DIY-PoolAutomation-Pizero-FrankenAuto

Poolbreh

In The Industry
Jul 31, 2021
1,377
San Diego
I thought I would give a DIY automation a try. I originally started with some old compool parts and a pi zero w and a small electrical panel from Amazon. I was thinking small and compact, which was a terrible idea, think sun touch.
I don’t know python, but I know enough JavaScript. Using the onoff library I was able to get the gpio to control the 8 channel relay. This relay has a maximum load of 10amps. So good enough to handle actuators and higher load relays and fireman switch. The transformer is from cp3600, it steps down to 24, 18, and 12 vac. I should also mention the relay is a nc/c/no, so this works perfect for controlling actuators. The 24 vac was used to control the actuators. I used a ac/dc buck converter on the 20vac converting it to vdc to control the high voltage relays. On the 10vac I used another buck converter to drop it down to 5vdc to power the pi zero. The idea was to minimize space, I was trying to avoid having to add an outlet for a 24vdc power supply, and usb.
As far as the framework, I am using nodejs express onoff. The pi is running headless and serving up the ui using express.
Here is the repo if you like bad code.
The part that I didn’t realize would take so much time is planning the layout inside the panel. Creating dividers for high and low voltage, and making everything accessible and replaceable. I used blender and cura for the prints. If I was to do it again, I would just use a larger panel. Here is the progress so far, I’ll continue to update as I go. Please feel free to critique and advise.IMG_0298.jpegIMG_0294.jpegIMG_0295.jpegimage.jpgimage.jpg
 

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Glad to hear there is a use for those old Compool panels. You should be able to pickup EasyTouch systems being upgraded to IntelliCenters.
 
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The transformer from the intellicenter upgrade is going into Frankenauto 2.0. I was going to use the compool transformer guard with the low voltage cb, but I decided to just try and print everything myself. Thus the transformer mount.
 
Looks nice.

There are some easier ways. Look into the some of the sequent Microsystems hats. Should make some of that stuff easier to wire. Including powering the pi with 24vac.

Also look into NodeJsPoolcontroller.

But sometimes it’s fun to just do it yourself.
 
Happy to help. Ask questions. I started with my own franken controller too that I programmed with NodeRed. It just ended up being easier to use NodeJspool.

You have already solved the hardest part which is a box and transformer.
 
A few updates, I reprinted bottom divider so the low voltage will remain separated from the high voltage. Added low voltage knockout and plug knockout with 120v plug.
I am rethinking the rs-485, the pool this will be going on is my buddies and he has an intelliflo 3 with I/O and from what I read these speeds are adjustable. So I’m thinking of using the digital input on the I/O and using 3 of the 8 low voltage relays(low, mid, high). The main reason is I want to make my own interface. I’m doing this as a project for my resume, so I want to be as creative as possible.
 

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Looks nice. If you used PLA for your printed parts you might have issues once the summer heat sets in. The printed parts could soften/deform and/or fall apart. Also many filaments don't have a flame rating and might not be self extinguishing. Also dielectric strength is not listed or what you might think it is.

There are only a handful of FDM filaments that have a UL Blue Card. Prusa has a PETG that is listed. Polymaker has some PC filaments that have a UL Blue Card, but I can't figure out if it's all the PolyMax PC or not.
 
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I have been looking to do the same thing. What are you using for the rs-485 cable and connector?
So I don’t think I’m going to use the rs485. But if I was and I did it all again, I would use the sequent Microsystems hat recommended by Kato. They have hats with multiple relays and rs485.
I am going to just use the digital input on the I/O. It’s something I know and can create my own interface.
Maybe on the next project I’ll try and pick apart nodejspoolcontroller. They have done all the heavy lifting because the Pentair modbus protocol isn’t public.
 
Looks nice. If you used PLA for your printed parts you might have issues once the summer heat sets in. The printed parts could soften/deform and/or fall apart. Also many filaments don't have a flame rating and might not be self extinguishing. Also dielectric strength is not listed or what you might think it is.

There are only a handful of FDM filaments that have a UL Blue Card. Prusa has a PETG that is listed. Polymaker has some PC filaments that have a UL Blue Card, but I can't figure out if it's all the PolyMax PC or not.
Wow this is some great information, thanks bill. I did use PLA. This didn’t even cross my mind. The box is meant for electronics but I don’t think it’s self extinguishing either. https://a.co/d/epPKV7q
I may have to put in a case fan.
Once I get a working product I will go back and reprint with recommended filament.