Hey everyone, exciting news!
I'm getting ready to launch another Kickstarter campaign, and I wanted to share this with you all first! After nine years of development and feedback, I’m thrilled to introduce the latest version of Robo-Tank—a modular, customizable aquarium controller designed for both beginners and advanced users. The new system is packed with features, and with the launch of this campaign, you'll have the chance to be among the first to get your hands on it!
One of the biggest announcements alongside the campaign is the upcoming release of the new Conductivity Circuit. This fully isolated circuit ensures precise readings, even in complex setups, and expands the Robo-Tank's capabilities for managing reef and saltwater aquariums.
The Kickstarter will help bring this project to life on a larger scale, so be sure to follow the pre-launch page for updates. You can find all the details here:
Kickstarter Pre-Launch Page
Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you all for your continued support!
Main Controller
Introducing the main controller configuration, designed to meet the needs of most users right out of the box. Packaged with the reliable sensor extension from the current controller, this setup is perfect for seamless aquarium management. And for those who need even more control and flexibility, the Deluxe Expansion is available, adding 13 additional ports to elevate your system to the next level.
Deluxe Expansion Module
The Deluxe Expansion is perfect for users who need additional ports without the complexity of adding custom circuits. It’s designed to keep everything simple and plug-and-play, connecting easily via an HDMI cable to your main controller. This allows you to expand your system effortlessly. With the Deluxe Expansion, you can manage more equipment while maintaining the ease and flexibility Robo-Tank is known for, giving you more control over your aquarium.
Fully Isolated Conductivity Circuit
This is a precise, fully isolated conductivity circuit constructed using high quality components and designed to work with Robo-Tank and reef-pi or any other microcontroller.
The circuit utilizes the newest isolation technology (power and data) to prevent noise from entering the circuit through the microcontroller, power supply or your aquarium. A conductivity circuit is a sensitive device and it doesn't take much to cause interference, with isolation noise is blocked so you continue to get accurate readings. This also blocks interference from multiple probes in the same aquarium.
I'm getting ready to launch another Kickstarter campaign, and I wanted to share this with you all first! After nine years of development and feedback, I’m thrilled to introduce the latest version of Robo-Tank—a modular, customizable aquarium controller designed for both beginners and advanced users. The new system is packed with features, and with the launch of this campaign, you'll have the chance to be among the first to get your hands on it!
One of the biggest announcements alongside the campaign is the upcoming release of the new Conductivity Circuit. This fully isolated circuit ensures precise readings, even in complex setups, and expands the Robo-Tank's capabilities for managing reef and saltwater aquariums.
The Kickstarter will help bring this project to life on a larger scale, so be sure to follow the pre-launch page for updates. You can find all the details here:
Kickstarter Pre-Launch Page
Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you all for your continued support!
Main Controller
Introducing the main controller configuration, designed to meet the needs of most users right out of the box. Packaged with the reliable sensor extension from the current controller, this setup is perfect for seamless aquarium management. And for those who need even more control and flexibility, the Deluxe Expansion is available, adding 13 additional ports to elevate your system to the next level.
Available Ports on the Basic Controller Setup:
- 16 AC Outlet Ports with 2 Hardware Based Backup Ports: These remain the same keeping compatibility with the current AC power bars and extensions.
- 2 DC Ports with 2 Hardware Based Backup Ports: 12v or 24v based on controller input power supply, speed controllable.
- 4 Switchable Auxiliary Ports, 0-5v or 0-10V Analog or PWM ports: Control dimmable lights and pumps, often used for LED drivers and controllable water pumps.
- 6 Sensor Ports: Connect DS18B20 temperature sensors, DHT22 temperature / humidity sensors, optical sensors, non-contact sensors, water sense boards, float switches, toggle switches, flow meters and other Arduino based sensors
- Isolated pH Circuit: Monitor pH levels and control equipment based on readings.
- Feeder Port: Connect the Ehiem feeder
- HDMI Port: This allows you to expand the controller using the Deluxe Expansion module
- Internal Cooling Fan Port: Optional fan to cool the Raspberry Pi 4
- External I2C port: Connect extra pH or Conductivity Circuits
- 12v - 24v DC Input
- Highly efficient 5v regulator to power the Raspberry Pi and controller
- Extra filtering for low ripple on power rails
- Highly efficient reverse polarity protection
- Short circuit protection
- External over current protection
- Resettable fuse on 5v rail
- 3.3v - 5v converter for I2C bus
- 16 channel 12-bit PWM controller
- CR1220 battery backup for real time clock
Deluxe Expansion Module
The Deluxe Expansion is perfect for users who need additional ports without the complexity of adding custom circuits. It’s designed to keep everything simple and plug-and-play, connecting easily via an HDMI cable to your main controller. This allows you to expand your system effortlessly. With the Deluxe Expansion, you can manage more equipment while maintaining the ease and flexibility Robo-Tank is known for, giving you more control over your aquarium.
Available Ports on the Deluxe Expansion
- 4 Sensor Ports: Connect DS18B20 temperature sensors, DHT22 temperature / humidity sensors, optical sensors, non-contact sensors, water sense boards, float switches, toggle switches, flow meters and other Arduino based sensors
- 1 DC Port with 1 Hardware Based Backup Ports:
- 8 Configurable Outputs: These you can easily configure for your needs, you can split the configuration to your liking
- 1 DB9 Serial Port to connect an AC Power Bar: Easily add a 3rd AC power bar
- Up to 8 DC Ports: 12v or 24v based on controller input power supply, speed controllable.
- 8 Hardware Backup ports for AC Power Bar or DC Ports: If you configure ports for an AC power bar or DC ports you will have hardware backup ports for each port
- Up to 8 Switchable Auxiliary Ports, 0-5v or 0-10V Analog or PWM ports: Each channel can be independently configured
- 12v - 24v DC Input
- Extra filtering for low ripple on power rails
- Highly efficient reverse polarity protection
- Short circuit protection
Fully Isolated Conductivity Circuit
This is a precise, fully isolated conductivity circuit constructed using high quality components and designed to work with Robo-Tank and reef-pi or any other microcontroller.
The circuit utilizes the newest isolation technology (power and data) to prevent noise from entering the circuit through the microcontroller, power supply or your aquarium. A conductivity circuit is a sensitive device and it doesn't take much to cause interference, with isolation noise is blocked so you continue to get accurate readings. This also blocks interference from multiple probes in the same aquarium.
- K 1.0 probe for saltwater and freshwater
- Outputs Conductivity, TDS, Salinity and Specific Gravity (only conductivity for reef-pi)
- Fully Isolated power and data lines
- Calibration through app
- Manually Change and Save I2C Address to circuit
- Compatible with any brand and type of Conductivity probe with BNC connector
- 5v Operating Range
- I2C Communication - Default Address 100 (0x64)