maximum of 1A, so no chance to simplify. Would be interesting to know your mosfet solution. Somehow I never liked mosfet :confused:[/QUOTE]
I use lm2596 modules for all my voltage conversion/regulation, across the board (12->10V, 12-> 5V etc).
I use the mosfets (such as IRLB8721, available from afafruit) for controlling high current component such as LED lights, and example usage can be found here: https://learn.adafruit.com/rgb-led-strips?view=all , i thin any logic level n-channel power mosfet will work,
If its a peristaltic pump (for doser) or some other motor related thing, then i prefer to use l293d instead of power mosfet, since it provides direction control and some addedd protection. I have tried and tested these solution on my builds, so fairly confident on these circuits now.

Recently I am also toying with BLDC (brushless dc motor controller) with three phase output to control things like gyre.. the setup is still needs to be thoroughly tested... so stay tuned

 

[pickupman66]

Time to dip my toe into this water. I have been part of the BETA team for DA for a few years. I was one of the first people to use their Archon (linux based) controllers. As many may know they are no longer in business. Unfortunately that means no support. Last night, my system went down and would not recover. the web server is down, the buss is down, and it will no longer connect to my wifi. I sort of knew this day would come soon and have been doing my best to peruse and keep up with the ReefPi development here. I guess time to kick that into overdrive because I feel vulnerable not having my system on a full control system. I don't want to go the apex route at this time either.

So that means I get to build a little Reefpi here. Currently I have 12 powered devices for my tank. realistically I dont see a need for more than 16 outlets so I am planning a build for that (or alt least expand to it). I am not skilled with solder yet so hopefully we can make it work.

Goals:

• Easy to assemble
• neat
• Safe

Must have features:

• Power control to up to 16 devices
• ATO (have float switch setup and Aqualifter currently)
• Temp

Initial buy/build list

• Pi3b - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C6FFNY...olid=1ERUWQAR070WF&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
• temp probe - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B27R21...olid=1ERUWQAR070WF&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
• Dual relay boards - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DNB2NG...olid=1ERUWQAR070WF&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it ( have a 4 replay handy so we may just start with that and then expand over to the dual 8s
• Wires - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019SX71T...olid=1ERUWQAR070WF&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
• Breakout HAT block - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M27459...olid=1ERUWQAR070WF&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it - This is optional. I may get it if I feel it will clean up the install

For now, I think that will work to get me back under temperature control. As I progress, I know i want to bring my PWM controlled Jebao WP25s back under the controller. Previously on the Archon, I had then running in an alternating 7 second program to give a really good ebb and flow that the stand alone controllers cannot do. Since it is just two of them, I think I can do this on the two PWM io pins. That said I also have a wp10 that I controlled as well on a separate osculating 3 second program. So maybe I need a PWM board. It is my understanding that the PWM wavemaker/pump control has not made it in yet so I can hold off on this.

I wish I had the programming knowledge as you but if interested, I can provide some of the linux code from the archon if it helps further the progress here.


at the end, a Quick Question. I have an extra Reefkeeper temperature probe. Can I cut the end off it for use with Reefpi?

 

[Cal_stir]

I can't get this to work for the life of me, I have a pi3b+, 32gig class 10 sd card with raspian flashed on it with etcher, I connect to a tv with hdmi, do all the setup, wifi and updates and raspberry pi works great. I download the dashboard latest version, https://github.com/reef-pi/reef-pi/releases/download/1.5/reef-pi-1.5-pi3.deb, and reboot pi, I enter the ip address into a browser and log in reef-pi/reef-pi and the dashboard appears, I go to configuration and try to change the password, press update then reload and get error. None of the buttons on the bottom of the page work, they are red and all give a terminated"} error. Then when I refresh my browser I get the login page but can't log in anymore. I have reflashed the card atleast 10 times, Am I supposed to download any other releases, any help would be appreciated.

 

[Ranjib]

Time to dip my toe into this water. I have been part of the BETA team for DA for a few years. I was one of the first people to use their Archon (linux based) controllers. As many may know they are no longer in business. Unfortunately that means no support. Last night, my system went down and would not recover. the web server is down, the buss is down, and it will no longer connect to my wifi. I sort of knew this day would come soon and have been doing my best to peruse and keep up with the ReefPi development here. I guess time to kick that into overdrive because I feel vulnerable not having my system on a full control system. I don't want to go the apex route at this time either.

So that means I get to build a little Reefpi here. Currently I have 12 powered devices for my tank. realistically I dont see a need for more than 16 outlets so I am planning a build for that (or alt least expand to it). I am not skilled with solder yet so hopefully we can make it work.

Goals:

• Easy to assemble
• neat
• Safe

Must have features:

• Power control to up to 16 devices
• ATO (have float switch setup and Aqualifter currently)
• Temp

Initial buy/build list

• Pi3b - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C6FFNY...olid=1ERUWQAR070WF&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
• temp probe - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B27R21...olid=1ERUWQAR070WF&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
• Dual relay boards - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DNB2NG...olid=1ERUWQAR070WF&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it ( have a 4 replay handy so we may just start with that and then expand over to the dual 8s
• Wires - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019SX71T...olid=1ERUWQAR070WF&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
• Breakout HAT block - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M27459...olid=1ERUWQAR070WF&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it - This is optional. I may get it if I feel it will clean up the install

For now, I think that will work to get me back under temperature control. As I progress, I know i want to bring my PWM controlled Jebao WP25s back under the controller. Previously on the Archon, I had then running in an alternating 7 second program to give a really good ebb and flow that the stand alone controllers cannot do. Since it is just two of them, I think I can do this on the two PWM io pins. That said I also have a wp10 that I controlled as well on a separate osculating 3 second program. So maybe I need a PWM board. It is my understanding that the PWM wavemaker/pump control has not made it in yet so I can hold off on this.

I wish I had the programming knowledge as you but if interested, I can provide some of the linux code from the archon if it helps further the progress here.


at the end, a Quick Question. I have an extra Reefkeeper temperature probe. Can I cut the end off it for use with Reefpi?

Thank you for considering reef-pi, your feedback will be valuable for us and all reef-pi users.

Since your profile suggest you are from USA, I would suggest not using straight relays and instead use american dj powerstrip and control them with reef-pi directly. Those are 8 outlets for 60$. I am happy to help with the circuit build etc. For power controller, you'll need two ADJ power stripts, two db9 connectors, two db9 cable (to connect powerstrip with reef-pi housing), two ULN2803a IC, one lm2596 converter (12v -> 5v), a 12v 2A power supply, and 1/2 breakout board (like adafruit permaproto or gikfun). You can prototype this in breadboard, but a permanant installation is better of on perfboard with all component soldered in (but this is simple soldering, nothing fancy involved). Its safer to start with one powerstrip and then extend the build to add another one when you get a hang of the process. If soldering is a hard no-go then we have to think bit differently, let us know

I dont know the temperature sensor type of reefkeeper, if its ds18b20, it should work.

float-switch + ATO should work without any issues. Keep some resistors handy, in case you need.
The Raspberry Pi you have linked is one generation older (Pi 3), theres a new version at almost same price.

Here is the link of a bucket list of items, its exhaustive, so choose only the ones you need: http://a.co/j8Iv8M0

You are right on the pwm and wavemaker front. I am still testing out the circuit with 24v controllable dc pumps. But we heavily use pwm for LED and dosing control already, so those circuits are all understood and reef-pi support is there. In-fact if all you need is two channels or two pumps, then you wont need any pwm breakout board, vanilla raspberry pi will do.

I would love to see the archon code, assuming its opensource/legal thing to do. If not, I'll skip.

Measure twice pour once, that will save you some time and components :-) , ask as many questions as you have and inform us about your designs/circuits beforehand, that will give us an opportunity to review and warn of any possible issues.


godspeed

 

[Ranjib]

I can't get this to work for the life of me, I have a pi3b+, 32gig class 10 sd card with raspian flashed on it with etcher, I connect to a tv with hdmi, do all the setup, wifi and updates and raspberry pi works great. I download the dashboard latest version, https://github.com/reef-pi/reef-pi/releases/download/1.5/reef-pi-1.5-pi3.deb, and reboot pi, I enter the ip address into a browser and log in reef-pi/reef-pi and the dashboard appears, I go to configuration and try to change the password, press update then reload and get error. None of the buttons on the bottom of the page work, they are red and all give a terminated"} error. Then when I refresh my browser I get the login page but can't log in anymore. I have reflashed the card atleast 10 times, Am I supposed to download any other releases, any help would be appreciated.

Please dont flush the card. Its likely a simple username/ password issue. Lets walk through how you are updating username/password and I am sure we'll be able to address this.

I'll repeat, do not reimage your SD card, it only reduces the lifespan of SD cards, and you can always reef-pi by just removing the database, and restarting it

sudo rm -rf /var/lib/reef-pi/reef-pi.db
sudo systemctl start reef-pi.service

can you try this, go to your browser, enter "reef-pi" as username and password. Does this work? If so, lets start working from here, and reset your password, share the screenshots for reference,

 

[Erica-Renee]

Time to dip my toe into this water. I have been part of the BETA team for DA for a few years. I was one of the first people to use their Archon (linux based) controllers. As many may know they are no longer in business. Unfortunately that means no support. Last night, my system went down and would not recover. the web server is down, the buss is down, and it will no longer connect to my wifi. I sort of knew this day would come soon and have been doing my best to peruse and keep up with the ReefPi development here. I guess time to kick that into overdrive because I feel vulnerable not having my system on a full control system. I don't want to go the apex route at this time either.

So that means I get to build a little Reefpi here. Currently I have 12 powered devices for my tank. realistically I dont see a need for more than 16 outlets so I am planning a build for that (or alt least expand to it). I am not skilled with solder yet so hopefully we can make it work.

Goals:

• Easy to assemble
• neat
• Safe

Must have features:

• Power control to up to 16 devices
• ATO (have float switch setup and Aqualifter currently)
• Temp

Initial buy/build list

• Pi3b - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C6FFNY...olid=1ERUWQAR070WF&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
• temp probe - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B27R21...olid=1ERUWQAR070WF&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
• Dual relay boards - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DNB2NG...olid=1ERUWQAR070WF&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it ( have a 4 replay handy so we may just start with that and then expand over to the dual 8s
• Wires - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019SX71T...olid=1ERUWQAR070WF&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
• Breakout HAT block - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M27459...olid=1ERUWQAR070WF&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it - This is optional. I may get it if I feel it will clean up the install

For now, I think that will work to get me back under temperature control. As I progress, I know i want to bring my PWM controlled Jebao WP25s back under the controller. Previously on the Archon, I had then running in an alternating 7 second program to give a really good ebb and flow that the stand alone controllers cannot do. Since it is just two of them, I think I can do this on the two PWM io pins. That said I also have a wp10 that I controlled as well on a separate osculating 3 second program. So maybe I need a PWM board. It is my understanding that the PWM wavemaker/pump control has not made it in yet so I can hold off on this.

I wish I had the programming knowledge as you but if interested, I can provide some of the linux code from the archon if it helps further the progress here.


at the end, a Quick Question. I have an extra Reefkeeper temperature probe. Can I cut the end off it for use with Reefpi?

Welcome to the Project.. This to me is more then just about making my Aquarium easier. But have learned a lot as well. Brushed up on my Soldering along the way.

@Ranjib Is amazing.. I really do not see how he manages to have a Life and answer Everyone in this forum , improving his Code and still being sane..

 

[Ranjib]

Welcome to the Project.. This to me is more then just about making my Aquarium easier. But have learned a lot as well. Brushed up on my Soldering along the way.

@Ranjib Is amazing.. I really do not see how he manages to have a Life and answer Everyone in this forum , improving his Code and still being sane..

Funny story, I was supposed to be in hawaai now, for vacation. Due to hurricane Lane, trip got canceled. Hence, afternoon beer + infinity war + reef-pi documentation at home :-)

I feel worried about all the folks who are in Hawaai though. Power will be gone for weeks in some places. And I bet this would inflict a lot of property damage :-(

 

[sjeff35]

Funny story, I was supposed to be in hawaai now, for vacation. Due to hurricane Lane, trip got canceled. Hence, afternoon beer + infinity war + reef-pi documentation at home :)

I feel worried about all the folks who are in Hawaai though. Power will be gone for weeks in some places. And I bet this would inflict a lot of property damage :-(

I had the Weather Channel folks come up with that hurricane just so you could finish the documentation. You can thank me later!!! :D

 

[pickupman66]

Thank you for the replies folks.

I plan to use one of the american DJ boxes as they are quite neat and clean. Just need to work that out. Initially I need to get the system back up for ATO and temp control. The temp probe looks very similar to that but they also have a PH probe style that is 2 wires. I will give it a shot. Do you calibrate the temp probes when you hook them up?

as for soldering, not sure yet if I am ready for that. May just get a quick setup done to get the temp and ATO back and then move closer to the rest with the DJ box and components

 

[Cal_stir]

Please dont flush the card. Its likely a simple username/ password issue. Lets walk through how you are updating username/password and I am sure we'll be able to address this.

I'll repeat, do not reimage your SD card, it only reduces the lifespan of SD cards, and you can always reef-pi by just removing the database, and restarting it

sudo rm -rf /var/lib/reef-pi/reef-pi.db
sudo systemctl start reef-pi.service

can you try this, go to your browser, enter "reef-pi" as username and password. Does this work? If so, lets start working from here, and reset your password, share the screenshots for reference,

Already reflashed it, configured it, turned on I2C, SPI, SSH, 1-wire, wifi in the raspberry pi configuration page, ready to install reef-pi.

 

[Ranjib]

Already reflashed it, configured it, turned on I2C, SPI, SSH, 1-wire, wifi in the raspberry pi configuration page, ready to install reef-pi.

so if I understand correctly, things get bad after you reset password?
Also, why not try out 2.0.0-alpha-0 instead of 1.5 release?

 

[Cal_stir]

so if I understand correctly, things get bad after you reset password?
Also, why not try out 2.0.0-alpha-0 instead of 1.5 release?

https://github.com/reef-pi/reef-pi/releases/download/2.0.0-alpha-0/reef-pi-2.0.0-alpha-0-pi3.deb, this one?, can I just download it and install it or do I have to type it in the terminal window?

 

[Ranjib]

https://github.com/reef-pi/reef-pi/releases/download/2.0.0-alpha-0/reef-pi-2.0.0-alpha-0-pi3.deb, this one?, can I just download it and install it or do I have to type it in the terminal window?

if you are browsing via Pi, then yeah , you can directly download and click to install it.

 

[DaveMorris]

I guess I need to spend a month reading through this thread, but my biggest hang up to doing this project is the programming side. I am just getting into some Arduino programming and really going slow at it. How hard is it going to be to learn how to properly set up and tweak the Raspberry Pi system? I would be doing this to learn and have an extensive knowledge of electronics, but my computer programming is at a kindergarten level, at best. I was soldering electrical components in the garage with my dad when I was 10 years old so the assembly and component knowledge is strong.

 

[Ranjib]

I guess I need to spend a month reading through this thread, but my biggest hang up to doing this project is the programming side. I am just getting into some Arduino programming and really going slow at it. How hard is it going to be to learn how to properly set up and tweak the Raspberry Pi system? I would be doing this to learn and have an extensive knowledge of electronics, but my computer programming is at a kindergarten level, at best. I was soldering electrical components in the garage with my dad when I was 10 years old so the assembly and component knowledge is strong.

You have to run few commands in terminal, if thats what you mean. There is no actual programming (using some programming language like say javascript or python) involved in the build process. Some terminal based commands and file editing at most.

 

[Cal_stir]

Ok got this

 

[pickupman66]

I guess I need to spend a month reading through this thread, but my biggest hang up to doing this project is the programming side. I am just getting into some Arduino programming and really going slow at it. How hard is it going to be to learn how to properly set up and tweak the Raspberry Pi system? I would be doing this to learn and have an extensive knowledge of electronics, but my computer programming is at a kindergarten level, at best. I was soldering electrical components in the garage with my dad when I was 10 years old so the assembly and component knowledge is strong.

OH MY!!! DaveMorris this is definately something we can do together. from everything I have skimmed and read, I think if we were able to handle Eric and his ramblings and code, we should be able to set this thing up. I just bought my Pi rom amazon and am already laoding Rasbian onto a micro SD card. then ill use what i have at the house to create a small 4 channel power controller this weekend and just pop the Pi in when it arrives monday.

 

[Ranjib]

Ok got this

what browser you are using ? looks like the css things are not working. Does a hard browser refresh changes the look ? This means reef-pi is working

 

[Cal_stir]

what browser you are using ? looks like the css things are not working. Does a hard browser refresh changes the look ? This means reef-pi is working

Using google chrome, refresh looks the same, not sure what a hard refresh is.