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

[Bigtrout]

Well dang, so going back to repeated probe failures that I had a while back that I attribute to a corrupted install.... I think I found the actual culprit.

One of the viparspectra lights wired for pwm is causing the issue, specifically, my wiring job for the plugs (I think).

I unplugged both lights and probes were reading fine. I plug one light in and it's fine; I plug same light into the 2nd port and all is fine; I plugged the 2nd light in to the first port and errors start. I then swapped the cables from the working light and no dice, errors still occur. So I'm thinking it's the aviation plug wiring on the light. Gonna take the light down and open it up see what's what. Weird thing is that the lights work as expected, turn on and off and each channel dims as it should... But the probes start throwing errors once the 2nd light is plugged in.

I'm exhausted ;Blackeye, might just buy a set of hydras and call it a day lol..... But not just yet.

Thats how my beamswork lights acted...bad power supply was the issue. Maybe one of the led drivers is wonky. They dont exactly use any drivers with any kind of certification.

 

[AbjectMaelstroM]

Thats how my beamswork lights acted...bad power supply was the issue. Maybe one of the led drivers is wonky. They dont exactly use any drivers with any kind of certification.

I thought about that as well, however, I noticed that probes were still throwing errors when the light was plugged in but powered off. Errors stopped when light was unplugged from the pi.

Though I suppose there may be something else in play... It's just an odd behavior.

Though I suppose I could pull the wiring from the first light and try it on the way 2nd to rule out wiring or actual light components.

 

[Bigtrout]

I thought about that as well, however, I noticed that probes were still throwing errors when the light was plugged in but powered off. Errors stopped when light was unplugged from the pi.

Though I suppose there may be something else in play... It's just an odd behavior.

Though I suppose I could pull the wiring from the first light and try it on the way 2nd to rule out wiring or actual light components.

The drivers may still be powered up but not doing anything. Depends how they wired them. Does the on/off switch definitely remove power from the drivers?

 

[AbjectMaelstroM]

The drivers may still be powered up but not doing anything. Depends how they wired them. Does the on/off switch definitely remove power from the drivers?

Yeah it kills power to the socket via relay.

 

[skywurz]

Does anybody know if reef pi works with a Raspberry pi B rev2? I can get the web GUI running but none of the IO work. Not even test LEDs.

I think the pi B has different gpio drivers than recent models so it won't work. You can get pi zero w for $10. Less power more compact.

 

[AbjectMaelstroM]

Those using @Michael Lane PH board, what address are you using?

Not getting a reading from my Milwaukee probe, trying to figure out if it's the probe or the config.

 

[raketemensch]

Those using @Michael Lane PH board, what address are you using?

Not getting a reading from my Milwaukee probe, trying to figure out if it's the probe or the config.

This post might help you.

 

[Bigtrout]

Yeah it kills power to the socket via relay.

Wow double check your wiring and grounds. This is very strange that the light does this without any power. Did you get a hot and neutral mixed up on the 120v outlet side maybe? I dont see how the light would cause this without any power going to it unless its getting a leakage current somewhere.

 

[AbjectMaelstroM]

This post might help you.

You are 100% correct. That was exactly what I was looking for. ;)

Thanks!

 

[AbjectMaelstroM]

Wow double check your wiring and grounds. This is very strange that the light does this without any power. Did you get a hot and neutral mixed up on the 120v outlet side maybe? I dont see how the light would cause this without any power going to it unless its getting a leakage current somewhere.

I unplugged and plugged everything I could find....and it's all working. I guess time will tell.

Now I need some pH calibration fluid.

 

[raketemensch]

Got my relay all set up and tested today. Took quite a while to wire everything, but it was totally worth it in the end.

There’s some aquarium silicone drying on the temp probes, then tomorrow they get recalibrated and everything finally enters the tank.

still gotta order a ph board and probe, and set up the Mars Aquas, but one step at a time, right?

 

[AbjectMaelstroM]

While I wait for pH calibration fluid.... Is there a way to convert the raw probe reading (mV?) to aprox pH?


Think I found my answer, unfortunately I don't think it's going to help much. The conversion is on the scale of - 400 to 400, 0mV being 7pH.

My probe is outputting ~ -5934....so like it or not, I'm going to need calibration. Or my probe (which arrived dry) is kaput.

 

[Bigtrout]

While I wait for pH calibration fluid.... Is there a way to convert the raw probe reading (mV?) to aprox pH?


Think I found my answer, unfortunately I don't think it's going to help much. The conversion is on the scale of - 400 to 400, 0mV being 7pH.

My probe is outputting ~ -5934....so like it or not, I'm going to need calibration. Or my probe (which arrived dry) is kaput.

The numbers do not correspond to millivolts directly. If i plot my calibtation out -6000 corresponds to a ph of 8 or so so it may be just fine

Some numbers for reference:

My raw numbers were

Ph 4.01= 20260
Ph 6.86=195
Ph 9.18= -16460

 

[AbjectMaelstroM]

The numbers do not correspond to millivolts directly. If i plot my calibtation out -6000 corresponds to a ph of 8.2 or so so it may be just fine

Huh, cool. I just did the traditional red sea pH test and the color was close to 8.2

At least gives me a point of reference.

Thank you.

 

[Bigtrout]

Huh, cool. I just did the traditional red sea pH test and the color was close to 8.2

At least gives me a point of reference.

Thank you.

It will really help to get 2 points of reference but let the raw numbers plot out for awhile to see how stable it is.
My ph varies about .1 to .2 ph over a day because of the plants using up co2. Reef tanks experience a similar cycle

 

[AbjectMaelstroM]

It will really help to get 2 points of reference but let the raw numbers plot out for awhile to see how stable it is.
My ph varies about .1 to .2 ph over a day because of the plants using up co2. Reef tanks experience a similar cycle

What two point of calibration are people using? 4/7, 7/10, 4/10?

My thought was 7/10 since where the typical range falls for reef tanks.

 

[Bigtrout]

What two point of calibration are people using? 4/7, 7/10, 4/10?

My thought was 7/10 since where the typical range falls for reef tanks.

Perfect
Because im right aroynd 6.8 to 7 ph i tested all 3 points and didnt see a difference enough to worry about between testing at 3 points and testing at 2. Youd be fine to do 7 and 10 on a reef tank

 

[Schreiber]

Speaking of pH calibration, what ever happened to the 3-point option, @Ranjib ?

 

[Bigtrout]

Not needed!!!
It is close enough with 2 point cal.
3 point cal is lab grade stuff...and calculating slope on 2 point vs 3 point is almost pointless for the accuracy gained.

The only way 3 point would be needed is if you buy lab grave probles

 

[Schreiber]

Not needed!!!
It is close enough with 2 point cal.
3 point cal is lab grade stuff...and calculating slope on 2 point vs 3 point is almost pointless for the accuracy gained.

The only way 3 point would be needed is if you buy lab grave probles

Ah, gotcha. Yeah, I didn't mind it disappearing which is why I hadn't asked before. I figured that the slope would be relatively linear. Just thought I'd ask while the thread was on the topic :)