TFP newbie: Help setting up Nixie Pool Controller with RPi and Building Hat + Relays

[carracc]

Hello everyone, I have been using TFP to dive into an inground pool install. THANK YOU all, as the resource has been invaluable. So far we have the pool installed and running with all equipment. And now I am working to add automation controls as our pool installer wanted to charge me 5K to do all of the things I wanted. So we decided to go with a Nixie standalone nodejs pool controller. For vs pump, heat pump, chlorinator, lights, and water feature control.

I am trying to start simple and build automation as I go. So I am starting with lights, then I will add rs485 control for my VS Pump, Heat pump and chlorinator, and valves. I was just thinking it would be helpful to get something simple up and running and then expand. (If this is a bad idea please don’t hesitate to tell me that too)

I am following this guide per recommendation from others on here. Thanks
DIY Standalone Nixie Pool Controller

Where I am stuck and can’t find an answer is setting up my lights to run off the relay hat through my building automation hat. I have them wired and they are in fact on, so I know everything is wired correctly enough to get them to turn on (I am assuming the relay is powered on start up, because they are connected to NO). I have configured REM to allow I2c and I can see REM in my nodejs pool controller. But I can’t figure out how to address or gain visibility to my light relay, to tell the system the relay is a light.

Does anyone know of directions to configure REM that explain how to assign relay to a specific purpose, or in nodejs? Or am I way out in left field?

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

Maybe @Katodude can help.

 

[Katodude]

Have you configured your relays in REM? You should see a screen like this one. From there you can click a relay on or off to test if it turns on the lights.

 

[carracc]

Thank you for the screen shot. I was struggling to setup my addresses on the I2C buses and figuring out which was which as the lights were not auto detected.

Seeing yours helped me realize that my setup is all on the same bus. Namely 1. And actually my multi relay board is addressed the same as yours

Lights are functioning. I will add some screen shots for those that come after me and may be struggling. Now if anyone has some pull to get Omnidirect setup for color logic lights through nodejs pool controller id love to help!

On to the Pump and heater

Much appreciated @Katodude and @ajw22

 

[carracc]

Photos of what i created for reference in case others may need it. I have a Raspberry Pi
Building Automation Hat (here)
8 Relay Hat (Here)

They are stacked. Then I have my lights wired to the relay hat on Relay 1 as pictured here:
DIY Nixie Standalone light circuit

Once setup like the photos attached (1 and 2) I am able to setup my light circuit in the dashpanel in the 3 and 4th attached photos.

I know a lot of this is basic but maybe it will help someone stuck

 

[Bill Winston]

Thanks for updating - keep em coming as u get your 485 hooked up.

I have my setup running since June - 4 valves, SS Pump, lights and a couple of temp sensors. When I replace my SS pump I will need to get 485 working - and I haven’t hooked up my heater’s fireman switch yet.

Love seeing the progress on these as it’s a very challenging but rewarding project.

Shoutout to rstrouse, tagyoureit and katodude for all the selfless effort put in for the rest of us to enjoy.