Is this the ideal pool controller hat?

[Telemachus1977]

https://sequentmicrosystems.com/products/smart-relays-with-universal-inputs-for-raspberry-pi

-4 high voltage 10 amp 24V DC/240V AC relays with NC and NO
-4 inputs, either 10k thermister, dry contact, or 24V optoisolated
-RS-485 to control VSF pump
-5v 5A power to the raspberry pi

The single board could run a two body setup with two actuators, lights (all on one relay) fireman switch for the heater, water and temperature probes, with two other inputs left over.

[tagyoureit]

It's a solid choice for a relatively basic set up. But easy to add additional relays via another card for more controls.

[Telemachus1977]

Any idea if this board is currently supported in REM?

[tagyoureit]

It is. It's called Sequent Smart Relay Ind v2.

[Zangief1977]

I'm new to this project and had a few questions. My equipment :

1. Pentair Intelliflo VSF
2. Pentair Intellichlor
3. Pentair Masterstemp 400
4. 1 pool light
5. 2 thermometers (air and water)
6. No spa or water features

Questions:
A) Would this board handle everything listed above for my basic setup?
B) Would this hat be powered by the raspberry pi3 (5v 1.2a) or will it need its own power supply?

I think many of my questions were already answered above but I just wanted to confirm before shelling out the dough. Thanks!

[Telemachus1977]

I think you have the perfect setup for this. Assuming you do not have any automation, and are going to build a Nixie, then you would use the RS485 to control your intelliflow and your intellichlor for programming. One relay would turn The intellichlor on and off when the pump is on. A second relay would be for your master temp 400, using a fireman switch. Although the newest versions can use the RS-485 as well. Third relay would be for your pool light. You are left with an extra relay, which could run a jandy actuator if you have one. If you need more than one, then you would need to rely on RS 485 for the heater.

On the input side, you will use two of the inputs for 10K thermistors. That leaves you two more inputs for future use.

In regards to the power, I'm not sure if the GPIO provides enough power for the relays on this board. I would plan on powering the board, and let it power your pi.

[Zangief1977]

Thanks for the response. I don't think my Mastertemp400 has rs485 because the membrane pad is only 5 buttons (no menu button). In this case, does nixie only turn on and off the heater remotely? (basically an on/off switch or will I be able to acquire data and adjust temperature as well?

I see the budget recommendation is the Meanwell MDR 40-5 (5v 6amp).Hopefully that is enough power for my use.

[Telemachus1977]

Master temp 400 in recent years has a newer version that has RS485 control, as well as being able to control a heater bypass actuator.

For the most part, the fireman switch works just as well. The heater is powered all the time, and the fireman switch just gets closed when it turns on and open when it turns off based on your temperature.

That power supply should work great for you.

[Zangief1977]

Did you by any chance get to try out this particular hat board?

[Telemachus1977]

I have not. I have used the relay boards, the original four input four output board, and the mega-BAS.

But for what you are doing, I would absolutely use this board. Do you not have any automation currently? Easy touch, intellicenter, etc?

[Zangief1977]

I do not have Easy touch or Intellicenter or any automation. Nixie works without automation (standalone) from what I read?

[Telemachus1977]

This is going to be a great upgrade for you!

The advice I would always recommend is once it is all up and running fine, make a backup image of your SD card. From my experience the weakest point is the SD cards.

That way if it ever gets corrupted you can just reimage it in your back up and running in half an hour or less.

I have learned that the raspberry pi 3B is the sweet spot. I've tried a four and a five. They just run too hot and require too much power. I would recommend adding on a USB 5GHz Wi-Fi dongle.