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Boston Reefers Evolving Arduino Build
- Thread starter jason401
- Start date
MrX
Non-member
Yeah, found this post with info on the code changes I need to make, as well as how to wire up multiple probes.
http://bradsduino.blogspot.com/2013/01/multiple-onewire-1-wire-devices-with.html
MrX
Non-member
I'll take another (or two) if no one is using them. Trying to work out the best way to set up multiple temp probes (wiring and code). Each probe has it's own ID so they can all be polled individually. I'll send you a PM.
--
In other news, I spent tonight wiring up two more 4-jack relay boxes (the set I bought for DaughterX, and the one BDALEY gave me). Went much faster than the first one (did two tonight faster than the first!). Most of the time is to cut and strip the wires... the actual wiring is pretty quick now that I know what I'm doing.
I've been researching various connections/connectors/etc.:
4-port relay box to Arduino/Netduino - this requires a 6-wire connection. Instead of using the waterproof connectors we started the project with I'm looking for an screw-on/mountable CAT5 network jack with pigtail. In the box the pigtail would wire to the relay board. Then on the controller side we'd wire up something similar. To connect the two you'd be able to use any standard network jack.
Temp sensors -- If I recall, the Neptune temp sensor used a telephone jack connector. Same thing could be done, or a CAT5 jack could be used also. Another idea I saw while searching was using a 1/8" audio jack. That might be easier to find something project box mountable.
Time/Clock - There is no real-time clock on the Arduino/Netduino; you either need to set the time at start-up via network/wi-fi or get a separate real-time clock board. These run $10-15 and the DS1307 appears to be the most popular. Most of them include the battery to keep the time while the controller isn't powered on.
I got some 1307RTC that I could part with for 5$ if you are ever in worcester mass.not sure they have the battery as I have not have the time to even open the package yet.
in regards to cat5 cable make sure you are not trying to "dump" voltage over it, like when you try to control remote LED drivers that are installed on the light itself and the cable transmits just the PWM signal; it does not work too well, in my experience anything over 10ft of cat5 will preclude you from turning off more that 1 LDD per channel.
in regards to cat5 cable make sure you are not trying to "dump" voltage over it, like when you try to control remote LED drivers that are installed on the light itself and the cable transmits just the PWM signal; it does not work too well, in my experience anything over 10ft of cat5 will preclude you from turning off more that 1 LDD per channel.
MrX
Non-member
Really? That sucks. I had read that the Netduino itself could lose up to 2 seconds per day (without using a real-time clock). Guess I'll have to do some more research.
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I hooked up a second temp probe (from DaughterX's kit) and got it working.
All I had to do was attach red/black to +5V and ground, and the yellow to the same row as the other sensors yellow wire.
The source code I'm using queries for the devices on the One-Wire bus and then prints the device ID and temp for each device every one second.
One of the temp sensors is in the 10G tank (first one) and the second is just sitting on my desk.
Yes, I've heard the DS1337 can drift a couple of seconds each day.
While working on another project I found a couple RTC solutions.
The ChronoDot - Ultra-precise Real Time Clock http://www.adafruit.com/products/255
GertDuino board http://www.element14.com/community/community/raspberry-pi/raspberry-pi-accessories/gertduino Check out the videos.
My current plan is to connect the BRS project to a Raspberry pi so I didn't purchase either option since the PI can use NTP for time sync. Yet.
If I was going to buy one it would be the GertDuino since it offers many configuration options & is only $15 more expensive than the ChronoDot .
I will probaby buy a GertDuino the next time I make a purchase.
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I think you guys are blowing this into a full scale precision machine which will end up costing you way more than a commercial off the shelf unit.
If it would be me I would save the 20$ difference in rice and put it towards other parts to increase functionality (like connecting to a beagle board or Raspberry or maybe a couple extra relays or a more good looking screen, etc).
I have both the 1302 and the 1307 running for a couple of months. The time drift still did not get to the point where it bothers me and if it ever does I can correct it with 5-6 touches of the screen.
If it would be me I would save the 20$ difference in rice and put it towards other parts to increase functionality (like connecting to a beagle board or Raspberry or maybe a couple extra relays or a more good looking screen, etc).
I have both the 1302 and the 1307 running for a couple of months. The time drift still did not get to the point where it bothers me and if it ever does I can correct it with 5-6 touches of the screen.
MrX
Non-member
I don't think we're going overboard... and it's not just about price, it's about tinkering and DIY.
If I wanted to buy an Apex Jr. it's what, $250 bucks now? For that price you get 4 controllable outlets, a temp probe, a display (which is useless in my opinion) and the slick UI. If you want to add another 8 outlets it's like $160 for an EB8 and like $120 for an EB4.
For $70-80 I have 4 controllable outlets, Ethernet connectivity, USB, Mini-SD, and more. I could easily add 8 outlets for about $50-60 more. A display, even a color LCD, could be done for about $50.
Sure, I don't get the pretty user interface (web page or whatever they have now), but I'm a software developer by trade, so I could write my own.
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MrX
Non-member
I haven't looked into that yet, but I assume it's very doable like the temp sensor.
I'd like a color screen as well.
Also would like to figure out something for the various connectors and project boxes.--
Updating Visual Studio 2013 now and then I'm going to try and implement some NTP commands to get/set the Date & Time, as well as a Webserver to display the temps from the two sensors and turn on/off the various relays.
Puff Daddy
Non-member
I found this Ph kit on amazon. Maybe that can be integrated into the build. There are also some kits on e-bay.
http://www.amazon.com/pH-DEVELOPMENT-ARDUINO-SOLUTIONS-CIRCUIT/dp/B00798612C
http://www.amazon.com/pH-DEVELOPMENT-ARDUINO-SOLUTIONS-CIRCUIT/dp/B00798612C
Puff Daddy
Non-member
I would like to join the build. Are there any leftover free member parts or parts from the bulk purchase I could buy? I already have an arduino and jumpers.
if you are looking for a controller with a screen than look up the meepduino project, that's what I have running currently. it's pretty slick as it is but considering you develop software on your own it would not take you much to modify it to suit your needs.
The most challenging part that I find is the software, ...
I only run the lights through it at the moment but might add some functionality once I have everything else set up the way I like it (upcoming tank upgrade, ....)
The most challenging part that I find is the software, ...
I only run the lights through it at the moment but might add some functionality once I have everything else set up the way I like it (upcoming tank upgrade, ....)
OP
OP
Hmm, we still need to finish up the top off for the build as well. Would you guys like to link up and continue at the Newburyport meeting?
OP
OP
Shoot me a pm if you'd like to get involved with the build. I'll see whats left for parts
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