Reef Angel Forum

Like the subject says. I should have checked this before I plugged everything in, but do the relay box ports stay on if it loses contact with the head unit if they're configured as always on ports in setup()?

I'd kind of like my return pump to keep going when I load new code. Don't care so much about the rest of the stuff.

I believe unless the port is set to 'always on' it will reboot when the head controller does.

Super Samsung Device

I think they all briefly power cycle

It's instantaneous (at least for me). I don't even notice any flickering w/ my lights (plugged into the port) or my pump. The only part that I notice is my powerhead (jebao). It will for a split second start up at 100% power before the code kicks in and drops it down.

Ports maintain their status. But if they lose connectivity to the head unit they will all turn off. The future wireless relay box Roberto mentioned will have fallback settings.

OK. My SOP at the moment is to disconnect the head unit near the sump, carry it upstairs to the computer, program it, and carry it back downstairs. Lee says that they will all turn off. Jack says that his stay on. Which is it?

I do know that the dimming expansion keeps the lights on if the head unit is disconnected and the pumps keep running if the head unit is disconnected from the relay box. They are connected to the dimming ports on the relay box. I assumed that since PWM values didn't change, but they didn't turn off either then the relays would be the same way.

Oh, I didn't realize you were disconnecting your head unit. I must have missed that. I was assuming you had the head unit attached but uploading code. I use a super long USB extension......probably not an option for you since you have a floor to contend with.

Get the Bluetooth attachment

Get a cheap netbook

rimai wrote:Get the Bluetooth attachment

This will change your life.

--Colin

rimai wrote:Get the Bluetooth attachment

I would have gotten that when I bought the stuff, but it isnt on your site for purchase that I can see. Is it a special order?

Yes, PM me if you want one.

Will do, thanks.

One of the best modules you will get.
I love my BT.

OK. I got one, got it paired, figured out which one was outgoing serial, and am ready to send new code to the unit. So you say it doesn't drop the relay box outlets except for a brief smidge when it reboots?

That's correct.
I don't even recall mine dropping at all.

The relays will stay in their existing state while its loading and rebooting. The only blip you'll get is the difference between your current state, state of your setup and loop() configurations

Great. That is what I hoped.

Bluetooth worked perfectly!

I didnt notice any blip at all when loading new code. Head unit is in the basement on a wall and bluetooth is upstairs and 20 feet away, and had no problems. It loaded slower than cable. Maybe because I had default of 9600 baud or something?

Anyway, this thing removes the one big limitation for me to this device. I think it should get more prominent exposure on the site because it is so useful.

I didn't know the module existed... How much is it?

will the BT do monitoring as well or only loading codes?

just loading code.