Initial setup and config From OSPi

[Liam]

Hi all! I’ve been looking at using OpenSprinkler Pi edition however I’d like to make my own relay units and so far haven’t managed to work out where I would even start with this. I then came across SIP which has now got me interested in running this instead. 
I have a few questions to start with though which I hope is ok. First of all is there just a generic setup and user guide?
Secondly, to use multiple relays I believe I need to use either shift registers or I2C chips? Would sometime be able to point me in the direction as to where I would set this config up? I’m hoping that in doing this I would be able to use this method for moisture sensors too. 

Look forward to starting this project
Thanks

[dan]

The SIP wiki contains the setup and documentation info:
https://github.com/Dan-in-CA/SIP/wiki

Once you have SIP installed you can access the documentation from the ? (help) button at the bottom of the pages.


There is a menu item "A simple DIY relay interface" which describe how to use shift registers to control relay boards.

You can also connect up to 16 relays directly to a Pi using one of the relay plugins.

[Liam]

Great! Thanks Dan. After having a look around am I right in thinking that the whole of SIP is written in python?

[dan]

The core SIP program is written it Python with the UI in JavaScript + jQuery.

SIP uses the web.py framework:
https://webpy.readthedocs.io/en/latest/

At the present time both web.py and SIP are being updated to Python3

[Liam]

Thank you Dan! Really looking forward to getting started with this now. Just need to get a few shift registers and other bits and bobs as I’ve already got the Pi, relays and moisture sensors. I did see a post about there being a few issues with python 3 and the JSON( if my memory is correct). Guess I’ll have to start learning python now! Just another language

[dan]

What type of moisture sensors are you planning to use?

I have done some testing with TDR type sensors:
https://www.vegetronix.com/Products/VH400/

and Watermark sensors (resistance type):
https://www.irrometer.com/pdf/sensors/40...or-WEB.pdf

The tricky part is to have a way for the sensors to be located at some distance from the irrigation controller.

[Liam]

I’ve just got a cheap set off amazon for testing to start with QLOUNI 5 pcs Soil Moisture Sensor... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B077FGS3C1?r...b_ap_share . They have a analogue to digital converter. My plan is to get the initial system up and running tonight and then explore the coding as, I’ll be honest, I’ve not got any clue with python but happy to learn. I also don’t know the maximum length of cable runs or anything yet. But it’s all learning