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

[bishoptf]

@Michael Lane, @Bigtrout Or anyone using a meanwell power supply, I assume you have it in an enclosure, correct? Playing with my setup the power light blinks every now and again, I'm watching the voltage and so far I see it bouncing around so I think I am going to just order a meanwell rs-15-5 but need to figure out what to put it in...

Thanks :)

 

[Bigtrout]

@Michael Lane, @Bigtrout Or anyone using a meanwell power supply, I assume you have it in an enclosure, correct? Playing with my setup the power light blinks every now and again, I'm watching the voltage and so far I see it bouncing around so I think I am going to just order a meanwell rs-15-5 but need to figure out what to put it in...

Thanks :)

I have 2 of the meanwell rs-15-5 in my case which is about 8"x11"x4". No heat problems in my non ventilated case and voltages are rock steady. I have one ps running my hat and pi, the other running my relay boards. I dialed them in at 5.05V and last time I checked they were right on the dot.
The rs-15-5 are only 2"x2"x1" , so not very large at all. Keep in mind the 120v input and 5v output land on screw terminals on the front of the supply.

 

[scottrotton]

Thanks @Des Westcott :)

@scottrotton you can build a DIY power strip to work in Aus like I did here: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/3d-printed-reef-pi-build.494515/

My 220V DIY power strip is functional and works fine, although there is relay boards that work better with reef-pi than the one I used and I would highly recommend not going down this path if you aren't comfortable working with 220V mains :eek:

But I still haven't gotten around to finishing the whole build since life got in the way a couple of years ago.

If you can find an Aus wifi power board that works with reef-pi like Des suggested that would likely be a MUCH better option. That wasn't a feature when I started my build (it's amazing to see how far reef-pi has come since I put my build on hold - awesome work Ranjib!!!!).

Edit: speaking of how far reef-pi has come, is there an up to date guide anywhere? I was going to go away for a week in July but now with covid I've had to cancel the holiday but still have the time off work, so there is a chance I might be able to quickly finish this project off (maybe, no promises :p)

Amazing thanks, i'm also a UI designer so once up and running may build a dark mode if anyone would be interested let me know

 

[Bliff]

Thanks for the help! I had a feeling that's what I had to do, but figured I'd ask to make sure.

Anyone know what PINS to use on the PI to hook up my temp probe and float switch?

You might already know about this, but pinout.xyz is fantastic for information on choosing an appropriate GPIO pin to use.

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

Question on dosing... I setup my dosing pumps per the guide a long while back and it seems like after updating the pumps no longer run in reverse... If I switch the equipment associated it always runs in the same direction... I swear I have used this function before in this physical build. Am I likely having a wiring issue? Using PCA to control all 4 pumps and all 4 have the same issue.

 

[Twocorns]

You might already know about this, but pinout.xyz is fantastic for information on choosing an appropriate GPIO pin to use.

I was not, so thanks! Any idea if a resistor is needed for a float switch and temp probe? I think temp does, cant remember about the float switch.

 

[robsworld78]

I tried those style outlets initially but they don't work well with Australian plugs. Australian plugs do fit in these sockets, but it's an extremely tight fit. I thought the first batch were just off by a mm or something so i tried 2 more batches from different sellers and all were the same. All were extremely tight and the plugs had to really be forced in. They do work though once the plugs are in, it's just not easy to get them back out again. So I guess since most people don't plan to unplug things often they should be fine but I would still advise against them, especially as there are better options now like the wifi boards.

I might have missed it but is anyone able to shed some light on what the requirements for wifi power boards are? As long as they use the IEEE 802.11b/g/n protocol will they work (as long as they are not locked by the manufacturer)?

I've been told they were tight but didn't it was that bad. I like the sound of wireless but personally scared of the outlets not receiving that ever important signal. Maybe these have an acknowledgment and keep trying if no response but even that can be a problem, can't beat a wire. ;)

 

[robsworld78]

I was not, so thanks! Any idea if a resistor is needed for a float switch and temp probe? I think temp does, cant remember about the float switch.

For the temp probe you need a pullup resistor, 4.7k is a good value.

You should add a resistor for the float switch so the pin isn't floating, it can be pullup or pulldown. If you use a pullup and float is unplugged the Pi pin will see a high signal, if you use a pulldown and unplug the Pi will read a low signal. What to use depends on your setup but shouldn't matter much as you can reverse the pin in reef-pi and the float.

 

[Bliff]

So this in turn caused the feeder to fire at 1300 then every minute thereafter luckily I caught it about 10 minutes in

You set it up correctly. The fish hacked your pi.

 

[Barclay]

[QUOTE = "NeonRabbit221B, post: 7361477, membro: 124537"]
Domanda sul dosaggio ... Ho impostato le mie pompe di dosaggio per la guida molto tempo fa e sembra che dopo l'aggiornamento delle pompe non funzioni più al contrario ... Se cambio l'apparecchiatura associata, funziona sempre nella stessa direzione ... Giuro di aver già usato questa funzione in questa build fisica. Probabilmente sto riscontrando un problema di cablaggio? L'uso di PCA per controllare tutte e 4 le pompe e tutte e 4 hanno lo stesso problema.
[/ CITAZIONE]

HI, excuse me for my English..., please can you show me your 4ch doser? I have seen the adafruit guide, but I see only 2 channel. Can you send me a link in this thread where I can see a 4 channel doser? Thank you

 

[Des Westcott]

[QUOTE = "NeonRabbit221B, post: 7361477, membro: 124537"]
Domanda sul dosaggio ... Ho impostato le mie pompe di dosaggio per la guida molto tempo fa e sembra che dopo l'aggiornamento delle pompe non funzioni più al contrario ... Se cambio l'apparecchiatura associata, funziona sempre nella stessa direzione ... Giuro di aver già usato questa funzione in questa build fisica. Probabilmente sto riscontrando un problema di cablaggio? L'uso di PCA per controllare tutte e 4 le pompe e tutte e 4 hanno lo stesso problema.
[/ CITAZIONE]

HI, excuse me for my English..., please can you show me your 4ch doser? I have seen the adafruit guide, but I see only 2 channel. Can you send me a link in this thread where I can see a 4 channel doser? Thank you

Hi Barclay

Welcome

The adafruit guide is for 2 x channel doser built from scratch.

The 4 channel dosers people are typically using are the Jebao DP4S slave doser.

JEBAO DP-4S/3S Automatic Dosing Pump Doser for Marine Reef Aquarium Fish Tank | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for JEBAO DP-4S/3S Automatic Dosing Pump Doser for Marine Reef Aquarium Fish Tank at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

@Michael Lane makes a very nice adaptor board to hook that doser up with little to no wiring.

Dosing Pump Adapter by ML Reefkeeping on Tindie

Dosing Pump Adapter for Jebao Slave Dosers

www.tindie.com

They work especially well with his HAT board, but can be connected to any PCA 9685 board.

 

[Des Westcott]

@Ranjib and others that might be playing with ATO's and Macros.

I've been playing a bit with getting an ATO to excecute a Macro. Jut thought I'd report back what I've found :

1. When you change the "Control" box from "Equipment" to "Macro", I would exect the "Control Pump" box to change to "Choose Macro" or "Run Macro" or something similar. The drop down options do change to the available Macros, but it could create a bit of confusion. I certainly wondered why it was still referring to "Control Pump", even though I soon realised the Macros to choose from were in there.
2. When changing the "Control" box back to "Equipment", the "Control Pump" box automativally seems to select a random item in the list of available equipment. I don't think it should do this. I think it should default to "None" until you choose what you want to have controlled. In my case it defaults to AWC Out. I'm sure this could be a disaster if the wrong outlet was selected by the system as default.
3. Finally, the Big One. As a test, I created a Macro that turns my skimmer off for 3 seconds and then back on and then set this Macro to be activated by my normal level float switch. Immediately, it activated and kept repeating . I made sure that the float was in the "off" position, but the Macro kept repeating. Did a few tests and basically the Macro keeps triggering no matter the position of the of the float switch. I then made the Macro reversible like you have to with Timers triggering Macros and Macros triggering Macros, but keep getting the same result. I have done multiple Reloads to make sure any system settings have taken effect, but I keep getting the same result. Macro just keeps repeating regardless of position of float switch. I've also tried reversing the Input connector, but no dice.

Hope at least number 3 can be fixed as I have a cunning plan for this feature :D

 

[That Crusso Kid]

Hope at least number 3 can be fixed as I have a cunning plan for this feature :D

Ohhhh, a cunning plan. With some mystery thrown in to boot. I love it! ;)

 

[scottrotton]

Hey guys I have a few of these laying around will they work with reef pi?

sonoff 4ch

SONOFF 4CHR3 & 4CHPROR3 4-gang Wi-Fi Smart Switch with RF Control

【Independently/Mutual Control 4 Devices】Turn on/off the 4 connected devices separately in self-locking mode. Turn on 1 device but turn off the other 3 devices at the same time in interlock mode. Tu…

www.itead.cc

—-

If not I’ll buy the tp link kasa if they work?
kasa power boards

Buy TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Board, 3x Smart Outlets | Smart Home | Scorptec Computers

TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Board, 3x Smart Outlets, 2x USB Port, Surge Protection, Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

www.scorptec.com.au

 

[Des Westcott]

Hey guys I have a few of these laying around will they work with reef pi?

sonoff 4ch

SONOFF 4CHR3 & 4CHPROR3 4-gang Wi-Fi Smart Switch with RF Control

【Independently/Mutual Control 4 Devices】Turn on/off the 4 connected devices separately in self-locking mode. Turn on 1 device but turn off the other 3 devices at the same time in interlock mode. Tu…

www.itead.cc

—-

If not I’ll buy the tp link kasa if they work?
kasa power boards

Buy TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Board, 3x Smart Outlets | Smart Home | Scorptec Computers

TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Board, 3x Smart Outlets, 2x USB Port, Surge Protection, Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

www.scorptec.com.au

When last I checked with @Ranjib , the Sonoff weren't compatible, but the TP Link Kasa do work.
****** Edit - I think the TP Link Kasa units work******

 

[Dave's Reef]

Hey everyone. I have a question. It may be a dumb one but I am having issues connecting to my reef-pi from another device on the network I tired my phone and a table both when I type in the afternoon i get a blank white screen. I'm sure I'm missing something super stupid. Thanks in advance

 

[GaryE]

Hey everyone. I have a question. It may be a dumb one but I am having issues connecting to my reef-pi from another device on the network I tired my phone and a table both when I type in the afternoon i get a blank white screen. I'm sure I'm missing something super stupid. Thanks in advance

You may need to ssh into the pi and restart reef-pi

 

[Dave's Reef]

You may need to ssh into the pi and restart reef-pi

I have a monitor connected I never ssh into it. I have already tried to restarting it.

 

[Michael Lane]

^Michael's right. With so many different lights out there, it's hard to say for sure if it would be compatible. But as long as it uses the same control, it should be compatible.

While I've got you here @Michael Lane , I've had some people ask about hooking your PWM converter into the Leviathan board. I couldn't find much info or documentation on exactly how your board is working, so I hoped you could shed some "light".

I had thought I'd be able to feed in a 5V PWM signal to one set of Ch1/2 connectors & get the analog voltage as an output on the paired analog output. However, I'm not getting any voltage output at all. Is there a good guide somewhere I can read on using the converter board?

The Mars Aqua converter doesn't have too much going on. It basically just filters the pwm signal to get an average analog value, boost it to a 10v range, and passes that signal on to the light. It also compares that signal to a threshold to see if the light should be turned off (but continues to pass the analog signal out).

If you aren't seeing any output signal, then it could be missing the ground connection or power. This thread has more details, but it's basically just plug in the Mars Aqua connector and provide PWM and GND signal to the inputs.

 

[Michael Lane]

I tried those style outlets initially but they don't work well with Australian plugs. Australian plugs do fit in these sockets, but it's an extremely tight fit. I thought the first batch were just off by a mm or something so i tried 2 more batches from different sellers and all were the same. All were extremely tight and the plugs had to really be forced in. They do work though once the plugs are in, it's just not easy to get them back out again. So I guess since most people don't plan to unplug things often they should be fine but I would still advise against them, especially as there are better options now like the wifi boards.

I might have missed it but is anyone able to shed some light on what the requirements for wifi power boards are? As long as they use the IEEE 802.11b/g/n protocol will they work (as long as they are not locked by the manufacturer)?

The wifi power strips must be compatible with specific protocols. At this time, reef-pi supports some DLI, Shelly 1 and 2.5, and TP-Link HS 103, 110, and 300 outlets. Other systems, like espurna and Tasmota aren't supported yet.