Sustaining the tank while hacking on ReefAngel

New members questions
Post Reply
User avatar
bondolo
Posts: 14
Joined: Fri Nov 23, 2012 2:59 pm

Sustaining the tank while hacking on ReefAngel

Post by bondolo »

I am really enjoying hacking on my reef angel but find that my tank is left offline for extended periods of time because I have detached my head unit for reprogramming or testing. Besides buying a second RA head unit for hacking what do folks do?

I've restored one of my old powerbars and currently plug the return pumps, skimmers and powerheads back into that when I am working on testing code.

I suppose if the relay box remembered it's state when the head unit was unplugged that would help and maybe be sufficient. (I assume the current relay box hardware doesn't support this).
rimai
Posts: 12881
Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2011 6:47 pm

Re: Sustaining the tank while hacking on ReefAngel

Post by rimai »

Yeah, the current relay box doesn't support this :(
I never disconnect mine when I'm programming. I just use an active USB extension.
Maybe you should come up with a way for us to program RA through PI ;)
Roberto.
User avatar
lnevo
Posts: 5430
Joined: Fri Jul 20, 2012 9:42 am

Re: Sustaining the tank while hacking on ReefAngel

Post by lnevo »

I revambed an old laptop to run Linux and now I do my coding at the dining room table near my tank :) I contemplating getting a backup unit, but disconnecting all the probes etc may be hazerdous to their integrity... they are very delicate :)
dbmet
Posts: 235
Joined: Thu Nov 10, 2011 11:49 am

Re: Sustaining the tank while hacking on ReefAngel

Post by dbmet »

I carry my Macbook over to the aquarium and program it that way..
Image
User avatar
DrewPalmer04
Posts: 818
Joined: Tue May 29, 2012 2:12 pm
Location: Christopher, IL

Re: Sustaining the tank while hacking on ReefAngel

Post by DrewPalmer04 »

I have a small junker pc with the USB to TTL cable on there all the time. I remote into it. Program, upload and log out. Never miss a beat this way.
Out for now...but not over.

VISIT: Ethernet Module/Wifi Alternative
00Warpig00
Posts: 289
Joined: Wed May 16, 2012 9:52 pm

Re: Sustaining the tank while hacking on ReefAngel

Post by 00Warpig00 »

I just ordered a SainSmart 2560 mega Arduino clone for about $30. I plan on possibly mapping it's inputs/outputs against my reefangel and making a pseudo RA+ emulator. Then I can maybe upload some code into it for testing. I dont know if/how this may work exactly but this is what I am going to experiment with with my 2560Mega. It wouldnt change having to take the controller from the tank or taking the laptop to the tank for final programming but for the code testing it may be a useful option. The best option I imagine would just be to have 2 identical RA's and rotate them out.

Nick
180G FOWLR
20GH QT#1
29G QT#2

Image
binder
Posts: 2871
Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2011 6:20 pm
Location: Illinois
Contact:

Re: Sustaining the tank while hacking on ReefAngel

Post by binder »

rimai wrote:Yeah, the current relay box doesn't support this :(
I never disconnect mine when I'm programming. I just use an active USB extension.
Maybe you should come up with a way for us to program RA through PI ;)
I've actually seen something about using the PI and arduino together.
http://www.cooking-hacks.com/index.php/ ... ion-bridge
dazza1304
Posts: 154
Joined: Sat Aug 04, 2012 4:22 am

Re: Sustaining the tank while hacking on ReefAngel

Post by dazza1304 »

rimai wrote:Yeah, the current relay box doesn't support this :(
I never disconnect mine when I'm programming. I just use an active USB extension.
Maybe you should come up with a way for us to program RA through PI ;)
Hi Roberto, can you elobarate more on this as I have been disconnecting all the time and its a pain!
rimai
Posts: 12881
Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2011 6:47 pm

Re: Sustaining the tank while hacking on ReefAngel

Post by rimai »

Something like this:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/produ ... 1&format=2
I extended the usb cable to my head unit.
Roberto.
rossbryant1956
Posts: 471
Joined: Sat Jan 14, 2012 2:08 pm
Location: Montgomery Village, MD

Re: Sustaining the tank while hacking on ReefAngel

Post by rossbryant1956 »

yep, I have one of these and it works like a charm.
Roscoe's Reefs - Starting Over Again:

Building new 29g Nano after landlord went berserk over my 4 75 gallon tanks, Multiple RA's, Water mixing stations, etc. Your help welcomed in remembering all I've forgotten.
dazza1304
Posts: 154
Joined: Sat Aug 04, 2012 4:22 am

Re: Sustaining the tank while hacking on ReefAngel

Post by dazza1304 »

rimai wrote:Something like this:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/produ ... 1&format=2
I extended the usb cable to my head unit.
That's great Roberto - thank you!

My next stupid question is where do I connect it! - currently using the USB to molex type connector, but have to disconnect the wifi each time want to reprogram.
rimai
Posts: 12881
Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2011 6:47 pm

Re: Sustaining the tank while hacking on ReefAngel

Post by rimai »

That, you still have to do.
Roberto.
User avatar
lnevo
Posts: 5430
Joined: Fri Jul 20, 2012 9:42 am

Sustaining the tank while hacking on ReefAngel

Post by lnevo »

Thats whats nice about the PI discussions...can keep network connections and still be able to upload code!
Post Reply