Maximum Number of Zones

[HereComesTheRain]

Hi

What is the maximum number of zones available?

I would like to go beyond 16.

Was hoping to go with OSPi but after numerous failed attempts to make contact with OpenSprinkler I am now looking for other options for my back yard project.

Thanks

[dan]

There is no maximum.

Go to OPTIONS > Station handling > Station extensions and increase the number.
Each increase of 1 adds 8 stations.

[HereComesTheRain]

There is no maximum.

Go to OPTIONS > Station handling > Station extensions and increase the number.
Each increase of 1 adds 8 stations.

Hi Dan

Thanks for such a fast reply.

Is there a "simple" guide for building a 16+ zone system?  I plan on using a Pi 3B+

Would the following be the correct board for 16 zones:

https://www.dx.com/p/7034-16-channel-12v...s_PJi2ZOL4

Could I use two of those if I wanted 30 zones.  

Would I be better off if I went the DIY route: https://github.com/Dan-in-CA/SIP/wiki/Relay-interface

The Pi 3B+ is very picky about power and was wondering what power supply you would recommend for the relay boards?

I have been overcome with madness and attempting to upgrade my raised bed garden so that each bed has its on control valve.  I have gotten tired of manually rerouting supply pipes from a five zone manifold system which has been in place for a number of years.

Thanks again for your fast reply.

[dan]

The 16 channel relay board you linked to is 12V. Not sure that could be used with the Pi.

You could use 2 8 channel 5V relay boards:
https://www.dx.com/p/zhaoyao-dc-5v-8-cha...25957.html

If you only need 16 stations you can use the relay_16 plugin for SIP and connect the relays directly to the Pi.
If you will need more that 16 stations then the DIY relay interface would be better.

another option is the TIAO Smart Sprinkler board which is all solid state.
https://www.diygadget.com/tiao-smart-spr...mobile-app

You can also get a 16 station expansion board to go with it:
https://www.diygadget.com/tiao-smart-spr...er%20board

[HereComesTheRain]

If you will need more that 16 stations then the DIY relay interface would be better.

another option is the TIAO Smart Sprinkler board which is all solid state.
https://www.diygadget.com/tiao-smart-spr...mobile-app

You can also get a 16 station expansion board to go with it:
https://www.diygadget.com/tiao-smart-spr...er%20board

Hi Dan

It seems like it will be one of those two options.

Is diygadget.com as well as OpenSprinkler.com still in business?  I sent email to both companies a day or so ago and I have yet to receive a reply.

A little hesitant about ordering from a company that does not respond to pre-sales questions.

Thanks again.

[dan]

opensprinker.com is still in business although they may be a bit slow to answer.
I am pretty sure diygadget.com is still in business but they are in China and it may take a while to get a shipment from them.

[astrogerard]

My 2 cents if anyone is interested...

If 30 zones are needed I would go for a future proof and not so complex solution.  

That is in my opinion use

• SIP as the main program. It is highly active from the view of development and forum use.
  
• 74HC595 Shift Registers as described in the wiki. Even with basic soldering skills this is easy to do.
  
• multiple, cheap and widely available 8 channel relay boards with optocouplers.
  
• a simple 5v phone charger to power the relay boards to offload the PI (I do this already for many years)
  

If something goes defective than all component are easy and cheap to get. 

--Gerard

[HereComesTheRain]

My 2 cents if anyone is interested...

Hi Gerard.

Leaning in the direction of your suggestion.

Can you recommend reliable sources for the components?

Also point me in the direction of a good how-to.

Thanks again.

[HereComesTheRain]

Following these directions it looks simple enough.

Can I use a solderless breadboard or is a perf board recommend?

What type of pin headers do I need to purchase?

What gauge jumper wire do you recommend?

What type of power module would I add to the breadboard to power the relays?

Thanks again for all of your assistance.

[dan]

You should be able to get all the parts from Adafruit.

I would suggest using one of their perma-proto boards to build the circuit. It has the advantages of a bread board with the permanence of a perf board.

https://www.adafruit.com/?q=permaproto