Alternative Pool Automation and Sensor/Chemical Control and Integration

[MyAZPool]

I'm smiling. I knew you would have some good examples. Ok, maybe the Intellichlor is the way to go. Looks like it can connect via a RS485 connection. I'll have to study the user manual a bit before I make my final selection.

Thanks!

The IntelliChlor does connect to automation via RS-485. It is the SWCG of choice for most of us using this type of automation.
I don't think that you will be disappointed with the IntelliChlor.
Here is a link reference RS-485 from the Nixie Pool Controller Wiki - RS-485 Control
Also, here is a link to the Chlorinator page of the nodejs-poolController Wiki which addresses pin-outs and RS-485 packets/commands - Chlorinator
r.

 

[RWTL]

This is what I am thinking about for my initial materials list. Interested if you have any feedback...Initially I would monitor pressure, control my pump, and connect my heater via the fireman's switch.

Title	Cost	Site	Ordered?
Enclosure 14 x 12 x 8 vented	$180	https://altelix.com/altelix-14x12x8-vented-industrial-din-rail-fiberglass-enclosure/
Raspberry Pi 4 w/8gb	$80	https://rpilocator.com/?country=US&cat=PI4
SDR 120-24	$67	https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/MEAN-WELL/SDR-120-24?qs=2Nzy6JaqJsntOCD78z8GMg%3D%3D
Building Automation HAT	$95
Relay HAT	$70
Pump Relay	$48			Needs diode to prevent flyback
Smart HAT Fan	$25	https://sequentmicrosystems.com/products/smart-fan-for-raspberry-pi
Whitebox T3	$102	https://atlas-scientific.com/electrical-isolation/whitebox-t3/
Pressure Sensor	$99	https://atlas-scientific.com/product/pressure-sensor/
Flowviz	$239	https://lesliespool.com/h2flow-flowvis-flow-meter-valve-fv-c-15/68252.html
Brass 1/4” y splitter	$10	https://www.amazon.com/Brass-Splitter-MNPT-FNPT-Fitting/dp/B07VDGYQR3/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=1%2F4+npt+y+splitter&qid=1692779399&sprefix=1%2F4+npt+y+%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-7
3 way valve	$50	https://www.amazon.com/Pentair-263028-Compool-Valve/dp/B00P9EOKN0/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=3+way+pool+valve+2+inch&qid=1692780404&sprefix=pool+2%22+3+way+%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1
Ferrell Crimping Tool	$15	https://www.amazon.com/Self-adjustable-AWG-23-7-Electrical-Connectors/dp/B0B23V7ZQJ/ref=sr_1_3?crid=E7SE829SQNOP&keywords=ferrule+crimping+tool&qid=1692810588&sprefix=ferrell+crimping+tool%2Caps%2C158&sr=8-3		DC only low voltage
Terminal Blocks	$29	https://www.amazon.com/Color-DIN-Rail-Block-Kit/dp/B07NVV28D9/ref=sr_1_14?keywords=dinkle+terminal+block&qid=1692810253&sprefix=dinkle+%2Caps%2C118&sr=8-14
Total	$1109

 

[rstrouse]

You can monitor pressure using a less expensive 5v pressure transducer. While the atlas works fine it requires an I2c connection all the way to the filter.

 

[MyAZPool]

@RWTL
I'm sure you've thought this out well but I do have a couple of comments that jumped out at me reference your list, if you don't mind.

1. Enclosure: If you're planning to add on to your capabilities later, I'm thinking you may need a slightly bigger enclosure. There have been a couple of instances where folks pursuing this type of endeavor have wished they had went bigger. You may not need a 24x20x9 industrial box like I have but I would seriously consider an upgrade in size. It's way too easy to ignore some unused space inside your enclosure but not so easy to expand, if that additional space is needed. Not to mention the additional cost of having to purchase a second enclosure...

2. MEAN WELL SDR 120-24: This PSU will provide 24VDC for your eventual Sequent Microsystems HAT's right? But won't you need a PSU that supplies 5.1VDC for your RPi, T3 and Smart Hat?

3. Flowvis: I'm sure you can find that 1.5 inch FlowVis for less money if you shop around. Leslie's is always overpriced. Here is the Amazon price.

4. @rstrouse brings up a good point. Since we started putting our systems together going on three years ago, some alternatives have emerged that are worth taking a look at. Like the newer Sequent Microsystems solutions just as an example.
r.

 

[RWTL]

@RWTL
I'm sure you've thought this out well but I do have a couple of comments that jumped out at me reference your list, if you don't mind.

1. Enclosure: If you're planning to add on to your capabilities later, I'm thinking you may need a slightly bigger enclosure. There have been a couple of instances where folks pursuing this type of endeavor have wished they had went bigger. You may not need a 24x20x9 industrial box like I have but I would seriously consider an upgrade in size. It's way too easy to ignore some unused space inside your enclosure but not so easy to expand, if that additional space is needed. Not to mention the additional cost of having to purchase a second enclosure...

2. MEAN WELL SDR 120-24: This PSU will provide 24VDC for your eventual Sequent Microsystems HAT's right? But won't you need a PSU that supplies 5.1VDC for your RPi, T3 and Smart Hat?

3. Flowvis: I'm sure you can find that 1.5 inch FlowVis for less money if you shop around. Leslie's is always overpriced. Here is the Amazon price.

4. @rstrouse brings up a good point. Since we started putting our systems together going on three years ago, some alternatives have emerged that are worth taking a look at. Like the newer Sequent Microsystems solutions just as an example.
r.

1. How about a 16 x 16 x 8 enclosure?

Altelix 16x16x8 Vented Industrial DIN Rail Fiberglass Weatherproof NEMA Enclosure

Altelix 16x16x8 Vented Industrial DIN Rail Fiberglass Weatherproof NEMA Enclosure

altelix.com

2. I'm under the impression that the 24VDC can power the Building Automation Card which powers the Pi. From the Wiki...Nixie Wiki

You will be wiring the 24vdc power supply to this board so no other power is required to power the Raspberry Pi or the relays. Sequent Microsystems Building Automation Hat

3. Good catch. AND...I wanted the 2", so that was my error. I think this is the right part from Amazon...https://www.amazon.com/FlowVis-FV-2-Meter-Velocity-Schedule/dp/B0C3F58NLV?ref_=ast_sto_dp

4. I'll have to study this option. @rstrouse If you have any more information on this, I would find it really helpful. Your materials so far have been excellent.

 

[MyAZPool]

1. How about a 16 x 16 x 8 enclosure?

Altelix 16x16x8 Vented Industrial DIN Rail Fiberglass Weatherproof NEMA Enclosure

Altelix 16x16x8 Vented Industrial DIN Rail Fiberglass Weatherproof NEMA Enclosure

altelix.com

2. I'm under the impression that the 24VDC can power the Building Automation Card which powers the Pi. From the Wiki...Nixie Wiki

3. Good catch. AND...I wanted the 2", so that was my error. I think this is the right part from Amazon...https://www.amazon.com/FlowVis-FV-2-Meter-Velocity-Schedule/dp/B0C3F58NLV?ref_=ast_sto_dp

4. I'll have to study this option. @rstrouse If you have any more information on this, I would find it really helpful. Your materials so far have been excellent.

1. If you think the 16 x16 x 8 will suit your immediate needs as well as any future requirements, then you should be good.
2. Good catch on only needing the 24VDC. That is why I was more or less posing that as questions, coz I wasn't sure about the newer Sequent Microsystems requirements. Yep, the Nixie Wiki is full of good useful information.
3. I wondered about that but just figured your return plumbing and/or your future bypass is 1.5". I love it when a plan comes together.
r.

 

[MyAZPool]

Here is some good info related to the installation of Atlas Scientific Industrial probe/sensors posted by @TopJimmy.

Threads on Atlas ORP Industrial sensor

For Atlas Industrial ORP sensor they sent me recently: despite their website claiming 3/4 NPT, it is not. The thread is something different. Can’t be certain but I think it is 3/4 BSPT. I bought an adaptor on Amazon $14 and a #14 o-ring from Ace (BSPT uses o-ring for sealing and the gasket...

www.troublefreepool.com

r.