[Version 2 Release] RaspberryPints - Digital Taplist Solution

[Jeldur]

I have a model 3B+, Rpints version from RandR+, 2 Swissflow and Arduino Uno(with breadboard) connected with USB.
I am now stucked getting the flowmeters to work properly and hope for some help. I have been reading and trying now for so many hours.

I have done this:
- Uploaded raspberrypints.ino file through serial port:ttyACM0 and board:Arduino Uno.This was done successfully (done uploading).
In the .ino file I only changed "unsigned int numSensors = 4;" to "unsigned int numSensors = 2;". Nothing else
- I have changed config.py to "config['flowmon.port'] = '/dev/ttyACM0'", "config['flowmon.debug' ] = True" and "config['flowmon.debug' ] = True"
- sudo /etc/init.d/flowmon start is successful and ps aux | grep FlowMonitor.py gives:
pi 2324 0.0 0.0 4368 552 pts/0 S+ 22:48 0:00 grep --color=auto FlowMonitor.py
Doesn't reply what it should?
- Connected to pin 2 and 7 on the Arduino and put flowpin 2 and 7 on admin page.

- rpints.log give me this message. What is the problem here?

"2019-09-26 22:13:51 RPINTS: valve update: RPU:VALVE:0=0
2019-09-26 22:13:51 RPINTS: valve update: RPU:VALVE:1=0
2019-09-26 22:13:51 RPINTS: Could not import RFID Reader, RFID disabled. Assuming SPI not installed/configured
2019-09-26 22:13:53 RPINTS: starting setup...
2019-09-26 22:13:53 RPINTS: resetting alamode to try to force it to listen to us...
2019-09-26 22:13:54 RPINTS: giving it a short break to wake up again...
2019-09-26 22:13:56 RPINTS: reflashing alamode via:
/usr/share/arduino/hardware/tools/avrdude -C/usr/share/arduino/hardware/tools/avrdude.conf -patmega328p -calamode -P/dev/ttyACM0 -b115200 -D -Uflash:w:/var/www/html//arduino/raspberrypints/raspberrypints.cpp.hex:i
RPINTS: reflashing alamode failed, moving on anyways, error was: Command '/usr/share/arduino/hardware/tools/avrdude -C/usr/share/arduino/hardware/tools/avrdude.conf -patmega328p -calamode -P/dev/ttyACM0 -b115200 -D -Uflash:w:/var/www/html//arduino/raspberrypints/raspberrypints.cpp.hex:i' returned non-zero exit status 1
2019-09-26 22:14:02 RPINTS:
2019-09-26 22:14:02 RPINTS: starting WS server
2019-09-26 22:14:02 RPINTS: starting tap flow meters...
2019-09-26 22:14:02 RPINTS: resetting alamode
2019-09-26 22:14:02 RPINTS: starting command server
2019-09-26 22:14:02 RPINTS: starting fan control
2019-09-26 22:14:02 RPINTS: Fan Control fanControl1 is Running
2019-09-26 22:14:02 RPINTS: Not Configured to run Fan
2019-09-26 22:14:03 RPINTS: waiting for alamode to come alive

 

[RandR+]

What is the problem here?

hmm looks like you successfully connected to the Arduino.

I suggest stopping the service (sudo /etc/init.d/flowmon stop)
then go to the Arduino IDE
reupload
open the serial monitor (under tools)
You should see a stream of alive messages coming in.
If not then Arduino is not actually running for some reason
if you do enter the following in the serial monitor and hit enter
C:2:2:7:0:300:200:30:50:250:0|
it should be echoed back to you and you should be able to try a pour and see a P: message
If it is not echoed back then there is an error what I told you to send and I will test with mine to make sure it is correct

 

[Jeldur]

hmm looks like you successfully connected to the Arduino.

I suggest stopping the service (sudo /etc/init.d/flowmon stop)
then go to the Arduino IDE
reupload
open the serial monitor (under tools)
You should see a stream of alive messages coming in.
If not then Arduino is not actually running for some reason
if you do enter the following in the serial monitor and hit enter
C:2:2:7:0:300:200:30:50:250:0|
it should be echoed back to you and you should be able to try a pour and see a P: message
If it is not echoed back then there is an error what I told you to send and I will test with mine to make sure it is correct

Thank you so much for your help and for your script. Now It finally work!
Now I just have to find out how I can convert fl oz to liter, and SRM to EBS.
Cant remember reading about this. Any tips?

 

[RandR+]

Thank you so much for your help and for your script. Now It finally work!
Now I just have to find out how I can convert fl oz to liter, and SRM to EBS.
Cant remember reading about this. Any tips?

There is a unit of measure page in the admin section. You can easily change oz to liters. I didnt do anything for SRM to EBC but it seems easy enough when I get time I will try to complete

 

[snarf7]

Crap, everytime I go to get back to this I realize i'm missing something....sigh

this time I discovered that the JG fittings they included with the swissflow meters do not fit my tubing which is (3/16" ID x 5/16" OD x 1/16 Wall). Do they make a simple barbed fitting that will screw onto those swissflow sensors so I can finally make some progress on this?

 

[Bigs166]

Crap, everytime I go to get back to this I realize i'm missing something....sigh

this time I discovered that the JG fittings they included with the swissflow meters do not fit my tubing which is (3/16" ID x 5/16" OD x 1/16 Wall). Do they make a simple barbed fitting that will screw onto those swissflow sensors so I can finally make some progress on this?

I use hese with 3/8 silicone washers. Super clean. Work great.

US $6.90 | 2Pcs 6mm Hose Barb Tail To 3/8" Inch BSP Female Thread Connector Joint Pipe Fitting SS 304 Stainless Steel Coupler Adapter
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/Lulng9Yk

 

[day_trippr]

[...]Do they make a simple barbed fitting that will screw onto those swissflow sensors so I can finally make some progress on this?

There are JG inserts ("stem adapters") that will adapt your fittings to take a different OD tubing. You can either use inserts that have a PTC female end, or a male barb end. For the former they have both reducers and enlargers...

https://www.johnguest.com/products/...tal-fittings/inch-size-stem-to-tube-fittings/

Cheers!

 

[CadiBrewer]

Crap, everytime I go to get back to this I realize i'm missing something....sigh

this time I discovered that the JG fittings they included with the swissflow meters do not fit my tubing which is (3/16" ID x 5/16" OD x 1/16 Wall). Do they make a simple barbed fitting that will screw onto those swissflow sensors so I can finally make some progress on this?

These work without any adapters: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...FjACegQIAhAB&usg=AOvVaw3sft-tjHzlMeNGqwwYBHPu

Edit: these work, assuming you have tubing like the Bev Seal Ultra hard wall tubing.

 

[auburntsts]

So on day_trippr’s advice I’m reposting this from a separate tread I started.

Does anyone have a primer or "RaspberryPints for Dummies" post or document? I looked at the RaspberryPints sticky, but the 101 level stuff is old and most of the current posts are more technical in nature and not particularly helpful for an ignorant soul like me starting from scratch. The confusing part is if I wanted to use one of the branch versions vs the original: what hardware to buy (to include flowmeters), where to download software, and how install/setup everything. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

 

[LBussy]

Does anyone have a primer or "RhaspberryPints for Dummies" post or document?

 

[auburntsts]

So hopefully it won’t come to a popcorn session. I’ve been to the Raspberrypints website and I’m prepared to buy the hardware recommended (or at least 2019 versions) and download the software from the site. However I gather that a couple of you have coded updated/improved “branches” that uses different hardware. Just looking for advice as the direction to go. FWIW what I want is a basic tap list fed by flowmeters. Other capabilities are a bonus but not required. If the basic RaspberryPints fills all the squares then just looking for confirmation from those who have already traveled down this path.

 

[RandR+]

what I want is a basic tap list fed by flowmeters

To start I would use the command from the terminal
curl -L https://raw.githubusercontent.com/rtlindne/RaspberryPints/master/util/installRaspberryPints | sudo bash

This gives you the options of what version to install plus does all the setup needed.

My version has a lot of bells and whistles and is very different then the original, but it is also a little easier to step because you don't need to modify the Arduino logic to get it to work.

The original version (whats on the website) doesn't work on Raspbian Stretch or Buster, so you would have to use outdated Jessie. It takes some basic code changes to get it configured.

Tobor's version is the original but modified to work on Raspbian Stretch and Buster.

 

[auburntsts]

To start I would use the command from the terminal
curl -L https://raw.githubusercontent.com/rtlindne/RaspberryPints/master/util/installRaspberryPints | sudo bash

This gives you the options of what version to install plus does all the setup needed.

My version has a lot of bells and whistles and is very different then the original, but it is also a little easier to step because you don't need to modify the Arduino logic to get it to work.

The original version (whats on the website) doesn't work on Raspbian Stretch or Buster, so you would have to use outdated Jessie. It takes some basic code changes to get it configured.

Tobor's version is the original but modified to work on Raspbian Stretch and Buster.

OK much appreciated, but I think I need a step or two in the process prior to this. As in buy "this" hardware list, hook everything up, then use the command from the terminal...... The original RaspberryPints website has a tutorial that steps you through the whole process (purchase, setup, etc) but of course I don't know what info is still valid. I'm somewhat computer literate but I haven't coded anything since my Fortran days in college and have never worked with a RaspberryPi or an Arduino so stating I'm looking for someone to hold me by the hand would be an understatement. Normally I search threads and figure stuff out on my own, but this thread has 5000 posts so that's basically impossible at this point so my apologies for all the noob questions.

 

[RandR+]

As in buy "this" hardware list

you will need a raspberry Pi, a power adapter for it and a sd card (https://www.amazon.com/LoveRPi-Rasp...eywords=raspberry+pi+3&qid=1570555316&sr=8-13)
you will need to either buy an SD card with Raspbian on it or use a different computer to download it and install to the SD card (instruction on https://www.raspberrypi.org/downloads/raspbian/)

You will need an Arduino, the original used the Alamode, which is what I went with only to find that it is a little outdated. (https://www.amazon.com/Seeedstudio-...ds=alamode+sheild&qid=1570555452&sr=8-2-fkmr0)
or you could use the Uno (cheaper and more up to date)
(https://www.amazon.com/RoboGets-Com...9Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=)

Then you need to pick your flow meters, most use the Swissflow meters from the original, but I used slightly cheaper one from amazon (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D44N41U/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1) mine use a john guest fitting to convert to tubing (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005XU0SK4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

You will also need some small wire to run from the meters to the alamode I think I used 22 gauge.

You should be able to follow most of the instruction on the original website for assembly.

 

[auburntsts]

you will need a raspberry Pi, a power adapter for it and a sd card (https://www.amazon.com/LoveRPi-Rasp...eywords=raspberry+pi+3&qid=1570555316&sr=8-13)
you will need to either buy an SD card with Raspbian on it or use a different computer to download it and install to the SD card (instruction on https://www.raspberrypi.org/downloads/raspbian/)

You will need an Arduino, the original used the Alamode, which is what I went with only to find that it is a little outdated. (https://www.amazon.com/Seeedstudio-...ds=alamode+sheild&qid=1570555452&sr=8-2-fkmr0)
or you could use the Uno (cheaper and more up to date)
(https://www.amazon.com/RoboGets-Compatible-ATmega328P-Microcontroller-Electronics/dp/B01N4LP86I/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3QZOTUAMNXWYA&keywords=arduino+uno&qid=1570555511&sprefix=ardui,aps,186&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzTlY1NjlPN0xOWUE5JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDMwNTk5MVY1VkhRVDdKWlVQRCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDQ2NzE1M0xUTDZCNE1TWjNQQSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=)

Then you need to pick your flow meters, most use the Swissflow meters from the original, but I used slightly cheaper one from amazon (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D44N41U/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1) mine use a john guest fitting to convert to tubing (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005XU0SK4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

You will also need some small wire to run from the meters to the alamode I think I used 22 gauge.

You should be able to follow most of the instruction on the original website for assembly.

Perfect! Thanks much!!! I think I can take it from here.

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

Perfect! Thanks much!!! I think I can take it from here.

Only need Arduino or Alamode if using tap sensors.

Otherwise, no coding knowledge is required.

 

[x2harry]

Hello
This is my first post and this looks like a great and helpful thread.
I have installed RandR+ version and it is running well. I have it installed on stretch, will it work on buster?
My flowmeters should be here in a couple of days. I have a spare ardunio.
Is there any information on how to set them up by Bluetooth, as I have my pi behind the screen on the wall and my keggerator is under the bar.
Cheers

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

As I noted in a prior post, all my latest items are here

http://github.com/Tobor-8thMan

 

[RandR+]

I have it installed on stretch, will it work on buster?

it should work on Buster, I have yet to get a Buster VM updated to verify, but the only things others have mentioned are the settings to get the monitor to display correctly after restart

Is there any information on how to set them up by Bluetooth

I have not done anything with Bluetooth my self but if you have an Arduino that supports Bluetooth and get it connected to the pi you can try to change python/Config.py and add config['flowmon.port'] = '/dev/rfcomm0' to the end of the file

 

[x2harry]

it should work on Buster, I have yet to get a Buster VM updated to verify, but the only things others have mentioned are the settings to get the monitor to display correctly after restart


I have not done anything with Bluetooth my self but if you have an Arduino that supports Bluetooth and get it connected to the pi you can try to change python/Config.py and add config['flowmon.port'] = '/dev/rfcomm0' to the end of the file

Thanks will give this a try when they arrive.

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

I’m sure most know the following, but the information deserves dissemination as we have new folks joining us all the time.

Once Raspberry Pi and Raspberry Pints are up and working then make a clone of the SD card. SD cards can and will fail. Without a clone one must suffer thru the agony of doing everything all over again.

There are several ways of accomplishing the SD card clone, but, to me, the easiest way is simply using the one built into Raspbian. In Raspbian click Accessories-> SD Card Copier.

Purchase several microSD cards when they are on sale. Get from NewEgg, Frys, etc.

Get at least the same size as the current SD card or larger SD capacity.

Using the SD Card Copier it’s not possible to create an image in the file system, swap out the SD card and then write the image to the backup SD card. I use a multi-card header with a USB connection. This works fine in the Raspberry Pi. Simply plug in the multi-card header into one of the USB slots and Raspberry Pi recognized it.

OK. Let’s get started.

1. If not already running, start the Raspberry Pi.

2. If the browser is running displaying Raspberry Pints, exit the browser by pressing Alt-F4.

3. Insert the new microSD card into the header and insert the multi-card header into one of the Pi’s USB slots. In a bit a dialog appears asking to show the SD contents in File Explorer. Cancel this request. Likewise, if Raspbian complains about the SD card needing formatting, ignore the request as the copy will handle things.

4. Click the Raspberry Pi logo in the upper left hand and then click Accessories-> SD Card Copier.

5. In the dialog that appears ensure the source is the running microSD card and the destination is the new microSD card in the multi-card header.

6. If things are OK then click the Start button. Wait for the copy to finish as there are probably more than 1 partition.

7. When the SD card copy has completed, shutdown the Raspberry Pi.

8. When the Raspberry Pi has completely shut down, unplug the power from the Pi.

9. Remove the microSD card from the Pi. Handle carefully. Don’t cause static. Place the microSD card on a non-conductive/non-plastic surface, probably anti-static bag is best.

10. Remove the newly created microSD card from the multi-card header and carefully insert the microSD card into the Pi. Ensure correct side is up/down when inserting.

11. Plug in the power to the Pi and power on the Pi. Wait until everything is ready. If the new microSD card is larger than the original it will take a while the first time booting as the OS will adjust things for the new microSD card size. Eventually, we’ll see the Raspberry Pints display in the browser.

12. Woohoo! The clone backup is working.

13. Power down the Pi.

14. When the Raspberry Pi has completely shut down, unplug the power from the Pi.

15. Remove the microSD card and put in a safe, clearly marked anti-static location.

16. Insert the original microSD card into the Pi.

17. Use Raspberry Pints as usual. If the microSD card dies, we now have a backup.

I know, I know. Sounds like a LOT of steps, but I wanted to describe in detail the steps.

Hope others find the information useful. I will also post this information at the GitHub Raspberry Pints release.

 

[RodimusPrime98]

I just tried to redo the update and received the same error. I did the following:

wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/rtlindne/RaspberryPints/master/util/installRaspberryPints

chmod +x installRaspberryPints

sudo ./installRaspberryPints

Once that was finished, I went into raspberry pints and clicked update under the install tab. This is where I received the error. Any idea where I'm going wrong?

RanR+ I am getting back to trying to get my flow meters working after sevearl weeks away fro the project. I just tried updating and I received:
"Validating Entries...Success!"
"Checking DB connectivity...Success connecting to Database!"
"Checking config folder permissions...Success!"
"Upgrading Raspberry Pints...error in query 57[SET @preparedStatement = (SELECT IF((SELECT COUNT(*)][You have an error in your SQL syntax; check the manual that corresponds to your MariaDB server version for the right syntax to use near "'UPDATE kegs k INNER JOIN taps t ON k.onTapID = t.id SET k.startAmount = Lstart' at line 11]"

Also, I see there is a far right column for Poured in day_trippers post https://www.homebrewtalk.com/forum/...taplist-solution.487694/page-124#post-8681925
I don't have that column, does that indicate I may have an initial setting incorrect?

Thank you again for all your help! I am hopeful I am near getting this to work! I have 2x 5gal fermenters that just started yesterday that I would like to get this up and running for by the time they are flowing from kegs!

 

[day_trippr]

I don't run that version but while you await RandR+ go back through the settings and look for "use flow meters" or something similar. There's a meter count to set as well - and it may be it simply takes a non-zero setting to enable the flow meters and put the keg volume column on the display.

Cheers!

 

[RandR+]

error in query 57...[

make sure you pull latest from GitHub, I checked and the files doesn't contain Lstart'

as for the pours columns, check the personalize page under admin, there is an option for Show Keg Column that needs to be set to on

 

[awoitte]

Assuming the hardware requirements are the same, is the only difference between Raspberry Pints 1 and 2 the aesthetics? I couldn't locate a changes release notes.

Also I'm surprised at (by scrolling the first 10-12 pages) how many people are actually spending the $60 a pop on flow meters. It's badass but I'm still debating on if I want to cough up $300 for my tap sets.

Cheers

 

[day_trippr]

.

 

[day_trippr]

wrt flow meters, many of the earliest adopters scored them "gently-used" from an eBay seller for $20 per. I picked up 10 of them, and to be frank, compared to my net expenditures over almost 16 years of home brewing, that was an "incidental" cost. Besides, enabling volume tracking - just from the techno-dweeb factor - is totally worth it

Aaanyway...Forget "version 1", it's irrelevant. And, for that matter, so is "version 2.0.1" - the kit that supports flow meters.
There have been numerous consequential changes in the Raspberry Pi environment since Memorial Day 2014 such that the original kits found via raspberrypints.com are no longer practically viable.

But take heart, there are HBT folks that have taken the original kit and modified it to work with the currently available Raspbian operating system packages with the same functionality as the original; and another effort that also made some operational changes plus integrated some user-originated features. Work your way back a ways from here, and for the former effort look for @Tobor_8thMan, while for the latter look for @RandR+...

Cheers!

 

[awoitte]

wrt flow meters, many of the earliest adopters scored them "gently-used" from an eBay seller for $20 per. I picked up 10 of them, and to be frank, compared to my net expenditures over almost 16 years of home brewing, that was an "incidental" cost. Besides, enabling volume tracking - just from the techno-dweeb factor - is totally worth it

Aaanyway...Forget "version 1", it's irrelevant. And, for that matter, so is "version 2.0.1" - the kit that supports flow meters.
There have been numerous consequential changes in the Raspberry Pi environment since Memorial Day 2014 such that the original kits found via raspberrypints.com are no longer practically viable.

But take heart, there are HBT folks that have taken the original kit and modified it to work with the currently available Raspbian operating system packages with the same functionality as the original; and another effort that also made some operational changes plus integrated some user-originated features. Work your way back a ways from here, and for the former effort look for @Tobor_8thMan, while for the latter look for @RandR+...

Cheers!

So are the hardware requirements and files/instructions on the website still the same? I order a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B Board for this project, hoping its still applicable.

 

[day_trippr]

A 3B is fine, the issues are not hardware related but instead are due to raspbian.org's relentless need to release a new OS package almost yearly it seems, and each time the application packages are advanced to new versions as well (or outright replaced, in the case of mysql disappearing from the official release stream in favor of mariaDB because of Oracle's tentacles around mysql).

My recommended kit would be either a 3B or 3B+, and if using flow meters, an Uno R3 (as opposed to an Alamode which requires low-level software support from a surprisingly obtuse company - Wyolum - and can be a pita to get working).

From there you have to decide which RaspberryPints fork to follow as I described above. While the basic constructs (and associated requisite support packages) of the two most available options are quite similar to the original, as I attempted to elucidate above the original kit is no longer viable as too many package references have gone stale...

Cheers!

 

[Bigs166]

Just wanted to say thanks for all the help!
RandR+ is a HBT HERO for sure!!