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

[Ranjib]

Hey guys, I've been playing around with the reef-pi and downloaded the source from Github and just started looking through it. I've got a go module written up to talk to TP-Link Smart Powerstrips (well, any of the TP-Link/Kasa plugs) via TCP and was wondering where I should look in the code to wire it up as a power device so the reef-pi can access it? The TP-Link devices also provide power usage data so getting that hooked up as something to track in stats would be awesome as well.

Welcome to reef2reef :-)

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

Check you've wired it correctly and have good contacts, seems like the pull up resistor is either in the wrong place or value, I had this issue myself with an Arduino build and the resistor had a poor connection, resoldered it and working the same probe is on my pi now.

I'm using the pico board from @theatrus so there isn't much I can do with that.

 

[dmolavi]

I'm using the pico board from @theatrus so there isn't much I can do with that.

How long is it up before the probe drops out?

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

How long is it up before the probe drops out?

A couple of minutes. Not long at all. I'm seeing some interesting behavior across the entire system, actually. I think I should reload the reef-pi software and rebuild it. Something could have gotten messed up during one of the unscheduled power downs.

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

How long is it up before the probe drops out?

Now I need to learn how to remove the application so i can do a clean install. The alternative is a complete OS wipe and rebuild.

 

[dmolavi]

Now I need to learn how to remove the application so i can do a clean install. The alternative is a complete OS wipe and rebuild.

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

That resets the database. Start with that before you uninstall/reinstall.

sudo dpkg --remove reef-pi-1.0-pi0.deb

(replace the '1.0' and 'pi0' with whatever you used) This will remove it completely.

 

[Mikeneedsahobby]

I'm using the pico board from @theatrus so there isn't much I can do with that.

Hi dirt. I know you have been having probe issues for some time. I also have the pico board. I run one probe and it has always been stable. So the base design of the software works with the board as long as nothing is broke. If you swap probes does the other act the same by itself? Are you sure there are no shorts in the connector? Is it possible that there is interference from a power cable messing with the signal? I am just guessing and hoping you get it fixed. I don’t mind sending you my probe to try for a week or two to eliminate that possibility if you think it will help.

 

[stefanm]

@Bigtrout the chiller is working properly, a big thank you for helping me out!

@Ranjib also a big thank you too for creating reef-pi, my alk doser has been up for 8 days now, my alk is rock solid so far, my calcium is high I think I know where it's leached from, since automating is falling in line with the alk dosing, as is my magnesium. Hoping for good things this year!

 

[That Crusso Kid]

@Bigtrout the chiller is working properly, a big thank you for helping me out!

@Ranjib also a big thank you too for creating reef-pi, my alk doser has been up for 8 days now, my alk is rock solid so far, my calcium is high I think I know where it's leached from, since automating is falling in line with the all dosing, as is my magnesium. Hoping for good things this year!

These two guys are all aces in my book!

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

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

That resets the database. Start with that before you uninstall/reinstall.

sudo dpkg --remove reef-pi-1.0-pi0.deb

(replace the '1.0' and 'pi0' with whatever you used) This will remove it completely.

Hi dirt. I know you have been having probe issues for some time. I also have the pico board. I run one probe and it has always been stable. So the base design of the software works with the board as long as nothing is broke. If you swap probes does the other act the same by itself? Are you sure there are no shorts in the connector? Is it possible that there is interference from a power cable messing with the signal? I am just guessing and hoping you get it fixed. I don’t mind sending you my probe to try for a week or two to eliminate that possibility if you think it will help.

The probes are pretty solid, and I'll probably do a little more testing with them, but I've had some interesting behavior out of this box for a while. I was never able to get the telemetry into adafruit IO, but it looks like some feeds were created when the problems with the temperature probes began. I'll work on the data base, and then start over. I don't think this is a hardware issue, at least not yet. Also, both of you are amazing for your support!

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

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

That resets the database. Start with that before you uninstall/reinstall.

sudo dpkg --remove reef-pi-1.0-pi0.deb

(replace the '1.0' and 'pi0' with whatever you used) This will remove it completely.

Hi dirt. I know you have been having probe issues for some time. I also have the pico board. I run one probe and it has always been stable. So the base design of the software works with the board as long as nothing is broke. If you swap probes does the other act the same by itself? Are you sure there are no shorts in the connector? Is it possible that there is interference from a power cable messing with the signal? I am just guessing and hoping you get it fixed. I don’t mind sending you my probe to try for a week or two to eliminate that possibility if you think it will help.

The probes are pretty solid, and I'll probably do a little more testing with them, but I've had some interesting behavior out of this box for a while. I was never able to get the telemetry into adafruit IO, but it looks like some feeds were created when the problems with the temperature probes began. I'll work on the data base, and then start over. I don't think this is a hardware issue, at least not yet. Also, both of you are amazing for your support!

Reset the database, and are currently rebuilding the box. Now I have to sort out my ATO system, but that should be simple. One of the temperature probes was causing issues. One of the thick orange cabled ones took a dump, so @Mikeneedsahobby was correct. This is the adventure that is beta testing though. Can't wait to start testing the pH capability.

 

[b4tn]

I’m curious what is the most temp probes someone has run off the standard config 3.3v bus and 4.7k resistor? I want to add another probe but I’m already running 2. I don’t really want to pull things apart to change the resistor value. I can just add an additional probe to my terminal block.

 

[bishoptf]

I’m curious what is the most temp probes someone has run off the standard config 3.3v bus and 4.7k resistor? I want to add another probe but I’m already running 2. I don’t really want to pull things apart to change the resistor value. I can just add an additional probe to my terminal block.

I'm running three at the moment, normal adafruit pihat, was thinking about adding another for ambient temperature. Will be interested in hearing how many you can run, my three have been solid from day one ... :)

 

[That Crusso Kid]

I’m curious what is the most temp probes someone has run off the standard config 3.3v bus and 4.7k resistor? I want to add another probe but I’m already running 2. I don’t really want to pull things apart to change the resistor value. I can just add an additional probe to my terminal block.

I've heard of 3 but don't know of anyone running more.

That's a nice looking box!

 

[Bigtrout]

I’m curious what is the most temp probes someone has run off the standard config 3.3v bus and 4.7k resistor? I want to add another probe but I’m already running 2. I don’t really want to pull things apart to change the resistor value. I can just add an additional probe to my terminal block.

Im running 3, but have tested with 5 and all ok on Mike Lanes hat with just a 4.7k resistor

 

[Ranjib]

I have tested with 5, and running three at max in one of my build

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

I’m curious what is the most temp probes someone has run off the standard config 3.3v bus and 4.7k resistor? I want to add another probe but I’m already running 2. I don’t really want to pull things apart to change the resistor value. I can just add an additional probe to my terminal block.

I like how you did the case.

 

[b4tn]

Thanks, if I would have been thinking I only needed one of the screw terminal blocks for the temp sensor since they are all in parallel anyway. I could have just used one block and put all the wire ends from the sensor in the clamp.

 

[Ranjib]

Development work is humming along . Now that the pwm bug is sorted I am refocusing in ph board . We have the driver work done, and next is integration of calibration module and start doing field testing (need all of your help, who have pico board or ph board on this) ... it’s been constantly raining here in Bay Area , and I’m realizing having garage downstairs of our apartment, is a discouraging factor during such weather ...

On a separate note , I am big fan of Serpadesign youtube channel , run bay Tanib Serpa who shares a lot of good videos on terrarium /Vivarium/freshwater tanks. I built this native terrarium (more excuse to spend time with my son :-) ) last month , it’s doing ok since then, and is blooming tiny flowers now :-) . Me, wife, son everyone is intrigued and full of joy about it

Flowers

 

[Mikeneedsahobby]

thats pretty cool!

I can field test pico board from an electrical novice perspective. What probe should I get? or what should I look for in a probe?