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

[BlakeFL]

I want to place an order for connectors to use on the temperature and water level probes. What is the best alternative than using stereo plugs? The XLR's @Ranjib posted look good but are they a bit too bulky? The other option is the cheap GX16 aviation style connectors on eBay which come in 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 pin. I was hoping Adafruit would have some additional options because I was going to buy some jumper cables from them to replace the crappy ones I have from eBay.

 

[b4tn]

I want to place an order for connectors to use on the temperature and water level probes. What is the best alternative than using stereo plugs? The XLR's @Ranjib posted look good but are they a bit too bulky? The other option is the cheap GX16 aviation style connectors on eBay which come in 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 pin. I was hoping Adafruit would have some additional options because I was going to buy some jumper cables from them to replace the crappy ones I have from eBay.

The Mini dins are the size of your PS/2 that used to be for your mouse and keyboards back in the day
https://www.amazon.com/Jameco-Value...3507090&sr=1-15&keywords=panel+mount+mini+din

I was also considering USB which has 4 pins and would be easy to solder.
https://www.amazon.com/ASICPICUSB2-0AS-Waterproof-Connector-Shielded-Female/dp/B00R3B0AOK

 

[Ranjib]

Although I've not yet been able to test the new PCM PCB, I've created a thread related to this (and other ) PCB's at https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/reef-pi_-pcbs.513733/ I've received the new PWM PCB's already some time ago, but I can't find the required transistors anymore. Just ordered new ones today together with the components for Roberto_B's pH probe.
I've also uploaded a 31 page Reef-PI_HAT Build guideline with lots of pictures on how this Reef-PI_HAT board can be assembled. All information can be found at https://github.com/vandegraaf/Reef-PI_PCBs. Also other PCB design and documentation will be placed there.

That’s awesome . I’ll go through the guide . Thank you so much

 

[Ranjib]

Is it safe to say that if SPI is disabled the following pins on the perma proto hat can be used as just regular GPIO?

MOSI - GPIO 10
MISO - GPIO 9
CLK -GPIO 11
CE0 - GPIO 8
CE1 - GPIO 7

Yes

 

[Ranjib]

Also is that connector your using a mini XLR or a TA4FX? or are they the same thing? I use the latter in a lot of audio mics.

I think they are same. On amazon they are sold as mini xlr

 

[That Crusso Kid]

I want to place an order for connectors to use on the temperature and water level probes. What is the best alternative than using stereo plugs? The XLR's @Ranjib posted look good but are they a bit too bulky? The other option is the cheap GX16 aviation style connectors on eBay which come in 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 pin. I was hoping Adafruit would have some additional options because I was going to buy some jumper cables from them to replace the crappy ones I have from eBay.

@BlakeL - Although this may not be the specific answer your seeking, here's a link to about any type of connector you could hope to order. A nice thing about it is that it has radio buttons to select the ones you want to see. I hope this helps!

https://www.mouser.com/Mobile/Connectors/_/N-5g3y/

 

[LionHeart2017]

https://www.modmypi.com/raspberry-p...19/adafruit-dc-and-stepper-motor-hat-mini-kit

This hat ticks a few boxes, 4 motor controls and 4 spare pwm channels and upto 12v motors, seems this would be and ideal option for lights and dosers?

 

[rushbattle]

https://www.modmypi.com/raspberry-p...19/adafruit-dc-and-stepper-motor-hat-mini-kit

This hat ticks a few boxes, 4 motor controls and 4 spare pwm channels and upto 12v motors, seems this would be and ideal option for lights and dosers?

This is pretty awesome. Out of stock at Ada though, wish I could order one to just test out.

 

[LionHeart2017]

This is pretty awesome. Out of stock at Ada though, wish I could order one to just test out.

its new out so shouldn't be long before its in circulation

 

[That Crusso Kid]

This is pretty awesome. Out of stock at Ada though, wish I could order one to just test out.

They're available on Amazon...

Adafruit DC & Stepper Motor HAT for Raspberry Pi - Mini Kit

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TIY5JM8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_CwhaCbA8K3ECQ

 

[b4tn]

This is essentially a much cleaner version of what I have done. I even use the tb6612 for my dosers. Looks like you could build this and stack the @Ranjib’s power circuit on top. I have to admit I’m having so much fun building this that when mine is done I might just build another one lol

 

[LionHeart2017]

This is essentially a much cleaner version of what I have done. I even use the tb6612 for my dosers. Looks like you could build this and stack the @Ranjib’s power circuit on top. I have to admit I’m having so much fun building this that when mine is done I might just build another one lol

I'm having fun just collecting parts, not built the controller yet, only a pi0 for lights on and off, I got my pi3 b+ ready, i then ordered the new pi3 a+ as the size is just so much more suitable

 

[rushbattle]

They're available on Amazon...

Adafruit DC & Stepper Motor HAT for Raspberry Pi - Mini Kit

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TIY5JM8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_CwhaCbA8K3ECQ

Ordered.

My pi and all of its associated parts like resistors, transistors, power supply, etc. were supposed to be delivered today. I got an email from Amazon around 3pm EST saying that the package was damaged and I would be refunded the full amount! What the heck! So back to square one, all ordered again.

 

[ScottBrew]

Ordered.

My pi and all of its associated parts like resistors, transistors, power supply, etc. were supposed to be delivered today. I got an email from Amazon around 3pm EST saying that the package was damaged and I would be refunded the full amount! What the heck! So back to square one, all ordered again.

Fortunately, Amazon has their own shipping service, so you aren't having to wait for Fedex or UPS to deliberate before they get another order shipped! Hope your Amazon delivery's arrive as quickly as ours, half the stuff I order is same day or tomorrow.

 

[rushbattle]

I have seen it posted up here before, but I have forgotten now. What is the absolute best quality peristaltic pump head and motor combo that runs at 12V or less? DC or stepper are fine, I guess stepper would be slightly preferred. Anybody know what Vertex used in their dosing unit? I thought those heads looked pretty solid. I'll give them a test with the motor HAT after I do my 0-10V analog signal (pump control) testing.

 

[theatrus]

I have seen it posted up here before, but I have forgotten now. What is the absolute best quality peristaltic pump head and motor combo that runs at 12V or less? DC or stepper are fine, I guess stepper would be slightly preferred. Anybody know what Vertex used in their dosing unit? I thought those heads looked pretty solid. I'll give them a test with the motor HAT after I do my 0-10V analog signal (pump control) testing.

Absolute best is hard to quantify. I'm looking at these two models in my lineup:

Stepper and loadable head. The included tubing should probably be replaced, but the plastic isn't bad and it can push a lot of torque.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/DC-...aphragm-pump-vacuum-Aquarium/32705281006.html

This one is a better adjusted head for different tubings and the stepper driver is included:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Kam...epper-Motor-13-5-320ml-min-4/32849352450.html

 

[rushbattle]

Fortunately, Amazon has their own shipping service, so you aren't having to wait for Fedex or UPS to deliberate before they get another order shipped! Hope your Amazon delivery's arrive as quickly as ours, half the stuff I order is same day or tomorrow.

Two days minimum up into the mountains! Amazon says Sunday-Tues package deliveries.

 

[ScottBrew]

New toy today! Whole lot better than my 15 year old 40 watt Radio Shack iron.

Hope to get my pump controller working tomorrow, i2c or pwm, decisions, decisions...

https://www.droking.com/dc-5v-36v-p...drive-module-electronically-controlled-switch
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SK8MBXI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[theatrus]

Fortunately, Amazon has their own shipping service, so you aren't having to wait for Fedex or UPS to deliberate before they get another order shipped! Hope your Amazon delivery's arrive as quickly as ours, half the stuff I order is same day or tomorrow.

Tell that to the three "Same Day" packages Amazon Logistics has lost in the past two weeks for me, where the other couriers have been flawless :)

 

[rushbattle]

Absolute best is hard to quantify. I'm looking at these two models in my lineup:

Stepper and loadable head. The included tubing should probably be replaced, but the plastic isn't bad and it can push a lot of torque.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/DC-...aphragm-pump-vacuum-Aquarium/32705281006.html

This one is a better adjusted head for different tubings and the stepper driver is included:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Kam...epper-Motor-13-5-320ml-min-4/32849352450.html

Right, absolute best is not absolute :)
"To the best of your knowledge, what is the best stepper powered persitaltic pump for dosing ~50-400ml per day very accurately and precisely and has very high reliability with low maintenance required relatively speaking" is what I should have said. I have a bad habit of just assuming that others know what I am thinking. I am sorry I wasn't clear, I appreciate everyone's time and effort and I hate to be disrespectful by not being clear!

Thanks for your help, greatly appreciated!