Reef Pi Newbie Questions

[BlindGirlReefing]

Trying to figure out how to connect American DJ SRP8 to Michael Lane Reef Pi Hat. Do I connect it via db9 to 10 pin female connector ribbon to the "power 2" pins? If not, how do I connect it? I have no idea what I'm doing but I've managed to get temp probes and ph probes connected and now I'm stuck at the power strip. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Ranjib]

HI there,
the GND pin for db9 connector should be connected to 12V, and all the other 8 pins should be connected to ULN2803A output pins,

Let us know if you still have issues.

 

[Michael Lane]

Ranjib's instructions are correct, and are really the basis for my reef-pi hat. I have some additional draft instructions in the following document. Apply 12v to the 12v power pins, and Power2 goes to the DB9 connector. Post a picture of what you are using for the DB9 connector and we can help with more specific advice.

Power ADJ SRP8

The goal of this guide is to connect the ADJ SRP8 power strip to reef-pi using ML reef-pi hat. Overview Components ML reef-pi hat Raspberry Pi (3 or better is recommended) ADJ SRP8 power strip 12v Boost converter 5v power supply (5A is probably enough, but 10A provides for flexibility) DB9...

docs.google.com

 

[BlindGirlReefing]

Thank you both so much! At least I am on the right track. I have these:

and these

I just didn't want to wire anything wrong from power 2 to the db9 adapter. I assume I need to get a serial cable and something to connect it to power 2 ???

Sorry for all the questions but this is the first time I've ever tried anything like this. I'd rather ask than make a big mistake!

 

[BlindGirlReefing]

Something like this?

 

[Michael Lane]

I used the connector with the ribbon cable, but the connector you have can work just as well. You can wire as the following table shows.

Hat	Connector
IO22	1​
IO23	2​
IO24	3​
IO10	4​
V+	5​
IO11	6​
IO8	7​
IO9	8​
IO25	9​

 

[BlindGirlReefing]

Thank you so so much!

 

[Ranjib]

DIY reef-pi build log

This thread will be my build log for reef-pi. It will replace RKL and a custom light controller on my reef tanks. I have a Digital Aquatics RKL, but they went out of business and I'll no longer be able to receive support or replacement parts. That led me to reef-pi...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[BlindGirlReefing]

Another newbie question....is it possible to add more than 8 outlets? I have one ADJ srp8, could I add another one to the same reef pi build? Just wondering because I would like to connect more than one aquarium (2 biocubes)?

 

[Ranjib]

Another newbie question....is it possible to add more than 8 outlets? I have one ADJ srp8, could I add another one to the same reef pi build? Just wondering because I would like to connect more than one aquarium (2 biocubes)?

You could, you have to figure out what GPIO you are going to use. Depending upon how many sensor (float switch) you have, available GPIO is the limit.
That said, in 3.0 we are going to allow using PCA9685 for outlet control, which means each PCA9685 should allow you to control two ADJ SRP8 powerstrip

 

[Michael Lane]

You could use the power 1 port on the top right, but would also have to add another ULN2803. Otherwise, a relay board could be used instead.
I can add some more details later tonight if that would be helpful

 

[BlindGirlReefing]

@Michael Lane I would love to get more details. That would be extremely helpful!