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RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 7:49 pm
by alexwbush
Update 3/1/15 FIXED: If your RF expansion isn't controlling your Radions, even after placing in basic mode, you may need to update the firmware on the RF expansion. Roberto made this firmware available. See his post:
http://forum.reefangel.com/viewtopic.ph ... 477#p46477. It includes instructions on how to update firmware and the current files. You'll also need libusb0.dll. Instructions left this part out. Before you run the update.bat file, make sure you have libusb0.dll and libusb0.sys (may not need the .sys) files in the same direction as your update.bat. The libusb0 files I used are here:
Original post: I guess it can't always be easy... I managed to get the Vortech working (
http://forum.reefangel.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=5222), but after resetting my radions, they don't even turn on now. Any ideas? I didn't see a radion instruction guide. I reset the radions by turning off their power, then factory reset with the EcoSmart Live Connection Manager, is that correct?
It is showing in my portal.
Is there a firmware update? I bought this late 2012.
My code:
Code: Select all
#include <ReefAngel_Features.h>
#include <Globals.h>
#include <RA_Wifi.h>
#include <Wire.h>
#include <OneWire.h>
#include <Time.h>
#include <DS1307RTC.h>
#include <InternalEEPROM.h>
#include <RA_NokiaLCD.h>
#include <RA_ATO.h>
#include <RA_Joystick.h>
#include <LED.h>
#include <RA_TempSensor.h>
#include <Relay.h>
#include <RA_PWM.h>
#include <Timer.h>
#include <Memory.h>
#include <InternalEEPROM.h>
#include <RA_Colors.h>
#include <RA_CustomColors.h>
#include <Salinity.h>
#include <RF.h>
#include <IO.h>
#include <ORP.h>
#include <AI.h>
#include <PH.h>
#include <WaterLevel.h>
#include <Humidity.h>
#include <DCPump.h>
#include <PAR.h>
#include <ReefAngel.h>
////// Place global variable code below here
////// Place global variable code above here
void setup()
{
// This must be the first line
ReefAngel.Init(); //Initialize controller
ReefAngel.Use2014Screen(); // Let's use 2014 Screen
ReefAngel.AddSalinityExpansion(); // Salinity Expansion Module
ReefAngel.AddWaterLevelExpansion(); // Water Level Expansion Module
// Ports toggled in Feeding Mode
ReefAngel.FeedingModePorts = Port8Bit;
ReefAngel.FeedingModePortsE[0] = Port5Bit | Port6Bit;
// Ports toggled in Water Change Mode
ReefAngel.WaterChangePorts = Port1Bit | Port3Bit | Port4Bit | Port5Bit | Port6Bit | Port7Bit | Port8Bit;
ReefAngel.WaterChangePortsE[0] = Port3Bit | Port4Bit | Port5Bit;
// Ports toggled when Lights On / Off menu entry selected
ReefAngel.LightsOnPorts = Port2Bit;
ReefAngel.LightsOnPortsE[0] = Port1Bit | Port2Bit | Port6Bit;
// Ports turned off when Overheat temperature exceeded
ReefAngel.OverheatShutoffPorts = Port2Bit | Port3Bit | Port5Bit;
ReefAngel.OverheatShutoffPortsE[0] = Port1Bit | Port2Bit | Port3Bit | Port5Bit | Port6Bit;
// Use T1 probe as temperature and overheat functions
ReefAngel.TempProbe = T1_PROBE;
ReefAngel.OverheatProbe = T1_PROBE;
// Ports that are always on
ReefAngel.Relay.On( Port1 );
ReefAngel.Relay.On( Port5 );
ReefAngel.Relay.On( Port8 );
ReefAngel.Relay.On( Box1_Port1 );
ReefAngel.Relay.On( Box1_Port2 );
////// Place additional initialization code below here
////// Place additional initialization code above here
}
void loop()
{
ReefAngel.MoonLights( Port2 );
ReefAngel.StandardHeater( Port3 );
ReefAngel.WaterLevelATO( Port4 );
ReefAngel.DosingPumpRepeat1( Port6 );
ReefAngel.DosingPumpRepeat2( Port7 );
ReefAngel.Relay.DelayedOn( Box1_Port5 );
ReefAngel.Relay.Set( Box1_Port6, !ReefAngel.Relay.Status( Port8 ) );
ReefAngel.PWM.SetDaylight( MoonPhase() );
ReefAngel.PWM.SetActinic( MoonPhase() );
ReefAngel.RF.UseMemory = true;
ReefAngel.RF.ChannelWhiteSlope();
ReefAngel.RF.ChannelRoyalBlueSlope();
ReefAngel.RF.ChannelRedSlope();
ReefAngel.RF.ChannelGreenSlope();
ReefAngel.RF.ChannelBlueSlope();
ReefAngel.RF.ChannelIntensitySlope();
////// Place your custom code below here
/* Auto feeding mode starts.
Feeder set for 12:00, start feeding mode at 11:55. */
if ( hour() == 11 && minute() == 55 && second() ==0 ) //if time is 11:55:00
{
ReefAngel.FeedingModeStart(); //start feeding mode
}
/* Vortech nutrient transport mode (after feeding mode)
// Turn off nutrient transport mode
if (ReefAngel.Relay.Status( Port2 )== 0 && ReefAngel.RF.Mode==Night)
ReefAngel.RF.SetMode(Night_Stop,0,0);
// Turn on Night Mode if Fuge light is on (Fuge comes on at night)
if (ReefAngel.Relay.Status( Port2 )== 1 && ReefAngel.RF.Mode!=Night)
ReefAngel.RF.SetMode(NutrientTransport,75,40);
*/
/* Vortech night mode
Info: you can do ReefAngel.Relay.Status(Port2); which will return 0 (off) or 1 (on) */
// Turn off Night Mode
if (ReefAngel.Relay.Status( Port2 )== 0 && ReefAngel.RF.Mode==Night)
ReefAngel.RF.SetMode(Night_Stop,0,0);
// Turn on Night Mode if Fuge light is on (Fuge comes on at night)
if (ReefAngel.Relay.Status( Port2 )== 1 && ReefAngel.RF.Mode!=Night)
ReefAngel.RF.SetMode(Night,20,0);
////// Place your custom code above here
// This should always be the last line
ReefAngel.Portal( "alexwbush" );
ReefAngel.ShowInterface();
}
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 9:54 pm
by rimai
Try adding this comment anywhere in your code:
It should show "Ecotech Radion Communication" in the detected features when you compile.
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 10:21 pm
by alexwbush
Thanks for the quick reply Roberto.
Compiled after adding:
Code: Select all
//ReefAngel.RF.SetChannel
ReefAngel.RF.SetChannel( Radion_Green, PWMParabola(12,0,23,0,0,100,0) );
ReefAngel.RF.SetChannel( Radion_Intensity, PWMParabola(12,0,23,0,0,100,0) );
Results:
Code: Select all
The following features were automatically added:
Watchdog Timer
Version Menu
The following features were detected:
Dimming Signal
RF Expansion Module
Wifi Attachment
Relay Expansion Module
Water Level Expansion Module
Ecotech Radion Communication
2014 Main Screen
Extra Font - Medium Size (8x8 pixels)
Salinity Expansion Module
Number of Relay Expansion Modules: 1
Simple Menu
It should be 19% green right now (as shown in my portal), but no light at all on either radion (I have 2 running, if that matters).
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 9:41 am
by rimai
That should be it.
You need to make sure the lights are in basic mode.
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 10:17 am
by alexwbush
Do you have or know of any instruction to get the lights into basic mode?
I looked around the internet A LOT and couldn't find a definitive answer. The best I found was to "Factory Reset" using USB. I did that a couple time with no change, so I found that if I turn off the power (essentially unplug) and then do a factory reset, the light don't even come on. I assume it's in basic mode at that point. The problem is that when I touch the controls to get them to do something after, nothing happens. I'm not sure if it's because they are being controlled by the controller at that point or if the lights are in some non-responsive state. To troubleshoot further, I uploaded a program from the EcoSmart app to make sure I didn't break the lights and it worked fine. I redid the factory reset with the power off and now trying to find something that'll work.
Any basic sample code available for the lights to make testing a little easier? Anything that might show whether the radions are linked? I saw another thread where a guy gave up. I'm hoping once I get this fixed, we can make this post helpful to others trying to do that same thing. I don't see a lot of people running radions with their RA.
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 10:38 am
by rimai
Factory reset should bring them to basic mode.
I would recommend using hard coded instead of memory settings until you are sure you got it working correctly.
I've been using Radions for a couple years already.
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 10:41 am
by alexwbush
Nice Roberto. I didn't know you were using Radions.
What's the simple code to say... make intensity 50% and blue 100% all day long for testing? Would this work:
Code: Select all
ReefAngel.RF.SetChannel( Radion_Blue, 100 );
ReefAngel.RF.SetChannel( Radion_Intensity, 50 );
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 10:43 am
by rimai
Yes, but the most important is to use:
Or anything you code would be overridden by memory settings and they may all be zeros.
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 10:48 am
by alexwbush
Thanks! I'll give it a shot later when I get home
For my quick reference:
Code: Select all
5k
White Intensity - 100
Blue Intensity - 17
Royal Blue Intensity - 17
Green Intensity - 100
Red Intensity - 100
7k
White Intensity - 100
Blue Intensity - 45
Royal Blue Intensity - 45
Green Intensity - 100
Red Intensity - 100
10k
White Intensity - 100
Blue Intensity - 75
Royal Blue Intensity - 75
Green Intensity - 100
Red Intensity - 100
12k
White Intensity - 100
Blue Intensity - 100
Royal Blue Intensity - 100
Green Intensity - 100
Red Intensity - 100
14k
White Intensity - 75
Blue Intensity - 100
Royal Blue Intensity - 100
Green Intensity - 75
Red Intensity - 75
18k
White Intensity - 45
Blue Intensity - 100
Royal Blue Intensity - 100
Green Intensity - 45
Red Intensity - 45
20k
White Intensity - 37
Blue Intensity - 100
Royal Blue Intensity - 100
Green Intensity - 17
Red Intensity - 37
For testing purposes, I'll add:
Code: Select all
ReefAngel.RF.UseMemory = false;
ReefAngel.RF.SetChannel( Radion_Blue, 100 );
ReefAngel.RF.SetChannel( Radion_Intensity, 50 );
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 6:45 pm
by alexwbush
I added the code, so my full code is now:
Code: Select all
#include <ReefAngel_Features.h>
#include <Globals.h>
#include <RA_Wifi.h>
#include <Wire.h>
#include <OneWire.h>
#include <Time.h>
#include <DS1307RTC.h>
#include <InternalEEPROM.h>
#include <RA_NokiaLCD.h>
#include <RA_ATO.h>
#include <RA_Joystick.h>
#include <LED.h>
#include <RA_TempSensor.h>
#include <Relay.h>
#include <RA_PWM.h>
#include <Timer.h>
#include <Memory.h>
#include <InternalEEPROM.h>
#include <RA_Colors.h>
#include <RA_CustomColors.h>
#include <Salinity.h>
#include <RF.h>
#include <IO.h>
#include <ORP.h>
#include <AI.h>
#include <PH.h>
#include <WaterLevel.h>
#include <Humidity.h>
#include <DCPump.h>
#include <PAR.h>
#include <ReefAngel.h>
////// Place global variable code below here
////// Place global variable code above here
void setup()
{
// This must be the first line
ReefAngel.Init(); //Initialize controller
ReefAngel.Use2014Screen(); // Let's use 2014 Screen
ReefAngel.AddSalinityExpansion(); // Salinity Expansion Module
ReefAngel.AddWaterLevelExpansion(); // Water Level Expansion Module
// Ports toggled in Feeding Mode
ReefAngel.FeedingModePorts = Port8Bit;
ReefAngel.FeedingModePortsE[0] = Port5Bit | Port6Bit;
// Ports toggled in Water Change Mode
ReefAngel.WaterChangePorts = Port1Bit | Port3Bit | Port4Bit | Port5Bit | Port6Bit | Port7Bit | Port8Bit;
ReefAngel.WaterChangePortsE[0] = Port3Bit | Port4Bit | Port5Bit;
// Ports toggled when Lights On / Off menu entry selected
ReefAngel.LightsOnPorts = Port2Bit;
ReefAngel.LightsOnPortsE[0] = Port1Bit | Port2Bit | Port6Bit;
// Ports turned off when Overheat temperature exceeded
ReefAngel.OverheatShutoffPorts = Port2Bit | Port3Bit | Port5Bit;
ReefAngel.OverheatShutoffPortsE[0] = Port1Bit | Port2Bit | Port3Bit | Port5Bit | Port6Bit;
// Use T1 probe as temperature and overheat functions
ReefAngel.TempProbe = T1_PROBE;
ReefAngel.OverheatProbe = T1_PROBE;
// Ports that are always on
ReefAngel.Relay.On( Port1 );
ReefAngel.Relay.On( Port5 );
ReefAngel.Relay.On( Port8 );
ReefAngel.Relay.On( Box1_Port1 );
ReefAngel.Relay.On( Box1_Port2 );
////// Place additional initialization code below here
////// Place additional initialization code above here
}
void loop()
{
ReefAngel.MoonLights( Port2 );
ReefAngel.StandardHeater( Port3 );
ReefAngel.WaterLevelATO( Port4 );
ReefAngel.DosingPumpRepeat1( Port6 );
ReefAngel.DosingPumpRepeat2( Port7 );
ReefAngel.Relay.DelayedOn( Box1_Port5 );
ReefAngel.Relay.Set( Box1_Port6, !ReefAngel.Relay.Status( Port8 ) );
ReefAngel.PWM.SetDaylight( MoonPhase() );
ReefAngel.PWM.SetActinic( MoonPhase() );
ReefAngel.RF.UseMemory = true;
ReefAngel.RF.ChannelWhiteSlope();
ReefAngel.RF.ChannelRoyalBlueSlope();
ReefAngel.RF.ChannelRedSlope();
ReefAngel.RF.ChannelGreenSlope();
ReefAngel.RF.ChannelBlueSlope();
ReefAngel.RF.ChannelIntensitySlope();
////// Place your custom code below here
//ReefAngel.RF.SetChannel
ReefAngel.RF.UseMemory = false;
ReefAngel.RF.SetChannel( Radion_Blue, 100 );
ReefAngel.RF.SetChannel( Radion_Intensity, 50 );
/* Auto feeding mode starts.
Feeder set for 12:00, start feeding mode at 11:55. */
if ( hour() == 11 && minute() == 55 && second() ==0 ) //if time is 11:55:00
{
ReefAngel.FeedingModeStart(); //start feeding mode
}
/* Vortech nutrient transport mode (after feeding mode)
// Turn off nutrient transport mode
if (ReefAngel.Relay.Status( Port2 )== 0 && ReefAngel.RF.Mode==Night)
ReefAngel.RF.SetMode(Night_Stop,0,0);
// Turn on Night Mode if Fuge light is on (Fuge comes on at night)
if (ReefAngel.Relay.Status( Port2 )== 1 && ReefAngel.RF.Mode!=Night)
ReefAngel.RF.SetMode(NutrientTransport,75,40);
*/
/* Vortech night mode
Info: you can do ReefAngel.Relay.Status(Port2); which will return 0 (off) or 1 (on) */
// Turn off Night Mode
if (ReefAngel.Relay.Status( Port2 )== 0 && ReefAngel.RF.Mode==Night)
ReefAngel.RF.SetMode(Night_Stop,0,0);
// Turn on Night Mode if Fuge light is on (Fuge comes on at night)
if (ReefAngel.Relay.Status( Port2 )== 1 && ReefAngel.RF.Mode!=Night)
ReefAngel.RF.SetMode(Night,20,0);
////// Place your custom code above here
// This should always be the last line
ReefAngel.Portal( "alexwbush" );
ReefAngel.ShowInterface();
}
Still the lights remain off.
Roberto, do you have a radion code that you know works? I'm not sure if it's my radions or my code.
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 9:56 pm
by alexwbush
Follow up question: Should the buttons on the radion work in basic mode if it's receiving programming from the RA RF module? My buttons are non responsive and I've made sure that they are enabled.
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 12:45 am
by alexwbush
I cycled the power for the radions and did another factory reset. I think it's in basic mode. First color temperature has all LEDs on at 100% and I can cycle through the color temps. How do I get the RA to control it now?
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 9:05 am
by alexwbush
I'm definitely in basic mode and can cycle through light temperatures, but none of them are what the RA is transmitting (50% intensity, 100% red... that's it for testing). For anyone who has gotten this to work, am I missing a step??
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 9:26 am
by rimai
That should be it.
Basic mode is all that is needed.
What about the vortech pumps? Are they working?
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 9:28 am
by alexwbush
Vortech pump is responding to code and works fine. RF module shows fading while and matches night mode on the Vortech. Do you think I need to reset the controller and start over? Maybe get the Radions to work before Vortech?
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 9:30 am
by rimai
No, they work independent of each other.
If you issue feeding mode in the Radions, does RA and/or pumps go into feeding?
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 9:32 am
by alexwbush
Yes, that worked no problem.
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 9:35 am
by rimai
Does RA show the feeding countdown?
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 9:36 am
by alexwbush
It does not. The only indication I have that we're in feeding mode is the light pattern on the Vortech. My normal pumps that turn off during feeding mode did not respond. I don't think the RA knows we're in feeding mode.
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 8:02 pm
by alexwbush
Anyone else have any ideas? I don't want to give up on this thing.
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2015 7:29 am
by rimai
Out of ideas

Basic mode is all it is needed. I've been using it for a long time now.
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2015 7:32 am
by alexwbush
I can try to start from scratch. Maybe reset my RA and try to get the radions working before the vortech. Is there a good basic code we know works for radions?
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2015 7:33 am
by rimai
Your code should work.
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2015 12:34 pm
by alexwbush
What code can I add to use the variables that I can control in the portal for intensity for the different channels?
I think instead of this:
Code: Select all
ReefAngel.RF.UseMemory = false;
ReefAngel.RF.SetChannel( Radion_Green, 100 );
ReefAngel.RF.SetChannel( Radion_Intensity, 50 );
I could use:
Code: Select all
ReefAngel.RF.UseMemory = true;
/* For testing purposes. Set intensity of colors by the End % of each channel in RA Portal. Code doesn't do anything with Start % or Duration(m)
*/
ReefAngel.RF.SetChannel( Radion_White, InternalMemory.RadionSlopeEndW_read() );
ReefAngel.RF.SetChannel( Radion_RoyalBlue, InternalMemory.RadionSlopeEndRB_read() );
ReefAngel.RF.SetChannel( Radion_Red, InternalMemory.RadionSlopeEndR_read() );
ReefAngel.RF.SetChannel( Radion_Green, InternalMemory.RadionSlopeEndG_read() );
ReefAngel.RF.SetChannel( Radion_Blue, InternalMemory.RadionSlopeEndB_read() );
ReefAngel.RF.SetChannel( Radion_Intensity, InternalMemory.RadionSlopeEndI_read() );
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2015 12:51 pm
by alexwbush
So, I think that worked. But still not able to get the radions to change based on what I do to the RA.
Anything else you can think of that you had to do to make the radions work Roberto? I've messaged a bunch of people and haven't found anyone else able to get this to work

Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2015 10:22 pm
by alexwbush
Troubleshooting continues...
So after you do a factory reset, does it pick up the RA's RF module signal right away? Or does it go to 10k/14k/whatever and you have to press something? I'm 99% sure I am in basic mode as I can change modes from 6.5k-20k, but still not seeing what the RA RF is sending.
Do I need to update firmware on the RF module?
http://forum.reefangel.com/viewtopic.ph ... n&start=20 ...if so, I don't have the libusb0.dll and I cannot quite figure out what I am supposed to do to add that.
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2015 11:12 pm
by billw
alexwbush wrote:Troubleshooting continues...
So after you do a factory reset, does it pick up the RA's RF module signal right away? Or does it go to 10k/14k/whatever and you have to press something? I'm 99% sure I am in basic mode as I can change modes from 6.5k-20k, but still not seeing what the RA RF is sending.
Do I need to update firmware on the RF module?
http://forum.reefangel.com/viewtopic.ph ... n&start=20 ...if so, I don't have the libusb0.dll and I cannot quite figure out what I am supposed to do to add that.
I just went through the same thing and found a copy of libusb0 on line. Of course all the standard caveats when getting something on line. I'd suggest you wait until Roberto confirms that an update may help before taking that chance.
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2015 11:21 pm
by alexwbush
billw wrote:I just went through the same thing and found a copy of libusb0 on line. Of course all the standard caveats when getting something on line. I'd suggest you wait until Roberto confirms that an update may help before taking that chance.
Do you use radions? Had a similar issue with getting them to respond to the RA RF? What worked?? My wife thinks I am getting obsessive about getting this to work.
Also, do you have some good instructions to get the libusb0 working? I tried one set of instructions and still get the error.
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2015 6:43 am
by billw
alexwbush wrote:billw wrote:I just went through the same thing and found a copy of libusb0 on line. Of course all the standard caveats when getting something on line. I'd suggest you wait until Roberto confirms that an update may help before taking that chance.
Do you use radions? Had a similar issue with getting them to respond to the RA RF? What worked?? My wife thinks I am getting obsessive about getting this to work.
Also, do you have some good instructions to get the libusb0 working? I tried one set of instructions and still get the error.
I was troubleshooting the bus lock up issue and Roberto suggested that the firmware upgrade would be necessary. In that case the firmware upgrade appeared to have worked. On the libusb0 issue, I went to dll-files.com and downloaded the 32 bit version. I placed it in the directory where I had unzipped Roberto's files. I have a new laptop so I was willing to take a bit more of a risk. If I hosed the whole system, I could just rebuild it without much loss. Please be careful, I did take a risk as my familiarity with dll-files.com is minimal. IMO it's not worth it until you confirm that the firmware update is needed In your case.
Specifically on the Radions, I just haven't got there yet. I'm still fooling with them with Ecosmart Live. I'm bring a 240 gallon tank on line and I have higher priority things to do at the moment. As always, Roberto is your best source for info there. Obsession is what this hobby is all about!

Best of luck in getting your Radions on line, I'll be following with hopes of benefiting from your experience.
Re: RF Expansion Radion Control Issue
Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2015 9:25 am
by rimai
No, that is not related to the bus lock.
When I find some time, let me try updating my radions firmware and see what I can come up with.
It's been a long time.