Creating an Outdoor Timer That is WiFi or BlueTooth enabled?

ok, as promised here are the pics. This inside an unheated barn. (weatherproof but extreme temperatures may be a factor)

Note: Switch is for pool light in deep end.

Complete Setup                                                  Timer                                                       Schematic

Intention: Replace "wheel" with raspberry Pi, an LCD display (for standalone operation), relay(?), and wifi. WiFi would allow the relay to be controlled remotely from a smartphone app.

I can take further pictures for more specific detail if needed. (example, behind the timer wheel or more focus on tripping mechanism)

Thanks,

Vince

As already suggested, I would not attempt to modify the existing timer device, it is just not worth the effort

You will be better off creating a new control system from scratch

first BIG issue is the load your switching (The diagram indicates a 40A switch is currently used, I would not suggest underrating the replacement as the startup currents will be quite excessive even if the normal running will probably be under 15-30A, most relay boards from E-Bay are rated around 5A

A solid state relay will allow easy interfacing, Full isolation and easy mounting see this as an example Solid State Relay SSR 60Da 60A 3 32VDC 24 380VAC | eBay (I selected one that was over rated for safety reasons, You still should have a circuit breaker of course which I assume is elsewhere as it is not visible in your pictures. It can be driven from anything that can power an LED.

detecting the motor running is a little trickier, you could assume it is on based on the fact your controlling the relay or you can use a circuit like this

it could drive an interrupt or you could simply put a diode and rc network to smooth out the output to a logic level and simply have a low high signal. either way isolated and safe.(Adjust R1 to suit 110V if needed)

for measuring the current I would start with something like this (Keeping with the isolated system for safety theme http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hall-Effect-Current-Sensor-For-Hobbyist-Arduino-Compatible-AC-75A-DC-100A-/231154766766?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item35d1e5d3ae

now of course being able to measure the current you could drop the voltage sensor as you will detect the current and this will indicate the motor should be running and also provide the current to the load

there are plenty of circuits for driving a small 2 or 4 line LCD display with a PI so just google that for details

all that's left is software and interfacing the analog front he sensor to the PI and again there are plenty of examples for that too. With the WIFI adapter suggested above, all this could be controlled remotely and is limited by your imagination

btw, a smaller powered solid state relay could also be used to control the pool light you mention.

sounds like a fun project, be safe and have fun

Thanks Peter!

Sorry for the confusion. The circuit breaker is wired in the house. It is marked as 20 amps going to the pool but does take two punchouts. So is that 20 amps or 2x20 amps = 40? I have always gone by what is marked. (I might be overthinking this part. Also, I have manually flipped off this the circuit for this project.)

Keeping things isolated is definitely the way I want to go. My measurement concerns are for reliability and safety. The precision window is rather large.

Also, I like your idea for a smaller solid state relay for the pool light. Additionally, Multicolor LED lights are now available (expensive) and can be programmed for variable light displays (white, rainbow, different patterns) depending upon the on/off combinations at the switch. Using a relay, we could remotely chose lighting patterns as well as on/off state. Getting ahead of myself.

• Minimum Requirement: Update timer to have remote control to turn pump power on or off.
• Additional Desired Functionality: monitoring flows and debris build up.
• Nice To Have: Light Control.

Honestly, once I gain confidence from completing the minimum requirement, the additional functionality and nice to have should follow up quite nicely. (just trying to keep perspective)

Thanks Again, Peter. This should be an interesting week.

Thanks Peter!

Sorry for the confusion. The circuit breaker is wired in the house. It is marked as 20 amps going to the pool but does take two punchouts. So is that 20 amps or 2x20 amps = 40? I have always gone by what is marked. (I might be overthinking this part. Also, I have manually flipped off this the circuit for this project.)

Keeping things isolated is definitely the way I want to go. My measurement concerns are for reliability and safety. The precision window is rather large.

Also, I like your idea for a smaller solid state relay for the pool light. Additionally, Multicolor LED lights are now available (expensive) and can be programmed for variable light displays (white, rainbow, different patterns) depending upon the on/off combinations at the switch. Using a relay, we could remotely chose lighting patterns as well as on/off state. Getting ahead of myself.

• Minimum Requirement: Update timer to have remote control to turn pump power on or off.
• Additional Desired Functionality: monitoring flows and debris build up.
• Nice To Have: Light Control.

Honestly, once I gain confidence from completing the minimum requirement, the additional functionality and nice to have should follow up quite nicely. (just trying to keep perspective)

Thanks Again, Peter. This should be an interesting week.

well you can certainly build all this but use LEDs and other more low power devices (Low voltage DC) in order to get the code perfected and your experience up to a level your confident with, then simply add the power components and suitable enclosure to deploy in the pool house

Good luck, if you need more help, you know where we are

Peter