Sustaining the tank while hacking on ReefAngel

bondolo · Post by **bondolo** » Tue Jan 08, 2013 3:24 pm

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 · Post by **rimai** » Tue Jan 08, 2013 3:27 pm

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

lnevo · Post by **lnevo** » Tue Jan 08, 2013 3:39 pm

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 · Post by **dbmet** » Tue Jan 08, 2013 4:01 pm

I carry my Macbook over to the aquarium and program it that way..

DrewPalmer04 · Post by **DrewPalmer04** » Tue Jan 08, 2013 5:59 pm

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.

00Warpig00 · Post by **00Warpig00** » Tue Jan 08, 2013 8:38 pm

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

binder · Post by **binder** » Wed Jan 09, 2013 10:37 am

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 · Post by **dazza1304** » Wed Jan 16, 2013 12:12 pm

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 · Post by **rimai** » Wed Jan 16, 2013 1:11 pm

Something like this:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/produ ... 1&format=2
I extended the usb cable to my head unit.

rossbryant1956 · Post by **rossbryant1956** » Wed Jan 16, 2013 2:19 pm

yep, I have one of these and it works like a charm.

dazza1304 · Post by **dazza1304** » Thu Jan 17, 2013 1:06 am

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 · Post by **rimai** » Thu Jan 17, 2013 9:27 am

That, you still have to do.

lnevo · Post by **lnevo** » Thu Jan 17, 2013 2:17 pm

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

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