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

[LionHeart2017]

@LionHeart2017



@Diamond1 has a guide thru the first 2-6 pages of his thread. This is prob the most current and information available as we were discussing this at that time with him..

Good Luck

I found the post about the uln2803a
https://www.reef2reef.com/index.php?posts/5281522
I'm still confused as it says the 5v relay power is not shared between relay and uln2803a but the picture shows a connected com pin to the 5v power source to the relay.
This confuses me

 

[Ranjib]

That isn't a DS18B20 one-wire sensor that we are normally using. Not how that would be supported with the reef-pi software.

yes. its a high precision temperature probe, and will require analog input reading code support in reef-pi. A form of this is coming to reef-pi, to support @Roberto_b 's ph board and @theatrus 's base board. We'll see if we need higher precision probe. Meanwhile, calibration will also be available soon, (probably 2.2) , I am curious to see the impact of it. I dont know if we really need high precision temperature probes.

 

[ScottBrew]

yes. its a high precision temperature probe, and will require analog input reading code support in reef-pi. A form of this is coming to reef-pi, to support @Roberto_b 's ph board and @theatrus 's base board. We'll see if we need higher precision probe. Meanwhile, calibration will also be available soon, (probably 2.2) , I am curious to see the impact of it. I dont know if we really need high precision temperature probes.

IMO, we work within such a narrow temp, just a few degrees normally, that a calibration of a stable and reliable sensor would be sufficient. I'm very happy with the ones I initially purchased, three of the five are within 1/2 a degree of my analog thermometer and Fluke temp probe. Close enough. :D

 

[theatrus]

Have you guys seen the Adafruit platinum PT1000 temp probe? Says it’s not accurate. What does everyone think? Not sure if it’s waterproof.

PT100/1000 probes are generally the most stable of all probes, however platinum RTDs are only accurate when used with the needed 3 or 4 wire bridge connections to cancel out wire resistance. It does need a dedicated type of analog output.

Most commercial reef controllers use a 10k NTC thermistor, the cheapest and crappiest option, though you can get “gold plated” ones and calibrate them out.

 

[speedstar]

I've been running the whole time I've been set up, without the ULN's. Everything turns on and off as commanded. Building a new proto hat now with the ULN's but not quite finished.

That is awesome that it has worked, I was chasing it around for a awhile here at my place, I think some dirty power came into play that shifted ground potential voltage, but fixed it with the upgrade in my case

 

[pdisner]

I thinking it was about 16$ and had theee wire. It showed the adoasored you were talking about, but didn’t look to see if it came with the lead or not.
I’m just starting so I’m sure you guys have already addressed.

 

[pdisner]

I thinking it was about 16$ and had theee wire. It showed the adoasored you were talking about, but didn’t look to see if it came with the lead or not.
I’m just starting so I’m sure you guys have already addressed.

sorry I meant to say “It showed the board you were talking about,..”

 

[pdisner]

That isn't a DS18B20 one-wire sensor that we are normally using. Not how that would be supported with the reef-pi software.

Ok. I will be using the standard wire everyone has chosen..no worries. I’m just learning, so if I ask an annoying question, it’s because I’m really new to even the some of basics still.
At least I’ve managed to get thru the first few tests and have made a thread.
I’m also on a low budget so things move slower.

 

[ScottBrew]

Ok. I will be using the standard wire everyone has chosen..no worries. I’m just learning, so if I ask an annoying question, it’s because I’m really new to even the some of basics still.
At least I’ve managed to get thru the first few tests and have made a thread.
I’m also on a low budget so things move slower.

I certainly hope that my response didn't come off as I was annoyed, tone does not convey across text. :)

 

[Ryan115]

So I have read that some people are not liking the 3.5mm stereo plugs. I have always used switch craft plugs and they are fantastic. I actually have some on the way to replaced the temporary ones i have on my probes currently. I know they a bit expensive but you cannot go wrong with a quality plug.

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/502-35HDNN

I think it was @Ranjib that sold me on the mini-XLR connectors.
I was originally using stereo connectors, but after getting these connectors in and using them, I am convinced.
All around a much better connector. I will be switching my TRRS over to a 4-pin version soon.

 

[Jonathan Troutt]

I think it was @Ranjib that sold me on the mini-XLR connectors.
I was originally using stereo connectors, but after getting these connectors in and using them, I am convinced.
All around a much better connector. I will be switching my TRRS over to a 4-pin version soon.

XLR is a great connector

 

[Ranjib]

I think it was @Ranjib that sold me on the mini-XLR connectors.
I was originally using stereo connectors, but after getting these connectors in and using them, I am convinced.
All around a much better connector. I will be switching my TRRS over to a 4-pin version soon.

yeah.. i have tried out at least a dozen of these connectors :-) . I like the mini XLR most, it has relatively small form factor (smaller than mini din) and all the other goodness I was looking for (3 or 4 pin variants, GND/+ve pins do not short during plugging/unplugging etc).

I am tied up with the apartment move for next several days :-/

 

[Erica-Renee]

yeah.. i have tried out at least a dozen of these connectors :) . I like the mini XLR most, it has relatively small form factor (smaller than mini din) and all the other goodness I was looking for (3 or 4 pin variants, GND/+ve pins do not short during plugging/unplugging etc).

I am tied up with the apartment move for next several days :-/

WOW.

That has to be a Fun exciting,but frustrating all at the same time way to move.. But then again being Tied up you will not be required to do much lifting.

GOOD LUCK on your move moving always sucks.. We still have things in boxes from our move into this house 14 years ago... We are moving from here into a Jar to be poured into the Ocean...

Have fun

 

[Ranjib]

WOW.

That has to be a Fun exciting,but frustrating all at the same time way to move.. But then again being Tied up you will not be required to do much lifting.

GOOD LUCK on your move moving always sucks.. We still have things in boxes from our move into this house 14 years ago... We are moving from here into a Jar to be poured into the Ocean...

Have fun

Thank you :-)

 

[Ranjib]

I have not started working with these (minidin, mini xlr etc) connectors yet. I think we'll be experimenting with these in the future more. I am working on the HAL (hardware abstraction layer) part of reef-pi that @theatrus just introduced. This will allow us adding new ph circuit, IO expanders etc. All of these things will allow adding more/extra hardware to reef-pi builds and that in turn will make these connectors more important.
I have micro usb and normal USB connectors as well. But I think I'll go with the mini XLR connectors in next builds, particularly for ATO. In all of my current builds I use the audio jacks , but gold plated female panel mount versions. They have been bulletproof for me, except that I can't hotplug the probes. I think for the beginner these are still a good choice. Cheap and easy to source.

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

Guys and Gals, I'm at the point where I'm finally filling my tank with water. Check it out, and please leave me some feedback. The link should be in my signature. Also, @theatrus, when do you think the rev D boards will be available?

 

[speedstar]

Just from experience in having used 1000's of connectors wiring studios and control rooms. You should stick with neutrik or switchcraft for XLR's

 

[Jonathan Troutt]

Just from experience in having used 1000's of connectors wiring studios and control rooms. You should stick with neutrik or switchcraft for XLR's

I have never used neutrik but I have nothing but good things to say about switchcraft.

 

[theatrus]

Guys and Gals, I'm at the point where I'm finally filling my tank with water. Check it out, and please leave me some feedback. The link should be in my signature. Also, @theatrus, when do you think the rev D boards will be available?

Probably just after Christmas, maaaaybe sooner.

 

[Bigtrout]

Hi, I have been reading this thread for a few days, and love the fantastic work on reef pi. Great job Ranjib!

I am a freshwater planted tank guy, but reef pi is just what I am looking for when I change over to a sump filter soon. I am planning a build once Santa comes!