IntelliCenter Home Automation Integration and Control
- Thread starter MyAZPool
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@setsailsoon and @Turbo1Ton
@cmc0619 and I are collaborating on a comprehensive IntelliCenter raspberry pi / njs poolController / dashPanel user's guide targeting the novice, that we will post in a separate thread.... I think we will be done with that fairly soon.
I'm setting up a third raspberry pi very soon that I will use as a test bed to test out all of the step-by-step procedures.
r.
@cmc0619 and I are collaborating on a comprehensive IntelliCenter raspberry pi / njs poolController / dashPanel user's guide targeting the novice, that we will post in a separate thread.... I think we will be done with that fairly soon.
I'm setting up a third raspberry pi very soon that I will use as a test bed to test out all of the step-by-step procedures.
r.
Last edited:
Katodude
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Its absolutely and affliction. But it is rewarding.
Chris, let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
Chris, let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
- Oct 25, 2015
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Katodude
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- Aug 22, 2017
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Nah, this is pretty easy. First it looks like you bought a whole Rpi kit, and it looks like that SD card is already loaded with the OS.
So, insert the SD card, plug a mouse and a keyboard into the USB slots and a monitor into the hdmi slot and power the sucker on. It will go through a set up stage and you can connect it to your WiFi during that.
Once it is up and running, you will need to run the command: sudo raspi-config Select interfacing options and then enable ssh. This will allow you to remote into the Rpi later without having to have a keyboard mouse and monitor attached.
I cant tell if you have one, but you will need an RS-485 usb fob. They are about $7 on amazon.
You will then need to download the pool controller and the dash panel from the the git repository and then install them.
So, insert the SD card, plug a mouse and a keyboard into the USB slots and a monitor into the hdmi slot and power the sucker on. It will go through a set up stage and you can connect it to your WiFi during that.
Once it is up and running, you will need to run the command: sudo raspi-config Select interfacing options and then enable ssh. This will allow you to remote into the Rpi later without having to have a keyboard mouse and monitor attached.
I cant tell if you have one, but you will need an RS-485 usb fob. They are about $7 on amazon.
You will then need to download the pool controller and the dash panel from the the git repository and then install them.
- Oct 25, 2015
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- Pool Size
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- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
Thanks Kato. This RPi is a lot more powerful than my arduino and esp 32! The breadboard is what I used to play with them. I'll try to get this set up tomorrow... will probably need more help then.
Thanks!
Chris
Thanks!
Chris
Katodude
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Don’t forget to order one of these.
Also depending on how much you want to mess around, it is useful to have a second SD card.
Amazon.com: JBtek USB to RS485 Converter Adapter ch340T chip 64-bit Window 7 Supported: Computers & Accessories
Amazon.com: JBtek USB to RS485 Converter Adapter ch340T chip 64-bit Window 7 Supported: Computers & Accessories
smile.amazon.com
Also depending on how much you want to mess around, it is useful to have a second SD card.
- Oct 25, 2015
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Thanks, I think I already have one but I'll check. Question. Does this RPi gateway access the Pentair server or become a hosting server itself specifically for my installation?
Chris
Hey Chris,
I don't have that particular USB to Serial adapter that @Katodude recommended but I do know that it works great because many are using that same one and it is the one that happens to be recommended on the github poolController web page.
I personally opted for the following adapters which also work (I just wanted to experiment with some different ones). The reason I like the following one is that it has power and status lights showing the traffic heartbeat between the RPi and the IntelliCenter RS485 bus.
I also have the following one as well. However the "heartbeat" or activity lights are super bright. So if that might be preferred than this one works great also.
NOTE: Both of the above adapters are a bit "bulkier" than the JBtec (especially the Gearmo). If you've noticed, those RPi usb ports are very close together. So if you plan on using most of the usb ports and don't care beans about the status lights, then the JBtec might be the better option. Also, it's the least expensive I believe.
The RPi connects directly to the RS485 bus of the IntelliCenter via the USB to Serial adapter. so, yes the RPi becomes the host server. Those unreliable and funky Pentair IntelliCenter Prod Servers could blow up today (and they just might) and the folks that rely on the nodejs poolController /dashPanel UI instead, wouldn't even know it. .....
For example; When I happen to see a notification from other IntelliCenter owners reporting that the servers are down (which you know occurs on a regular basis), I just glance over at my dashPanel web page (which I typically keep a window open on my Mac), or look on my iPad or iPhone and the dashPanel is just chugging along... No problem!!
r.
EDIT: Also, as kato pointed out, great idea to get you some more microSD cards. You will want to image your operational card and store that image on your desktop/laptop as a backup as kato recommended to me. Let me know if you happen to be a Mac user, as I found an outstanding method of imaging those cards on a Mac. If your a windows user then: Win32Diskimager works great I am told.
Here is another tidbit regarding the cards that I might mention...
I tried using a 64GB card initially and had problems with noobs etc. No issues with the 32GB cards. So as you start ordering additional MicroSD cards (and I have no doubt that you will lol), here is just one card that I happen to be using with no issues.
I don't have that particular USB to Serial adapter that @Katodude recommended but I do know that it works great because many are using that same one and it is the one that happens to be recommended on the github poolController web page.
I personally opted for the following adapters which also work (I just wanted to experiment with some different ones). The reason I like the following one is that it has power and status lights showing the traffic heartbeat between the RPi and the IntelliCenter RS485 bus.
I also have the following one as well. However the "heartbeat" or activity lights are super bright. So if that might be preferred than this one works great also.
NOTE: Both of the above adapters are a bit "bulkier" than the JBtec (especially the Gearmo). If you've noticed, those RPi usb ports are very close together. So if you plan on using most of the usb ports and don't care beans about the status lights, then the JBtec might be the better option. Also, it's the least expensive I believe.
The RPi connects directly to the RS485 bus of the IntelliCenter via the USB to Serial adapter. so, yes the RPi becomes the host server. Those unreliable and funky Pentair IntelliCenter Prod Servers could blow up today (and they just might) and the folks that rely on the nodejs poolController /dashPanel UI instead, wouldn't even know it.
.....For example; When I happen to see a notification from other IntelliCenter owners reporting that the servers are down (which you know occurs on a regular basis), I just glance over at my dashPanel web page (which I typically keep a window open on my Mac), or look on my iPad or iPhone and the dashPanel is just chugging along... No problem!!
r.
EDIT: Also, as kato pointed out, great idea to get you some more microSD cards. You will want to image your operational card and store that image on your desktop/laptop as a backup as kato recommended to me. Let me know if you happen to be a Mac user, as I found an outstanding method of imaging those cards on a Mac. If your a windows user then: Win32Diskimager works great I am told.
Here is another tidbit regarding the cards that I might mention...
I tried using a 64GB card initially and had problems with noobs etc. No issues with the 32GB cards. So as you start ordering additional MicroSD cards (and I have no doubt that you will lol), here is just one card that I happen to be using with no issues.
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Just to avoid any confusion, there are a couple of projects that allow you to control the IntelliCenter which are nodejs-poolController (being discussed here) and IntelliCenter Gateway. The principle difference is that the former uses a hardwired RS485 connection to the IntelliCenter and the latter is using Ethernet (or WiFi).
Both can run and coexist on your RPi and neither rely on the Pentair servers. For basic needs the Gateway might suffice, but for more advanced needs the poolController can be used. Since you already use the IntelliCenter Control app on Android you can use the Gateway for secure remote access.
IntelliCenter Gateway and Control Apps
Since we hijacked the thread located here (IntelliCenter Webclient and Possible Alternatives)(credit: @MyAZPool), I decided to open a new thread for the IntelliCenter Gateway and Control Apps. IntelliCenter Gateway Repo is located here: IntelliCenter Gateway Credit: @guinness IntelliCenter...
www.troublefreepool.com
I can't wait for the thread with detailed Pi instructions. Might have to order the Pi 4 and move my HyperPi/Retro Pi over from my 3B and designate the older unit to the pool automation.
I'm ready to give this a go.
Question - Does the rPi server retain the same historical data as the Pentair servers? I notice when I use the local connection option in the Pentair iPhone ap the longer-term history data is not there, so I assume that is retained and served from the Pentair servers?
Do we lose that going with the rPi server solution?
Question - Does the rPi server retain the same historical data as the Pentair servers? I notice when I use the local connection option in the Pentair iPhone ap the longer-term history data is not there, so I assume that is retained and served from the Pentair servers?
Do we lose that going with the rPi server solution?
- Oct 25, 2015
- 5,801
- Pool Size
- 28000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
Extremely helpful, thanks much!Just to avoid any confusion, there are a couple of projects that allow you to control the IntelliCenter which are nodejs-poolController (being discussed here) and IntelliCenter Gateway. The principle difference is that the former uses a hardwired RS485 connection to the IntelliCenter and the latter is using Ethernet (or WiFi).
Both can run and coexist on your RPi and neither rely on the Pentair servers. For basic needs the Gateway might suffice, but for more advanced needs the poolController can be used. Since you already use the IntelliCenter Control app on Android you can use the Gateway for secure remote access.
IntelliCenter Gateway and Control Apps
Since we hijacked the thread located here (IntelliCenter Webclient and Possible Alternatives)(credit: @MyAZPool), I decided to open a new thread for the IntelliCenter Gateway and Control Apps. IntelliCenter Gateway Repo is located here: IntelliCenter Gateway Credit: @guinness IntelliCenter...
scottts
The historical data feature is currently not available in the node.js poolController/dashPanel.
There are all kinds of improvements presently being worked on from what I understand, to include quite a bit of features that are NOT found in the Pentair web client.
So, hold on to your hats.
Thanks...
r.
@setsailsoon,
Hope this helps out.
Here is a pictorial display of how I choose to connect the RPi to the IC bus.
By using an ethernet cable, I have 8 conductors that I can use for not only the node.js poolController but lots of other things on my "drawing board" presently (filter gauge transducer, Pro-Vu water meter sender, pH (and maybe even FC) signals etc). I can already see a second ethernet cable that I will use for serial connections, in my future LOL....
Hope this helps out.
Here is a pictorial display of how I choose to connect the RPi to the IC bus.
By using an ethernet cable, I have 8 conductors that I can use for not only the node.js poolController but lots of other things on my "drawing board" presently (filter gauge transducer, Pro-Vu water meter sender, pH (and maybe even FC) signals etc). I can already see a second ethernet cable that I will use for serial connections, in my future LOL....
- Oct 25, 2015
- 5,801
- Pool Size
- 28000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
Ron,
Thanks much. Can I connect to one of the existing RS 485 signal wires directly? Or do I need the add in com port expansion board?
Chris
Chris
You can connect to the bus using the two existing com ports on the mother card if that is what you are asking... As you connect more and more to the bus, maybe consider picking up the expansion board...
r.
- Oct 25, 2015
- 5,801
- Pool Size
- 28000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
Thanks Ron, I'm sure I'll need one and will get it on order.
Ron this RPi is fantastic! I'm actually logged in using the RPi with the included Linux Based OS with Chrome. Wow! Amazing how much this thing can do. Can't wait to get the gateway up and running.
Chris
Ron this RPi is fantastic! I'm actually logged in using the RPi with the included Linux Based OS with Chrome. Wow! Amazing how much this thing can do. Can't wait to get the gateway up and running.
Chris