Get Ready for the Next Evolution of Robo-Tank! Kickstarter Launching Soon!

Rob F

Administrator
Staff member
Hey everyone, exciting news!

I'm getting ready to launch another Kickstarter campaign, and I wanted to share this with you all first! After nine years of development and feedback, I’m thrilled to introduce the latest version of Robo-Tank—a modular, customizable aquarium controller designed for both beginners and advanced users. The new system is packed with features, and with the launch of this campaign, you'll have the chance to be among the first to get your hands on it!

One of the biggest announcements alongside the campaign is the upcoming release of the new Conductivity Circuit. This fully isolated circuit ensures precise readings, even in complex setups, and expands the Robo-Tank's capabilities for managing reef and saltwater aquariums.

The Kickstarter will help bring this project to life on a larger scale, so be sure to follow the pre-launch page for updates. You can find all the details here:
Kickstarter Pre-Launch Page

Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you all for your continued support!


Main Controller

Introducing the main controller configuration, designed to meet the needs of most users right out of the box. Packaged with the reliable sensor extension from the current controller, this setup is perfect for seamless aquarium management. And for those who need even more control and flexibility, the Deluxe Expansion is available, adding 13 additional ports to elevate your system to the next level.
v4 Controller.png

Available Ports on the Basic Controller Setup:

  • 16 AC Outlet Ports with 2 Hardware Based Backup Ports: These remain the same keeping compatibility with the current AC power bars and extensions.
  • 2 DC Ports with 2 Hardware Based Backup Ports: 12v or 24v based on controller input power supply, speed controllable.
  • 4 Switchable Auxiliary Ports, 0-5v or 0-10V Analog or PWM ports: Control dimmable lights and pumps, often used for LED drivers and controllable water pumps.
  • 6 Sensor Ports: Connect DS18B20 temperature sensors, DHT22 temperature / humidity sensors, optical sensors, non-contact sensors, water sense boards, float switches, toggle switches, flow meters and other Arduino based sensors
  • Isolated pH Circuit: Monitor pH levels and control equipment based on readings.
  • Feeder Port: Connect the Ehiem feeder
  • HDMI Port: This allows you to expand the controller using the Deluxe Expansion module
  • Internal Cooling Fan Port: Optional fan to cool the Raspberry Pi 4
  • External I2C port: Connect extra pH or Conductivity Circuits
Hardware Features
  • 12v - 24v DC Input
  • Highly efficient 5v regulator to power the Raspberry Pi and controller
  • Extra filtering for low ripple on power rails
  • Highly efficient reverse polarity protection
  • Short circuit protection
  • External over current protection
  • Resettable fuse on 5v rail
  • 3.3v - 5v converter for I2C bus
  • 16 channel 12-bit PWM controller
  • CR1220 battery backup for real time clock


Deluxe Expansion Module

The Deluxe Expansion is perfect for users who need additional ports without the complexity of adding custom circuits. It’s designed to keep everything simple and plug-and-play, connecting easily via an HDMI cable to your main controller. This allows you to expand your system effortlessly. With the Deluxe Expansion, you can manage more equipment while maintaining the ease and flexibility Robo-Tank is known for, giving you more control over your aquarium.

Delxue Expansion Board.png

Available Ports on the Deluxe Expansion

  • 4 Sensor Ports: Connect DS18B20 temperature sensors, DHT22 temperature / humidity sensors, optical sensors, non-contact sensors, water sense boards, float switches, toggle switches, flow meters and other Arduino based sensors
  • 1 DC Port with 1 Hardware Based Backup Ports:
  • 8 Configurable Outputs: These you can easily configure for your needs, you can split the configuration to your liking
    • 1 DB9 Serial Port to connect an AC Power Bar: Easily add a 3rd AC power bar
    • Up to 8 DC Ports: 12v or 24v based on controller input power supply, speed controllable.
    • 8 Hardware Backup ports for AC Power Bar or DC Ports: If you configure ports for an AC power bar or DC ports you will have hardware backup ports for each port
    • Up to 8 Switchable Auxiliary Ports, 0-5v or 0-10V Analog or PWM ports: Each channel can be independently configured
Hardware Features
  • 12v - 24v DC Input
  • Extra filtering for low ripple on power rails
  • Highly efficient reverse polarity protection
  • Short circuit protection


Fully Isolated Conductivity Circuit

This is a precise, fully isolated conductivity circuit constructed using high quality components and designed to work with Robo-Tank and reef-pi or any other microcontroller.

The circuit utilizes the newest isolation technology (power and data) to prevent noise from entering the circuit through the microcontroller, power supply or your aquarium. A conductivity circuit is a sensitive device and it doesn't take much to cause interference, with isolation noise is blocked so you continue to get accurate readings. This also blocks interference from multiple probes in the same aquarium.
EC_Circuit-4.png
  • K 1.0 probe for saltwater and freshwater
  • Outputs Conductivity, TDS, Salinity and Specific Gravity (only conductivity for reef-pi)
  • Fully Isolated power and data lines
  • Calibration through app
  • Manually Change and Save I2C Address to circuit
  • Compatible with any brand and type of Conductivity probe with BNC connector
  • 5v Operating Range
  • I2C Communication - Default Address 100 (0x64)
EC_Specs.png
 
If you want the full package assembled (minus the Pi as they currently aren't available for large orders) it's $279 USD. I expect to start shipping mid to late November. The campaign will run 21 days.
 
Will it be possible to use the conductive circuit on older versions as well? And how many pieces can I connect together with PH circuits
Yeah that conductivity circuit will work on any of the controllers, it connects to the I2C port on the main controller. There will be an option to get just the circuit on the Kickstarter campaign As it's I2C there is limits, how many pH circuits are you running?
 
If you want the full package assembled (minus the Pi as they currently aren't available for large orders) it's $279 USD. I expect to start shipping mid to late November. The campaign will run 21 days.
I'll get one for sure, i already have the Pi. I take it this will run on the same software as the current models?
 
Hi, soon there will be an extension for dosing pump stepper motors. This is compatible with all versions of the controller and connects using the DB9 power bar ports, one port from the equipment extension or the sensor port. There will be a reward on the Kickstarter campaign just for this.

Precision Stepper Motor Control for Dosing Pumps​


ee501d178cf5e8ea7e7dbcb25ab74540_original.jpg


I'm excited to introduce our Stepper Motor Controller Extension, designed for precise, reliable control of dosing pumps. Each module can control three stepper motors with up to 1.4 amps per motor, supporting 12v or 24v motors based on input voltage.

Equipped with Trinamic TMC2208 drivers, this extension ensures smooth, quiet operation, minimizing noise while maximizing dosing accuracy. Simply connect your preferred 4-wire stepper motor to the 4-pin pluggable screw connector and experience precision dosing.

This extension is compatible with all Robo-Tank hardware and can easily be connected via Power Bar DB9, Sensor Extension RJ45, or Equipment Extension RJ45. Additionally, it can connect directly to Raspberry Pi GPIOs or other microcontrollers for custom systems. If you already have the controller and don't need to upgrade, there’s a Kickstarter reward available just for this extension!

Key Features:​

  • 3 stepper motor outputs for precision control
  • Compatible with any 4-wire stepper motor
  • Supports 12v or 24v motors (depending on input voltage)
  • 1.4 amps max per output
  • Easily configure output current for different size motors using dip switches (150mA, 300mA, 500mA, 800mA, 1000mA, 1400mA)
  • Easy configuration for microstepping using dip switches (2, 4, 8, and 16 microsteps)
  • Set pump direction using a dip switch
  • Compatible with all previous Robo-Tank controllers
 
Hey Rob,

I have 2 ph probes currently connected to my robotank. Is it possible to connect two conductivity probes?

Also, let me know if this is an premature question, but how much will the stepper motor module cost? When can we order it?

Thanks,

Dilshan
 
Hi Dilshan, I think you'll be ok adding two conductivity circuits, if possible it would be best to mount all in one case so shorter wires can be used to daisy chain them. I do have a 4 circuit case.

I've launched the Kickstarter so you can order the stepper module now, it's available as DIY package which includes board, faceplate and connectors for about $57. The assembled version comes in case with 12v 3 amp power supply, connectors and serial cable or Ethernet cable to connect it to controller depending which ports you want to use, it's $79.

 
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