DIY Power Center and Automation Build

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caroexx

Gold Supporter
Oct 8, 2020
49
Rincon, Puerto Rico/ Miami, FL
I am starting a thread for anyone that wants to get any ideas or comment on my build and follow my progress... it is still in progress but all the credit goes to cmc0619 for guiding me all the way since my system is almost an exact copy. What I am trying to accomplish is a system that has ups backup, sensors to test on demand and controls for light, pump and ichlor for now. I will add acid automation in the future. I will post pictures soon.


This is my list as of right now:

NamePart NumberPrice
Raspberry PI 3 B+$51.99
LiFePO4wered/Pi+$55.00
ELEDIY 2 x 20（40 Pin） Stacking Header for Raspberry Pi $8.99
RELAYS 8-Layer Stackable Card$30.00
Sensor HAT for Raspberry Pi with Industrial pH Probe and Industrial Conductivity Probe$320.00
MEAN WELL MDR-60-5 AC to DC DIN-Rail Power Supply 5V 10 Amp 50W$21.56
Generic Carbon Steel Alloy Variable Pump Water / Air Pressure Sensor(DC 5V)$14.90
JBtek USB to RS485 Converter Adapter ch340T chip 64-bit Window 7 Supported$6.99
GFCI for pump and I-Chlor type DGFL2D20010S$73.44
GFCI for One led 12v lightGFL2B15010S$73.44
Raspberry PI MCB2CU15L$30.00
Power Feed Lug x2P50ULB$11.52
2 phase busbar2P16UL3/6$7.81
3 phase busbar3P16UL3/6$9.78
Altelix case ( should've went bigger) Veteran discount! need to contact them.NP171406TVP-DIN$120.48
Safety Isolation transformer for 12v ledST191401$40.39
 
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Katodude said:
Nice, watching closely as my controller is a close copy of @cmc0619
Click to expand...
Awesome! I am now thinking about adding a fan and humidity sensor to the enclosure in order to control the humidity inside the box... the box is vented therefore I should not worry about heat inside... maybe something like if the Rpi is hot then turn on the fan to get air in but if it is humid, then turn on the fan to get the air out... I don’t know yet... still brainstorming.
 

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There is actually a command to measure the temperature of pi Processor. I forget what it is but you can look it up. I have the vented enclosure as well and it performed all summer with no fan.
 
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Humidity has not been a problem for me, and I would think south Florida is about the same humidity level you would have.

However, it sounds like a fun project so far be it from me to dissuade you from doing something cool.

I would be interested to know what fan you find and how you mount it to the Altelix box.
 
Katodude said:
Humidity has not been a problem for me, and I would think south Florida is about the same humidity level you would have.

However, it sounds like a fun project so far be it from me to dissuade you from doing something cool.

I would be interested to know what fan you find and how you mount it to the Altelix box.
Click to expand...
Justin from uFire recommended a case like this:

ZQ-161407

With air vents like these:

Vent Plug

But my idea is indeed a fun project.
 
Love your setup! I’m getting ready to do my own and hoping you can answer a few questions to help.

You mention having a similar setup to @cmc0619 , but I don’t see any relays to turn on and off your pump, chlorinator or lights. Are you accomplishing this some other way? Are you using the 782-2C-24A relays?

Can you update with a picture all wired up!?

Thanks so much!

PS - i’m seriously considering this for my enclosure. I don’t want to spend the crazy amounts for a giant size one that is purpose built and I can’t see how this is any different. Condition 1 Waterproof Protective Hard Case - 25" x 20" x 8" #839 IP67 Watertight Dust Proof and Shock Proof TSA Approved Portable Trunk Carrier $140
 
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@1900s_Fort_Myers Thanks! I did put a lot of research and got good advice here so that's why started the thread. I have not started wiring it yet since my pool construction will start this week. I will use the JBtek USB to RS485 Converter Adapter ch340T chip 64-bit Window 7 Supported to control the Pentair Intelliflo VSF and IChlor and the RELAYS 8-Layer Stackable Card (I have a card with 4) is the board that has blue boxes on the last picture. For the case, you can probably get a Poly Case that is not too expensive but has the din rail system.
 
@caroexx @cmc0619
I'm actively buying and mirroring your configuration closely.

It seems the GFI breakers being used here are available at a max of 40A. The heat pump I'm considering requires a 50 amp breaker (Pentair UltraTemp 140 H/C) thoughts on a GFI breaker that fits this modular design?

PS - I found my box here ! This topic likely deserves a thread of its own. I wanted something with tons of space and I didn't wanna pay a huge amount for what is basically is a plastic box. Metal boxes are cheaper, but I was concerned with WiFi issues and conductivity. After spending way more time than I'd like to admit trying to find the right one it seems the Germans are all over this and have a great selection (shipping was more than the unit itself but all in all $110 is not bad). I found the best “key words” to use when searching were “wet room box” and use number of modules for general size.
 
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