Well, if tracking info is correct I should get my Robo-Tank order soon.
In the meantime, I've been looking at addressing power management and in particular, how to deal with power outages - I'm not too worried about running the entire tank when power goes, but I have seen some things happen that make me think it would be beneficial to keep the Pi / Controller "brain" alive. To this end, I have an old UPS where the Inverter side is no longer working. I also have a spare 105Ah Deep Cycle Battery. My plan is to use the battery power via a buck converter to power the Controller. So when power goes, the controller keep chugging along and doesn't lose IP address (Home network / router is on a big UPS). Other problems have bene noticed like disrupting timed operations like those scheduled by timers and Macros. At least is the controller keeps track of those events correctly, I don't mind if they don't happen, but as long as routines / schedules are maintained and equipment statuses are correct.
Yes, I hear you say, that 105Ah battery is way overkill for my needs, but my long term plan is to upgrade my return pump to a DC unit and have that power the return pump in 12V mode - much like the Vortech Battery Backup units work. Quite honestly, I don't believe one needs more than the return pump running on 50% speed to keep a tank alive. FORTUNATELY for me I live in a semi-tropical climate, so even in winter I rarely see temperatures below 15degC (59 F) and even then, that is only for a few hours and I can make alternate plans to heat the room - but with the controller staying alive, I can set it to send me an alert when temp drops too low.
In the meantime, I've been looking at addressing power management and in particular, how to deal with power outages - I'm not too worried about running the entire tank when power goes, but I have seen some things happen that make me think it would be beneficial to keep the Pi / Controller "brain" alive. To this end, I have an old UPS where the Inverter side is no longer working. I also have a spare 105Ah Deep Cycle Battery. My plan is to use the battery power via a buck converter to power the Controller. So when power goes, the controller keep chugging along and doesn't lose IP address (Home network / router is on a big UPS). Other problems have bene noticed like disrupting timed operations like those scheduled by timers and Macros. At least is the controller keeps track of those events correctly, I don't mind if they don't happen, but as long as routines / schedules are maintained and equipment statuses are correct.
Yes, I hear you say, that 105Ah battery is way overkill for my needs, but my long term plan is to upgrade my return pump to a DC unit and have that power the return pump in 12V mode - much like the Vortech Battery Backup units work. Quite honestly, I don't believe one needs more than the return pump running on 50% speed to keep a tank alive. FORTUNATELY for me I live in a semi-tropical climate, so even in winter I rarely see temperatures below 15degC (59 F) and even then, that is only for a few hours and I can make alternate plans to heat the room - but with the controller staying alive, I can set it to send me an alert when temp drops too low.
Des
Durban - South Africa
Durban - South Africa
