Assistance Connecting to ScreenLogic locally - PWD issues

[thereal-BLKMGK]

I have installed, via Docker, the Nodejs-pool controller software, I have installed the dashPanel software as well - also via Docker and on unRAID if that matters. I have successfully connected my Dashpanel to the controller and am attempting to configure it to speak to my existing ScreenLogic installation via the Pentair bridge. I am able to "speak" to the load panel with the Pentair application successfully however I've been unable to do so with poolController.

I goto configuration, Controller, then Comms, I add and enable Primary Port listed as ScreenLogic, Connection as Local, the system name I've gotten from the Pentair software, and then comes password. This field defaults to a numeric PIN, it will not accept my working password (lower case, numeric, punctuation). An error message states that my password length must be <= 4 chars and a stack trace follows. https://pastebin.com/5fxHuKGr If I attempt to modify the password to comply with this using ScreenLogic software I'm chastised that I must use a password >6 characters. chicken and egg I'm afraid, how do I pass my more complex password to the controller? If I must downgrade my password how is this accomplished and will it break my ability to use ScreenLogic?

I might be able to wire an RS485 connection in the future but wanted to start with this while I research hardware configurations. Can I use the Pentair wireless hardware to connect to the RS485 bus at the indoor adapter or must that be wired up outside with the RPi? Looking like I can but an ethernet or better WiFi RS485 might be better wired up outside :)

[tagyoureit]

The system id is 6 characters, but I've only ever seen the pin be a 4 digit number. Where are you able to set something other then a numeric pin??

And, fwiw, the Screenlogic connection is pretty limited. You can absolutely use an rs485 adapter on the indoor SL module. The Elfin adapters are pretty popular and come in both wired and wireless models.

[thereal-BLKMGK]

Well, let's be sure I'm talking about the correct thing. If I bring up either the IOS app or the ScreenLogic connect app there's a "password" expected. The password set and in-use is a lower case word, with a number, and punctuation. If there's a PIN elsewhere I'm ignorant and don't know where it's at :) Attempting to lower this down to just 4chars results in an error scolding me and expecting 6chars at least.

I'm likely dealing with a dead RS485 port on as Pentair pump (from the factory it looks like) and stumbled across this project while researching. I'm interested! I'm close enough to my equipment I can likely run a cable to my office, using the indoor wireless unit is also of interest. I will check out and acquire an adapter for sure. A WiFi might be most flexible, I now see the Wiki page and am digging in! Don't think this will solve my port issue on the pump but I'm interested in the project and have hardware around for it once I have an adapter.

[tagyoureit]

Very weird... I pushed up a change to allow longer passwords and alpha characters.
rstrouse/nodejs-poolController-dashPanel@56ad0ee

I don't think they are able to change the 4-digit password restriction on the SL units without some type of firmware. It's been that way for a while, and is well documented (ie in the node-screenlogic module this app uses).

It would seem this is somehow enforced in the app only and I would wager money if you tried to connect directly to your SL unit (locally) with only the first 4 chars of your password it would likely work.

[thereal-BLKMGK]

The password does seem to be enforced in the software, IOS primarily in my case but more recently I tried the desktop package. I just tried it, sure enough it allowed me in with just the first 4 chars! As someone who spent significant time doing computer security work this is almost depressing and I wish I'd thought to try it myself You'd have won that bet! I Just tried it with poolController (prior to taking the update) and it still failed with the shortened password - weird. Let's hope when trying remotely it's at least enforced in their cloud?

I've forced an update to the Dashboard software, I assume(d) the back-end doesn't need it. When I typed in the alphanumeric password (and remembered the system name) it went back to 1234 being displayed but no error. Exiting from that screen and returning I see my typed password and system name is retained - progress! However I still see the orange triangle in the bar with a 1 and a message indicating it's Primary RS485 port is disconnected. Next to it I see a status of initializing.

I have an Elfin adapter on order, wireless model with an external antenna. I'll try it on the RS485 connection the indoor Pentair unit has and perhaps move it outside if I get success. It'll be a bit before that arrives apparently so if there's more troubleshooting you might like I'm happy to do so.

Model is configured (under controller) as a Nixie shared body, no Interfaces in the second tab configured (is that okay?), I've configured the comms port. Not much else has been touched just yet nor has any equipment been recognized. I did solve my pump interface issue I was chasing (with much patient help) and I know that it and my Intellichlor along with my wireless bridge sit on the RS485 bus talking fine now.

[tagyoureit]

5d92d7d rstrouse/nodejs-poolController-dashPanel@5c764cf

Pull dP and njsPC again. A couple places were missed on the updates. I tested and was able to connect to some known addresses (without passwords) and they worked well. The password for SL is stored in ./config.json (unencrypted). I figure that isn't a big deal because a) it's also sent over the network to SL unencrypted and b) if someone is hacking in to your computer to steal your SL password you've got bigger problems.

Glad the pump is working, and no, you don't need any interfaces configured if you don't have any other software that's talking to this app. Once you connect with SL, or with rs485, the model name and all equipment will populate automatically.

[thereal-BLKMGK]

Score! I am now able to typr in the full password as I've got it stored in the other apps and it CONNECTS! I can now explore the software and check it out while my RS485 adapter turtles it's way here - thank you so very much! Let me know if there's specific things you'd like tested.