IntelliCenter Home Automation Integration and Control

[Candurin]

Dumb question. Does the Ethernet cable need to go directly from the RPi to the serial com board or can it be networked?

My RPi would be 100’ away from the intellicenter. Luckily, I can run a direct cable, however, I have a second router 20’ away from where the IC will be installed and it would be easier to go IC > router and then from a network switch right next to the RPi to the RPi.

Or, can I remotely connect to the RPi? Hopefully this makes sense?

I can do whatever is needed as equipment won’t be installed for a few more weeks.

 

[setsailsoon]

Candurin,

I have a similar issue. My plan was to put the RPi inside the Intellicenter power center and make a short connection to the com port connectors then use the RPi WiFi capability for the RPi gateway. Connecting the RPi inside the house to my home network was a snap with the Raspian OS that was included with my RPi board. Not sure if WiFi inside metal power center box will get out this way. There's also an Ethernet port on the RPi that I may be able to use.

Chris

 

[MyAZPool]

Dumb question. Does the Ethernet cable need to go directly from the RPi to the serial com board or can it be networked?

My RPi would be 100’ away from the intellicenter. Luckily, I can run a direct cable, however, I have a second router 20’ away from where the IC will be installed and it would be easier to go IC > router and then from a network switch right next to the RPi to the RPi.

Or, can I remotely connect to the RPi? Hopefully this makes sense?

I can do whatever is needed as equipment won’t be installed for a few more weeks.

Candurin
Just to be clear here. The physical connection between the RPi and the IntelliCenter RS485 bus has NOTHING, nothing at all to do with your Local Area Network (LAN), routers, switches, internet etc!

I only chose to use shielded CAT-5e cable and RJ-45 connectors and keystone jacks, as a means of a physical connection because I found it a "cleaner" connection between a wall mounted RJ-45 keystone jack and the RPi. That's all. Plus, there are 8 conductors in a Cat 5 or 6. And that gave me more options further down the road for physical connections for a Filter Gauge transducer connection, pH sensor connection, etc.


Do not make a connection between your RS485 bus and your LAN. I'm not sure what would happen, (maybe nothing), but in my mind, I'm thinking it can't be good. And besides, it won't work lol...

I hope this removes any ambiguity (if there was any), regarding the physical connection between the RPi and the IntelliCenter RS485 bus (COM ports).

Thanks...
r.

EDIT: BTW, the reason that I used "shielded" CAT-5e, Shielded Inline Modular Coupler w/Keystone Latch and the two RJ-45 Terminal Screw Adapters, was because I wanted a common ground all the way between the RPi (which is in my home office) and the IntelliCenter RS485 bus (an approximate 80' connection). I’m not sure this is absolutely necessary but I thought it might be a good idea based on some research that I did. You can see the common ground connections on both ends (black conductors) of the connection.

 

[setsailsoon]

Ron,

When you make the connections this way does the RPi connect to the internet via your WiFi? I get the RS 485 has to connect directly to the Intellicenter com port. But it also has to connect to the internet connection through your WiFi (or possibly the RPi ethernet?) correct?

Sorry for the dumb questions. I read LOT of back posts here and the readme files on Github last night. Wow, there's been a LOT of volunteer work by many for several years. I feel like I've been drinking from a fire hose!

Chris

 

[MyAZPool]

Ron,

When you make the connections this way does the RPi connect to the internet via your WiFi? I get the RS 485 has to connect directly to the Intellicenter com port. But it also has to connect to the internet connection through your WiFi (or possibly the RPi ethernet?) correct?

Sorry for the dumb questions. I read LOT of back posts here and the readme files on Github last night. Wow, there's been a LOT of volunteer work by many for several years. I feel like I've been drinking from a fire hose!

Chris

Chris,
Like I was always told, the only "dumn" question, is the one that you fail to ask.

There are two connections to the RPi (well, besides power and then the monitor/keyboard/mouse for initial RPi setup).
1. A LAN connection.
2. A physical connection between the RPi and the IntelliCenter RS485 bus via a USB to Serial adapter.

The RPi has to connect to your LAN for three reasons.
1. This is so you can do git-pull's from GitHub (you'll get more familiar with that soon).
2. So you can remote into your RPi from your desktop/laptop in order to not need a monitor/keyboard/mouse connected to your RPi after the initial setup.
3. So you can display the dashPanel on your desktop/laptop, iPad, iPhone. Essentially a web interface.

See the photo above of my RPi. You'll notice a CAT-5 plugged into the ethernet port (blue CAT 5), that is the LAN connection. Then you will notice the USB to Serial adapter plugged into a USB port. That is the physical connection between the RPi and the IntelliCenter RS485 bus.

Regarding that "fire hose" - That is exactly how I felt three months ago lol. If it weren't for @Katodude and @cmc0619, I'd still be in the dark.
Actually, I'm still drinking from that hose, but the GPM's are decreasing now.

You'll be an RPi/linux wizard before you know it.
These have helped me some regarding the RPi, raspian, noobs, GitHub etc. etc.

Raspberry Pi - Wikipedia

What Is GitHub, and What Is It Used For?

The Official Raspberry Pi Beginner's Guide v2

Welcome to the "darkside"
r.

EDIT. @setsailsoon Sorry I did not answer one of your questions initially. No, I do not connect my RPi to my LAN via WiFi. I can, but I just chose not to. I'm a big fan of physical LAN connections whenever possible. That's just me. I'm just of the mindset that I want ALL of the bandwidth that I can get.

 

[Katodude]

When you make the connections this way does the RPi connect to the internet via your WiFi? I get the RS 485 has to connect directly to the Intellicenter com port. But it also has to connect to the internet connection through your WiFi (or possibly the RPi ethernet?) correct?

Sorry for the dumb questions. I read LOT of back posts here and the readme files on Github last night. Wow, there's been a LOT of volunteer work by many for several years. I feel like I've been drinking from a fire hose!

My Rpi is connected via WiFi. Some people dont like WiFi I happen to think it is fine. I have an Orbi mesh network and it connects just fine and I run the entire pool off 1 Rpi 3B.

 

[MyAZPool]

My Rpi is connected via WiFi. Some people dont like WiFi I happen to think it is fine. I have an Orbi mesh network and it connects just fine and I run the entire pool off 1 Rpi 3B.

Kato...
Very nice..
The Orbi Tri-Band Superhighway? I have noticed those. Very impressive. Appears to be super fast. If I didn't already have 3 Cisco 571 dual band WAPs scattered around the place, I would definitely go that route and maybe then I would change my mindset lol....
r.

 

[Candurin]

@MyAZPool Makes perfect sense! Which Cat5 cable did you purchase? I would need 100' and I can run it along side my existing lan cable.

 

[guinness]

My plan was to put the RPi inside the Intellicenter power center and make a short connection to the com port connectors then use the RPi WiFi capability for the RPi gateway.

Do you have the the IntelliCenter WiFi client bridge? That comes with two ethernet ports, one used by the IntelliCenter but another that is unused. Try hooking the RPi to that and you should have connectivity to your local network.

 

[MyAZPool]

@MyAZPool Makes perfect sense! Which Cat5 cable did you purchase? I would need 100' and I can run it along side my existing lan cable.

Candurin
This is just what I chose to do and to purchase and incorporate for my particular needs. As with most things, there are lot's of different methods and products to choose from. As the ole saying goes, "there is always a better way", so maybe someone else can recommend other methods or products but the way I did it, worked out fantastic for me and if I had to do it again, I would do it exactly the same way.

1. I purchased this particular CAT-5e for the physical connection between my Shielded Inline Modular Coupler w/Keystone Latch which is mounted in a single gang ("old work") "cut-in" box in the wall and through the attic, low-voltage conduit, and up into the low-voltage raceway, and through to the low-voltage compartment in the IntelliCenter load center.

100Ft Cat5e Shielded Patch Cable Snagless Green

Check out the deal on 100Ft Cat5e Shielded Patch Cable Snagless Green at Cables

www.cables.com

The only reason I chose this one was so I didn't have to install two shield RJ-45 connectors on both ends. Only one on the inside. (yea, because 1. I'm lazy and 2. It was hovering around 112 degrees or so outside in my neck of the woods).

2. I cut one end (RJ-45) off, pulled it through my low-voltage conduit that already had my existing CAT-5e for the LAN connection (because my IntelliCenter LAN connection is hardwired, NOT Wi-Fi). Once into the attic with the shielded CAT-5e, I fished it down and into my home office adjoining wall, then pulled it out of the wall and installed a Shielded CAT-5e RJ-45 connector on the cable.

Amazon.com: Postta Shielded RJ45 CAT5E CAT6 Crimp Connector 8P8C STP Gold Plated Ethernet Network Cable Plug 100 Pieces: Home Audio & Theater

Buy Postta Shielded RJ45 CAT5E CAT6 Crimp Connector 8P8C STP Gold Plated Ethernet Network Cable Plug 100 Pieces: Connectors & Adapters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

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3. I then installed a Modular RJ-45 Coupler with Keystone Latch into a Leviton Decora 2-port Insert (see the photo of that installation above).

Amazon.com: CableCreation 10-Pack Cat6 Shielded Inline Modular Coupler with Keystone Latch, RJ45 Modular Coupler for Panel Connection,Cat6 8P/8C Female to Female Class D: Computers & Accessories

Buy CableCreation 10-Pack Cat6 Shielded Inline Modular Coupler with Keystone Latch, RJ45 Modular Coupler for Panel Connection, Cat6 8P/8C Female to Female Class D: Cat 6 Cables - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Leviton 41642-W QuickPort Decora Insert, 2-Port, White - Electrical Distribution Wall Plates - Amazon.com

Leviton 41642-W QuickPort Decora Insert, 2-Port, White - Electrical Distribution Wall Plates - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

I then ran a shielded CAT-5e Patch cable

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008ILDNH0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

from that particular RJ-45 port to my RJ45 to Terminal Screw Adapter Connector (again, please see the photos above).

Amazon.com: Poyiccot RJ45 Screw Terminal Adaptor Connector, 2pack RJ45 /8p8c Female Jack to 8 Pin Screw Terminal Connector for Cat7 Cat6 Cat5 Cat5e Ethernet Extender CCTV Digital DVR Network Adapter: Industrial & Scientific

Buy Poyiccot RJ45 Screw Terminal Adaptor Connector, 2pack RJ45 /8p8c Female Jack to 8 Pin Screw Terminal Connector for Cat7 Cat6 Cat5 Cat5e Ethernet Extender CCTV Digital DVR Network Adapter: Network Cards - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Again, that was my method. One can find 100 other ways to skin the same cat.
Hope that helps.
r.

 

[setsailsoon]

My Rpi is connected via WiFi. Some people dont like WiFi I happen to think it is fine. I have an Orbi mesh network and it connects just fine and I run the entire pool off 1 Rpi 3B.

Wow! I have the same brand mesh network as a tech expert... makes me feel a lot better about it. Where is your RPi mounted? If I have signal strength issues inside the power center (metal box) do you think I could connect to the network bridge ethernet connector that goes outside the box to my Pentair WiFi antenna (for my internet connection not the RS 485)?

Thanks!

 

[setsailsoon]

Do you have the the IntelliCenter WiFi client bridge? That comes with two ethernet ports, one used by the IntelliCenter but another that is unused. Try hooking the RPi to that and you should have connectivity to your local network.

Yes, that's exactly what I was hoping to do. I noticed the extra port and seems like would be my best bet... RS-485 adapter should be here some time today so I'll be ready to deploy tonight or tomorrow. Can't wait. Glad I decided to take your advice on the RPi route. Seems much easier for me and less than $50.

Thanks!

Chris

 

[MyAZPool]

Yes, that's exactly what I was hoping to do. I noticed the extra port and seems like would be my best bet... RS-485 adapter should be here some time today so I'll be ready to deploy tonight or tomorrow. Can't wait. Glad I decided to take your advice on the RPi route. Seems much easier for me and less than $50.

Thanks!

Chris

Chris
Definitely, a whole lot less work. I think this is certainly the preferred option for anyone that is using the IntelliCenter Wi-Fi Link Kit (Primary Client Bridge) at their panel and has the Wi-FI network to support it.
Maybe I too, will come into the 21st century one of these days. lol...
r.

 

[setsailsoon]

Ron,

Where is the information on what to set as the url inside my app for the "away" url? I'm assuming the port is still 6680 and the address is the one assigned by my router. Correct? I'm trying to find out how to answer my trivial questions without distracting y'all from the more important work.

Chris

 

[MyAZPool]

Ron,

Where is the information on what to set as the url inside my app for the "away" url? I'm assuming the port is still 6680 and the address is the one assigned by my router. Correct? I'm trying to find out how to answer my trivial questions without distracting y'all from the more important work.

Chris

Chris,
Which UI have you decided on? The nodejs-poolController/dashPanel or the IntelliCenter Gateway? Sorry, I've lost track of the thread lol.
If it's the NJS.pc-dashPanel, then you use the ip address of the RPi and port :5150.

 

[setsailsoon]

Chris,
Which UI have you decided on? The nodejs-poolController/dashPanel or the IntelliCenter Gateway? Sorry, I've lost track of the thread lol. If it's the NJS.pc-dashPanel, then you use the ip address of the RPi and port :5150.

For now, I'm starting with the IntelliCenter Gateway. Once I get that going I'll be experimenting with the Nodejs-poolController/DashPanel.

Chris

 

[MyAZPool]

For now, I'm starting with the IntelliCenter Gateway. Once I get that going I'll be experimenting with the Nodejs-poolController/DashPanel.

Chris

Chris,
Check with @guinness coz I'm really not sure.
r.

 

[Candurin]

Lots of great info here. Luckily I can get Ethernet cable to future panel location easily. I’m just going to stick 3 Ethernet cables from garage to panel and this way I’m covered for future expansion. I have a second nighthawk router inside garage so I can also have wifi at IC panel as well.

 

[setsailsoon]

Kato or Guinness,

OK, I think I can run using WiFi and I'm feeling pretty good about all this. Then I try to do something simple like run the software. I did some research on this and discovered the "sudo apt-get install" command but I can't seem to find the package name. Sorry to have to keep asking very basic stuff, I feel like it's 2 steps forward 3 back. Maybe I need to update "apt-get" first?

Chris

 

[MyAZPool]

Lots of great info here. Luckily I can get Ethernet cable to future panel location easily. I’m just going to stick 3 Ethernet cables from garage to panel and this way I’m covered for future expansion. I have a second nighthawk router inside garage so I can also have wifi at IC panel as well.

Cool. And for those that prefer to utilize Wi-Fi, I really like the @Katodude / @setsailsoon / @guinness solution quite a bit. Makes good sense and a whole lot less work IMO.

I just happened to choose a different path by having my Pi's indoors and I didn't buy the IntelliCenter Wi-Fi Link Kit (Primary Client Bridge) anyway.
Choices, it's a beautiful thing. And here's the good news I think. Many paths, all arriving at the same destination.
r.