First, this project is awesome!
Using this, I've replaced a broken Wadsworth controller to control the following functions:
- Heater
- Roof Louvers
- Swamp Cooler / Fans
- Watering
- Temp Sensors
- Moisture Sensors
- Humidity Sensors
The question I have is specifically related to how to setup automation to manage the greenhouse louvers...
Right now, I have setup the louvers as 2 seperate relays (open, close). What I'd like to be able to do is when the temp reaches a certain point, open the louvers at 50%, if the temperature continues to rise open to 100%. Then, when the temperature comes down to a certain point close them. I have them setup in the automation tab as follows:
Louver Open:
LouverClose
The issue I'm seeing is that the automation is used to Open or Close the Louvers, and it will run each over and over again even though already open or already closed and I'm concerned that over time, continually cycling the motor unnecessarily may shorten its life.
How can I setup so that it looks more like,
if temp>X and louverstate is closed, then open
if temp>X and louverstate is open, ignore...
if temp<Y and louverstate is open, then close
if temp<Y and louverstate is closed, then ignore
Thanks!!!
Hi Matt,
the hardware seems to fit perfectly with the "windows" configuration I use in my greenhouse.
Here the steps you have to follow to setup the system:
1) Identify the two pins connected to the two relays that will be used for the Louvers. (you can go to HardwareSetting page to see the association)
2) in HardwareSetting, click "edit" and remove "del" the lines relevant to the two pins. Then click confirm&save.
3) Add a "bridge" Configuration: in HardwaSetting, click "edit", then in the first row, the "Add" row, write the following configuration:
Remember to change the PIN and PIN2 field with your pin values, and the "name" according to your preference.
Then click confirm&save.
4) Now this "name" will appear in the "Automation" page (after refresh).
5) Setting the automation, below my setting as example,
In your case the actuator END value should be around 60 sec (the time it takes from Closed to open).
Let me know if my instructions have been clear enough.
For any other question I'm happy to support.
At the end of testing, I'd like to see some pictures of your implementation :)
Cheers,
Angelo
Thanks Angelo!
It takes about 45-50 seconds to fully open or close, and you are correct, if I run in steps it will open/close partially based on how long power is applied
It does appear to have an end switch (I don't hear the motor continue to try and open/close once it hits the limit
It works on AC power. There are 4 wires in the setup, ground, power, open and close. Using two relays, I have wired power to both, the open wire to one, and the close wire to another, so when I activate the relay it triggers the desired function.
Thanks! Matt
Hi There,
great to see a greenhouse application, love it!
I have to ask you some questions regarding the Louvers, as I never used one.
As I understood, there are two power inputs that can be cotrolled by relays. One open the louver and the other close it.
I suppose that according to the time the input is active, then the lower will open/close a certain amount.
how long does it take for the louver to open fully, is it few seconds?
does it have an end switch, so when it reaches the limit it stops automatically?
does it work in AC or DC current? do you have to invert the polarity to make it close?
Probably it is possible to use the setting I used for the greenhouse windows.
If you provide the feedback on the above I'll try to explain step by step how to do it.
Regards,
Angelo