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

[ScottBrew]

I dont know yet, it really depends upon the setup (wire length, types of devices, i2c mode, pull up resistors etc). I have not hit the limit, at most I have connected three. But we are likely to use more (since MCP23017 , the io expander support in 3.0 , is also i2c based)

Has pigpio been discussed for expansion?

 

[Ranjib]

Has pigpio been discussed for expansion?

Nope. pigpio is software only right? Is there anything specific in pigpio that you think will be useful?
My current thought are around using MCP23017 to add another 16 I/O that can be used across outlets and inlets

 

[theatrus]

The usual gating factor in I2C is bus capacitance - each device and wire adds some amount, up until you don’t get proper level transitions anymore. There are redrivers available, commonly used for the display information link in HDMI. I put one on the Pico design, which should overcome longer wire lengths.

Beyond that I recommend CAN or RS485 and a normal UART. The Pis UART is a bit gimpy depending on what hardware block is in use sadly.

 

[LionHeart2017]

Got my self a dedicated Amazon fire 7 tablet today, so I can be posh and mount a tablet near my tank for control of reef-pi, well that is when I get all my bits, trouble I have here in UK is power relay, figuring out the nicest but safest way to do it.

Got in running in full screen as well[emoji2]

 

[Ranjib]

Got my self a dedicated Amazon fire 7 tablet today, so I can be posh and mount a tablet near my tank for control of reef-pi, well that is when I get all my bits, trouble I have here in UK is power relay, figuring out the nicest but safest way to do it.

Got in running in full screen as well[emoji2]

Very cool :-)

 

[LionHeart2017]

Very cool :-)

Yes, thanks, I want this controller to look epic, gonna try and beat how an apex setup looks [emoji12]

 

[HM3105]

So, random issue. Pi zero. I've connected 5 DS18b20. The Pi won't power up. When I unplug the temp sensors it runs fine. Any thoughts?

Nevermind - Stupid wiring mistake. Carry on.

 

[Ranjib]

So, random issue. Pi zero. I've connected 5 DS18b20. The Pi won't power up. When I unplug the temp sensors it runs fine. Any thoughts?

Current draw? or one of the probe/connector is sorted ? Power down the whole thing, connect all the probes and run continuity checks for all temp probe related connectors.
I encountered the same yesterday night while upgrading raspbian in one of my test setup. But it went away after I tinkered with the probes.. been working fine since then. All this makes me think if something has to do with Raspbian/reef-pi

 

[pickupman66]

Nice looking feast! What time we eatin'??? Are you trying to run the Jebao straight from the pi? I think you need a brushless DC controller.

I have a pca9685 I was planning to use for it. I need to get an oscilloscope so I can see exactly what the jebao controller is doing.

WOW[emoji779]️Man that looks intense! How long did the bacon macrame take [emoji23]. So here’s an idea to make yours even better! What would happen if I brined the bird before all that? It makes the meat so juicy tender. I mean it. I have always been the one to turn turkey down, just cuz it’s too way too dry the conventional zway. The makes the meat suck up the moisture and a little salt for flavor because of all the salt. I’m goin to try that!

I made 3 blankets during the hockey intermission last night. So not long at all.

You can brine them too. Won't hurt. The bacon keeps it juicy too. Plus I cover it at 130° internal temp.

 

[HM3105]

Current draw? or one of the probe/connector is sorted ? Power down the whole thing, connect all the probes and run continuity checks for all temp probe related connectors.
I encountered the same yesterday night while upgrading raspbian in one of my test setup. But it went away after I tinkered with the probes.. been working fine since then. All this makes me think if something has to do with Raspbian/reef-pi

Figure it out, when I put sealed the connectors I pushed all the wires together.

 

[ScottBrew]

Nope. pigpio is software only right? Is there anything specific in pigpio that you think will be useful?
My current thought are around using MCP23017 to add another 16 I/O that can be used across outlets and inlets

Yes, a software linking of multiple pi's so "one pi to rule them all" :p. I'm going to run out of gpio's since my lights are just relay controlled and want to add another 8 relays for rodi control of solenoids. Couple zero's running as slaves was what I was thinking.

 

[Ranjib]

Meanwhile....it’s getting ready , may be another 40 min. Side dishes are all done ,

 

[ScottBrew]

I have a pca9685 I was planning to use for it. I need to get an oscilloscope so I can see exactly what the jebao controller is doing. I made 3 blankets during the hockey intermission last night. So not long at all.

@theatrus was explaining that the Current Eflux DC pump I have is probably a 3 phase which doesn't run from straight DC voltage and requires a controller chip. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/current-pump-controller-to-reef-pi.497618/ I have 2 devices that I am going to try by the end of the weekend to use to hijack the 0-5v potentiometer speed control knob. A FET board and a DAC that Ranjib suggested https://www.adafruit.com/product/935 . I'll post what I find here after I get it going.

 

[LionHeart2017]

Yes, a software linking of multiple pi's so "one pi to rule them all" :p. I'm going to run out of gpio's since my lights are just relay controlled and want to add another 8 relays for rodi control of solenoids. Couple zero's running as slaves was what I was thinking.

Building and collecting parts to build is as addictive as reefing, what have you started Ranjib[emoji12]

 

[ScottBrew]

Got my self a dedicated Amazon fire 7 tablet today, so I can be posh and mount a tablet near my tank for control of reef-pi, well that is when I get all my bits, trouble I have here in UK is power relay, figuring out the nicest but safest way to do it.

Got in running in full screen as well[emoji2]

Mine is running on a 32" monitor, HAH, top that! Just kidding, great idea!!!

 

[LionHeart2017]

Mine is running on a 32" monitor, HAH, top that! Just kidding, great idea!!!

I was going to go with a pi raspberry display connected to the pi but figured why, when I can just use a tablet and can put it anywhere and this is half price of the raspberry 7 inch display and can do a lot more, something's with raspberry are good, some not so and can be pricey

 

[Ranjib]

@theatrus was explaining that the Current Eflux DC pump I have is probably a 3 phase which doesn't run from straight DC voltage and requires a controller chip. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/current-pump-controller-to-reef-pi.497618/ I have 2 devices that I am going to try by the end of the weekend to use to hijack the 0-5v potentiometer speed control knob. A FET board and a DAC that Ranjib suggested https://www.adafruit.com/product/935 . I'll post what I find here after I get it going.

I had ordered this BLDC driver to test out my icecap 1K and jebao, but never got the time, and with wavemaker punted on 3.0 , I decided not to spend time on this till 2.0 is out.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D9B6J78/
Im glad you all are testing out. Whatever comes up, we'll be useful for all of us.

 

[Ranjib]

I was going to go with a pi raspberry display connected to the pi but figured why, when I can just use a tablet and can put it anywhere and this is half price of the raspberry 7 inch display and can do a lot more, something's with raspberry are good, some not so and can be pricey

Yess.. and also not waste Pi's precious CPU and memory (most important).
The only drawback is now you need networking. Physical display is pretty good if you want to run Pi without connection to any network whatsoever.

 

[Ranjib]

One more round of baster, brushing with butter and I think we are golden :-)

 

[Mwdsonny]

I'm working on and designing my own relay board since being enlightened about the weak max current of a raspberry pi. I'm designing my first set of boards to support 4 relays, and 4 dosing pumps (nema 17) figure you could connect 2 boards to a pi to get 8 and 8 easily. Can I get an idea of how many pumps and and relays are needed for an average reef setup.