Reticulation Controller for Home Assistant

We make and bake a reticulation controller in the Reflow Master and test it out. I simple low cost design to connect 4 stations including the main valve to Home Assistant, you can then use the AppDaemon to control the system or any other way that you like. The controller itself works on 24vac and can be installed in a PVC enclosure or if you have an existing retic control box it may fit inside it and use the existing power supply.
Reflow Master Video - • Frankenstein's Toaster...
Design Files - easyeda.com/james_6977/basic-...

[@pacoaus]

Great project. A benefit of being in Home Assistant is that theoretically you don't need everything wired to the same controller. Very doable in code to control the master valve from one control & remote stations from another, to minimise solenoid wiring.

[@SparkyJames]

I didn’t actually think of that but that is very true.

[@grantclemesha8474]

Can't wait to try this out - thanks James

[@grantclemesha8474]

Got there in the end - works perfectly. Thanks again James

[@IkerZamora]

I was waiting for this video. Thanks!

[@ShaneDeCatania]

Nice work, thanks for sharing 👍

[@KmanAust]

I have a quick question. I am about to do the same thing using a Sonoff Pro which can be powered by 5-24V and is basically the same thing. Not being smart but why is yours different? PCB looks awesome though. Nice layout.

[@SparkyJames]

Good question the Sonoff pro is basically the closest thing to this device. The Basic Retic runs on 24v ac, which is what most reticulation system use to operate the solenoids, the sonoff runs on DC so you would need 2 power supplies one for solenoids and one for the sonoff. Also the Sonoff is larger, so it definitely wouldn't fit inside an existing retic controller, this one can fit inside some roomy controller boxes and run off the existing power, and you can keep the existing controller in parallel with the Basic Retic for WIFI control. The sonoff is not weather proof, so it can't go out side with out an additional enclosure which would be quite large. The basic retic is design to fit perfectly into a small enclosure that is weather proof, this is convenient if the controller is outside which it often is, if you buy one pre made it will come with ESPhome on it, you to connected it, login and change your wifi details, that all, it is also cheaper than the Sonoff-Pro. I also intend to work on it, more to make it easier and more plug in, for those that don't like to tinker in setting and with ESPhome so it's a simple click and install in Home Assistant, or even a stand alone device for someone that doesn't use Home Assistant.

[@KmanAust]

@@SparkyJames After I wrote this I realised the 24VAC thing was the killer feature. Good work. I use my own firmware. I have updated it a lot since this ver, but I find all the versions out there super complex for just ON/OFF. I have a switch running here for years without a reboot lol. github.com/KmanOz/KmanSonoff I have my Sonoff now but maybe next time :D I only just stumbled onto your channel so haven't caught up with your goings on :D Good luck. Very neat board. Looks pro.

[@MrTubeNR]

Won't the light sensor be activated by ambient light conditions? Are you planning to lock out the light sensor from sunset to sunrise?

[@SparkyJames]

The idea was that it would detect a multi click for example on then, 1 Sec off, then on again. So a quick hand cover on the light sensor. I’m trying to figure out how to stop bounce of sorts, it needs a filter so that it is accurate.

[@MrTubeNR]

@@SparkyJames sounds doable. I wonder if it wouldn't be easier to have it activate above a threshold. Eg. Your phone torch. If lumens reaches random brightness. Do action.