[Initial Release] RaspberryPints - Digital Taplist Solution

[day_trippr]

Isn't there an html command you can add to the php that causes the browser to refresh itself after the specified delay?

Could swear that came up in here before...

Cheers!

[edit] Reading this I realize I totally missed the point. My bad. There are posts about 1300 entries back (wow!) on how to embed the html command to have the php code automatically refresh the browser on a periodic basis (the example given was 600 seconds); and there is a manual method for causing a browser to refresh from a remote location, but neither is suited for the need to make kegs shrink in front of your eyes. Sorry

 

[mcangeli]

Quick question. I'm looking to do some keg level monitoring using another method (other than flow meters). I got Raspberry Pints to display the keg level, but now what do I need to update/change to get that image to change on the screen. Is there a script or do I manually have to update the db? How do I do this, I don't see the obvious answer here.

The pours.php script we're using for the flow meters would work as long as your code can pass two variables to it.

It also refreshes the local display.

I'm not at my computer now but if you want to email me mcangeli at gmail.com I'll answer in a little while with a copy of the script and the table changes needed.

 

[wbarber69]

How do the flow meters send their data to the micro controller. I assume it's just an on/off pulse. Wondering if it would be possible to use ds2413 as a 1-wire gpio. And use it get around using the alamode. Which I assume is being used to process/temporarily store and then output pertinent information gleaned from the calibration algorithm. And not simply because the pi is unstable.

 

[day_trippr]

It wasn't about anything to do with the reliability of the 'Pi, per se. The group's conclusion was that the AVR provided a "won't miss a pulse" reliable counting mechanism at the expected flow sensor pulse frequency that running an ISR on the 'Pi couldn't be trusted to keep up with.

In that context, an addressable two bit switch is no help...

Cheers!

 

[mcangeli]

How do the flow meters send their data to the micro controller. I assume it's just an on/off pulse. Wondering if it would be possible to use ds2413 as a 1-wire gpio. And use it get around using the alamode. Which I assume is being used to process/temporarily store and then output pertinent information gleaned from the calibration algorithm. And not simply because the pi is unstable.

There was a really good write up about the flow meters somewhere, I'll have to see if I can find it.

I do not believe that they will work one wire. (but don't quote me on that).

I do however, believe that you will be able to use the uno though in place of the alamode. Its a matter of changing the serial in the arduino editor when you upload and then changing the line in the flow_meter.py script to read from the USB serial instead of the onboard.

 

[TrickyDick]

so I am at the get updates and get upgrades part of setup and it failed. I got an error message.
it was during the upgrade part

Get 108 http blah blah balah
the next line says err http
the one next is connection failed 90.90.130.39
get 109- get 113 worked.
then a message failed to fetch blah blah blah
then finally
UNable to fetch some archives, maybe run apt-get update or try with -- fix-missing?

Advice??

TD

edit-

so I did:
sudo apt-get update -fix-missing
however, it was the UPGRADE part that puked. Do I need to re-run the upgrade part?

also, is there on-board memory on the Rpi ? if I screwed something up is there a way to rest and start over?

I'm thinking I'll need to run this again:
sudo apt-get upgrade

also I set my IP through the router by reserving the IP address for the WiFi Dongle I'm using, which is a easy way to do it.

 

[day_trippr]

apt-get update looks through your installed package list and compares what's available in the matching repositories and builds the list that upgrade will use.

Until you actually do the apt-get upgrade there's been no change of state in your local kit...

Cheers!

[edit] I missed this:

also, is there on-board memory on the Rpi ? if I screwed something up is there a way to rest and start over?

Your best bet is to get an SD card reader/writer and create a backup image on your peecee or mac whenever you've accomplished something significant. I use windiskimager32 on my peecee and have images that start with a clean Raspbian/LXDE installation, followed by a clean Raspberry Pints installation, followed by a clean BrewPi installation, then a series of images that captured all the things I've done since (motion detector, temperature logger, etc). When I built my development system I used the latest stable image from the 'Pi that runs my keezer to burn another SD card, plugged it into the new system, changed the system name and IP address assignment, updated the secure wifi connection data, and it was running just like its sibling.

I couldn't even begin to count how many hours having backup images has saved when recovering from the multitude of coding sins I have inflicted on my development system

Also, an extra SD card is another time saver. I keep the latest stable image on one...

 

[TrickyDick]

Thanks

I found that my wifi Dongle is ridiculously slow and the install and setup is going much more smoothly with a hardwire connection. I am pretty sure that future management via WiFi will be simpler as the amount of data I'm working with will be much much less.

I will keep a backup of the SD card on my PC once I have it initially configured as I would like.

I am at the point of the setup, where I am directed to open a web browser and download the raspberry pints. It says to click on releases and I see there is the initial release, and then there are also three Hotfix files. Are there any instructions as to how to apply the hotfixes which I assume I will perform last? Or is the hotfix unnecessary (it says version 1.0.3.395)

TD

 

[day_trippr]

You can just go to the last hotfix version and install that one, it's a complete kit...

Cheers!

 

[TrickyDick]

OK!

Awesome! I have it working! I need to move it to its final destination however.

Is there a way to show kegs that might be in a different tap room? For instance, I have installed a tap on my ferm/kegerator fridge where I can carbonate and also serve beer in my basement brewing area, but my main serving area is upstairs in an outdoor kitchen. Is it possible to draw a line between tap #6 and tap #7?

Can you show kegs that are conditioning/not serving beer but are soon to be tapped?

This is really really cool guys!

What are the limitations on the background image and the brewery logo in terms of pixel dimensions/size/color depth etc? Could I use a photograph jpg for instance?

TD

 

[TrickyDick]

You can just go to the last hotfix version and install that one, it's a complete kit...

Cheers!

OK. I downloaded the hotfix. How do I patch? Can I use WinSCP or do I need to connect the RPi box back up to a mouse keyboard and monitor to patch the hotfix? Not entirely sure its going to affect me to use as-is without the fix. Still need to bring it outside to my main serving area and get it setup on the TV there, power run, etc.

Thanks!

TD

 

[mcangeli]

OK!

Awesome! I have it working! I need to move it to its final destination however.

Is there a way to show kegs that might be in a different tap room? For instance, I have installed a tap on my ferm/kegerator fridge where I can carbonate and also serve beer in my basement brewing area, but my main serving area is upstairs in an outdoor kitchen. Is it possible to draw a line between tap #6 and tap #7?

Can you show kegs that are conditioning/not serving beer but are soon to be tapped?

This is really really cool guys!

What are the limitations on the background image and the brewery logo in terms of pixel dimensions/size/color depth etc? Could I use a photograph jpg for instance?

TD

There currently is not a way to show conditioning or coming kegs. What some have done is create extra taps for this.

 

[TrickyDick]

Thanks.

I added my beers and kegs. Looking good! I notice the glass depicting the color on the left side of the display, the color of the beer seems to color outside of the lines of the glass. Anyone else noticed this?

Also, do I need to power down the Raspberry Pi Unit or can I simply unplug it? I need to move it from my office to the beer tap area.

Thanks! Signing off for the night!

TD

 

[mcangeli]

Thanks.

I added my beers and kegs. Looking good! I notice the glass depicting the color on the left side of the display, the color of the beer seems to color outside of the lines of the glass. Anyone else noticed this?

Also, do I need to power down the Raspberry Pi Unit or can I simply unplug it? I need to move it from my office to the beer tap area.

Thanks! Signing off for the night!

TD

Are you using Firefox? It displays weird in Firefox and IE. Looks correct in chrome/chromium

You can unplug it but you run the risk of messing up the os. The preferred way is:

sudo shutdown -h now

When logged in via command line or you can use the shutdown button on the desktop.

 

[TrickyDick]

Are you using Firefox? It displays weird in Firefox and IE. Looks correct in chrome/chromium

You can unplug it but you run the risk of messing up the os. The preferred way is:

sudo shutdown -h now

When logged in via command line or you can use the shutdown button on the desktop.

Thanks!

So how do you restart it once you power it down? Just plug it back in?
I think the issue with the display is a firefox. It looked good on the HDMI out to my monitor. I think I'll need to connect back to my monitor and keyboard to issue the shutdown command? How do I log in with Command Line interface via network?

Thanks again!

TD

 

[day_trippr]

I use Putty and WinSCP to manage my Pi systems...

Cheers!

 

[mcangeli]

Yes you just plug it back in.

You need something like putty on windows to login via ssh.

 

[day_trippr]

OK. I downloaded the hotfix. How do I patch? Can I use WinSCP or do I need to connect the RPi box back up to a mouse keyboard and monitor to patch the hotfix? Not entirely sure its going to affect me to use as-is without the fix. Still need to bring it outside to my main serving area and get it setup on the TV there, power run, etc.

Thanks!

TD

I wasn't clear enough: you only have to install one kit, and that one should be the kit with the last/latest hotfix...

Cheers!

 

[winovino]

should we be looking for pre-filters for the flowmeters? i dont do a secondary and just cold crash. My first few glasses are usually full of gunk. is this going to be detrimental to the flow sensors?
I've already received my sensors, and alamode, just waiting on the hose barbs and im ready to go.

 

[mcangeli]

No pre filter is needed.

 

[TrickyDick]

I wasn't clear enough: you only have to install one kit, and that one should be the kit with the last/latest hotfix...

Cheers!

Thanks!

What are the instructions for applying the hotfix?

I was able to use my macbook terminal to shutdown the RPi. Hopefully today I can get it out and connected to the TV where the beer taps are actually at.

What is the business about motion sensors? So that the screen will come on when someone approaches the taps?

TD

 

[TrickyDick]

Are you using Firefox? It displays weird in Firefox and IE. Looks correct in chrome/chromium

You can unplug it but you run the risk of messing up the os. The preferred way is:

sudo shutdown -h now

When logged in via command line or you can use the shutdown button on the desktop.

How do you confirm it has shut down? There still appears to be a red light illuminated. says PWR on the PCB.

TD

 

[wbarber69]

You can ensure that it is shutdown by removing the USB cord that's powering it.

 

[day_trippr]

Thanks!

What are the instructions for applying the hotfix?

Dude, seriously, stop. You're killing me here

The "hotfix" is already in the downloadable installation kit, and the last one (hotfix 1.0.3) has all of the earlier hotfixes included. You don't need to do anything other than install just that last version - you do not need to install any of the earlier versions - just the last one.

What is the business about motion sensors? So that the screen will come on when someone approaches the taps?

Exactly. I also have it play music while anyone is hanging around the keezer.

How do you confirm it has shut down? There still appears to be a red light illuminated. says PWR on the PCB.

That's all that one red LED indicates: that there is power being applied to the board. When viewing the string of LEDs with the USB ports to your left, there's a green LED immediately to the right of the red power LED that indicates "activity". If you stare at that for a minute and it never blinks it's safe to assume the processor has halted...

Cheers!

 

[TrickyDick]

Dude, seriously, stop. You're killing me here



The "hotfix" is already in the downloadable installation kit, and the last one (hotfix 1.0.3) has all of the earlier hotfixes included. You don't need to do anything other than install just that last version - you do not need to install any of the earlier versions - just the last one.









Exactly. I also have it play music while anyone is hanging around the keezer.







That's all that one red LED indicates: that there is power being applied to the board. When viewing the string of LEDs with the USB ports to your left, there's a green LED immediately to the right of the red power LED that indicates "activity". If you stare at that for a minute and it never blinks it's safe to assume the processor has halted...



Cheers!

Thanks for helping a technologically challenged old dude. Before seeing this thread, I thought sudo was the name of that sidekick for "the shadow". but seriously, I get that I'm a dope when it comes to this technology, so thanks for your patience.

I was able to download the hot fix to my PC, but not sure what to do with the file is all. I get that I need to install it on the RPi, but I don't really know how to do that. I can manage transferring it to the RPi using that Windows wisp or whatever the little app is called that lets me see the RPi file structure. Probably need to use that putty app next to get command line on the RPi, or else use my Mac terminal app to do the same. Where do I copy the hot fix files to and commands do I issue, or is there an RPi equivalent of an installation executable or batch file?

So it seems I must've missed a prequel thread talking about flow meters and motion detectors. Is there a link back to that thread so I can read up on the motion sensors. That would be a useful feature.

Seems I was able to power down the RPi successfully following your instructions. Thanks for the info about the lights.

TD


Sent from my iPad using Home Brew

 

[wbarber69]

Dude just save yourself some time and hook a monitor mouse and keyboard up to the pi until you get it working. If you don't know how to use Linux then sshing into the terminal to use sudo commands is gonna punch you in the face. At least on the pi desktop you have a familiar interface to work with

 

[day_trippr]

[...]I was able to download the hot fix to my PC, but not sure what to do with the file is all. I get that I need to install it on the RPi, but I don't really know how to do that. I can manage transferring it to the RPi using that Windows wisp or whatever the little app is called that lets me see the RPi file structure. Probably need to use that putty app next to get command line on the RPi, or else use my Mac terminal app to do the same. Where do I copy the hot fix files to and commands do I issue, or is there an RPi equivalent of an installation executable or batch file?

Do you not have a local display on your RPi? If you do I'd say keep things simple and use the LXterminal app. Otherwise you're going to need something like Putty on your pc.

The "Build Your Own" link on the RaspberryPints site will guide you through the entire build process step-by-step. Once you manage to copy the Raspberry Pints installation kit (please, let's not use "hotfix" any longer!) to your RPi just walk through the installation instructions.

So it seems I must've missed a prequel thread talking about flow meters and motion detectors. Is there a link back to that thread so I can read up on the motion sensors. That would be a useful feature.

No prequel thread, really. Everything's in here somewhere. Brew up some coffee and start from the beginning, it'll be worth it in the long run.

Seems I was able to power down the RPi successfully following your instructions. Thanks for the info about the lights.

Cheers!

 

[TrickyDick]

Dude just save yourself some time and hook a monitor mouse and keyboard up to the pi until you get it working. If you don't know how to use Linux then sshing into the terminal to use sudo commands is gonna punch you in the face. At least on the pi desktop you have a familiar interface to work with

Ya thanks!

In its ultimate placement location, it'll have only WiFi access. The WiFi dongle I'm using was one I already had, and it's not the greatest. I'd already powered it down and disconnected everything in plan for permanent placement by beer taps. I did get the slick recommended wireless keyboard/mouse. I'll make sure to install the USB receiver into the RPi before I place the Rpi behind the flat panel tomorrow, because once it's there, it's gonna be a PITA to get to. This will surely make things easier on my lacking old man computer skills. Back in the day I could out DOS and config.sys setup all my friends. Anyone remember EGA graphics? Times have changed, but I suspect once it get it up and running (and it seems to be running fine), that I'm gonna leave it alone except for changing what is on tap and stuff, which might be easier to do remotely with the web interface.

For the price of all this stuff needed for the build, this thing is really awesome.

TD


Sent from my iPad using Home Brew

 

[TripleHopped]

Ya thanks!

In its ultimate placement location, it'll have only WiFi access. The WiFi dongle I'm using was one I already had, and it's not the greatest. I'd already powered it down and disconnected everything in plan for permanent placement by beer taps. I did get the slick recommended wireless keyboard/mouse. I'll make sure to install the USB receiver into the RPi before I place the Rpi behind the flat panel tomorrow, because once it's there, it's gonna be a PITA to get to. This will surely make things easier on my lacking old man computer skills. Back in the day I could out DOS and config.sys setup all my friends. Anyone remember EGA graphics? Times have changed, but I suspect once it get it up and running (and it seems to be running fine), that I'm gonna leave it alone except for changing what is on tap and stuff, which might be easier to do remotely with the web interface.

For the price of all this stuff needed for the build, this thing is really awesome.

TD


Sent from my iPad using Home Brew

If your dongle dosen't work from where you set it up I would get the one from the link on RaspberryPints.

I was having lots of problems with mine. I was getting all kinds of weird messages when I tried to open it up from one of my computers. It has settled down now and works fine where I have it set up.

Yes there was a previous thread talking about the flow sensors and it sounds like they are getting close to releasing v2 which will have the flow sensors.

Information on the motion sensor can be found at post #796.

Adding sound can be found at post #879 when motion is detected.

A seperate thread about Web-Accessible Temperature sensors to be piggy backed onto the RaspberryPints can be found at:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/web-accessible-temperature-logger-raspberry-pi-469523/

I've learned how to tweek some of the files to customize my Tap list from here and Googling. When I get done with the next version I'll post a picture.

Good luck.

Now off to juice up about 300 pounds of Prickly Pear fruit. :fro:

 

[day_trippr]

Flow meters and the plastic 3/8" OD to 1/4" barb inserts arrived today!
The meter leads are plenty long enough, close to 5' long, and they're terminated with 3 pin receptacles (.1" pitch) so they'll plug right over a typical header.

First thing was to come up with a temporary way to bring the meter signals and power into the keezer. I doubt I've ever been so excited to dig up an IDE cable from the bottom of my random parts bin!

The meter terminations will plug into one end using a straight single row header in between, and I built a little patch board for the other end to cut down the connections to the AlaMode to 5V, GND, and the six meter signals. Should be fairly manageable, and the IDE cable will lay nice and flat between the keezer lid and chassis out the back. Didn't have any 2.2K resistors but I suspect the 3.3K's I did have should work fine.

Getting close to being ready!

Cheers!