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
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
