[Samer]

We both understand your concern and we have the same priorities. OpenSprinkler should and will work without an Internet connection. Everything the Internet and our cloud server provide is optional. Let me go through the data and clarify how it’s used and what happens if the controller can’t update.

Time (NTP): The controller has a real time clock which will keep time if the NTP server cannot be reached and only minimal drifting will occur with this alone.

Time (timezone): The timezone is set once by the cloud per location and is not modified after that. The cloud resolves the locations timezone however if you empty the location field the app will let you change the timezone manually. Furthermore, the cloud does resolve the state of daylights saving time so this will not change if the cloud cannot be reached.

Sunset/Sunrise: This will update daily the values from the cloud however if they cannot be updated, the previous values are used.

Weather Adjustment: If the cloud cannot be reached, the water level will stay at it’s current value otherwise it will be adjusted based on the method (Zimmerman) and the conditions. Of course the water level can also be manually adjusted.

As you can see nothing is critical to the cloud but it does offer extras. As you have noticed, the controller forgoes network checks during running programs to ensure no interruption is incurred. I hope this helps clarify the use of cloud and also helps reassure you we have the same philosophy in mind with regard to working regardless of Internet connection, etc.

[Samer]

Each home is unique and the only reason we are recommending the powerline is because the wireless adapter is small and may not have good signal if it is very far from the access point, which classically the sprinkler system is far away. If you have good wireless signal in that area, wireless is definitely an option.

Basically, right now we are offering both options so users can use the best option for their environment.

[Samer]

Hi Dave,

The IP you are showing is our cloud server, weather.opensprinkler.com. This is used for more than weather adjustments though as the timezone resolution and daylight saving time calculations are done on the cloud server. We also use the cloud server to provide sunrise and sunset data. Basically, this server allows us to extend features without OpenSprinkler having to depend on many 3rd party services and delaying the query time.

Thanks!

[Samer]

The app will allow you to change the timezone if you delete the location since that’s how it normally decided the timezone. Your method also works as well.

[Samer]

Glad you got it working and you are correct about the default port, sorry.

In regard to the timezone, we have another user reporting this and we have found an issue we are exploring right now. So we will update you soon once we have a resolution.

Thank you!

[Samer]

The GFCI will attenuate the signal yes however it is something you can still attempt since most adapters (including the TP-Link) do have specified speeds they will likely use when passing through a GFCI outlet that are far greater than what is needed with OpenSprinkler.

Some of the data I see suggests speeds of 14-18 Mbit when using GFCI some suggests higher. I think it is worth trying and if it works, great otherwise find another outlet.

I hope this helps!

[Samer]

The OpenSprinkler unit is quite small compared to classic timer boxes therefore there should be plenty of room in a typical enclosure to fit all the items. With that said, the outlet is typically in a corner so plugging in two bulky items might be difficult.

If this is the case, you can use a simple extension on either power adapter so move the bulky box item elsewhere in the enclosure. Please note the power line adapter cannot have a surge protector in its path as those typically filter the frequency used for the network. A classic extension cable will work without issues though.

[Samer]

If I’m not mistaken, the firmware will not do its check network calls if the device is currently watering. I think Ray can confirm this but do the delays correlate to your station run times?

Update: Technically speaking a lack of pings isn’t an issue as the controller won’t act on this and the network settings won’t change allowing connectivity to remain. Is this correct?

If so, the “new” 2.1.4 should fix the DHCP issue and completely resolve the connecting issue moving forward.

[Samer]

The Unified firmware does require the Internet to load the UI files when accessing the control directly by IP address. However, the application does not require the Internet to communicate with the controller.

To troubleshoot, can you you ensure the correct IP address for the Pi by running ifconfig. Once you have the IP, you can try to access the firmware on port 8080 (the default is port 8080) by using the following URL: http://192.168.1.88:8080/su. This is the script change URL which does not require any Internet connection render. If this works, then the app should work as well using the same IP and port.

If you wish, you can also host the UI files on the Raspberry Pi by using Apache or any other web host. We have instructions available here: https://opensprinkler.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/5000164006-using-a-different-server-for-ui-assets

If this continues to not work, you may be best served by sticking with the Pyton program although the Unified program should work in this setting.

Thanks!

[Samer]

The idea is very interesting however the limitation is how the water level is calculated. This uses weather data and for the forecast page we can use forecast data however parameters like rain will clearly not be a factor and humidity/temp can only be ballpark.

I really can’t see this providing anything useful on the preview page however the forecast page this is possible. I will see if we can incorporate this using forecast data and get back to you.

Thanks

[Samer]

I think we need to clarify exactly what has stopped working because it is not clear right now.

Is the network going down? Can you still SSH or ping to the OSPi?
Do sprinkler programs stop running? Do scheduled programs not run?

Thanks

[Samer]

You can backup the configuration and delete the OSPi folder and reclone it. After, you can restore the configuration.

Also, the Unified firmware is now available for OSBO as well which is the same firmware as the Arduino version. You can find more information by search for 2.1.4 on this forum.

Thanks!

[Samer]

@BinaryOS,

All of our code is available on our Github page: https://github.com/OpenSprinkler

Specifically, for the firmware, you may access the source code here: https://github.com/OpenSprinkler/OpenSprinklerGen2

[Samer]

@JohnC, yes please see the forum post, here: https://opensprinkler.com/forums/topic/announcing-opensprinkler-unified-firmware-2-1-4/

[Samer]

@piaband These aren’t standalone options. They are part of the weather adjustment option and if used, won’t water for resulting durations less than 10 seconds (and when the percentage is below 20%).

[Samer]

@Augustin, The issue should have been fixed regarding the program preview. The sunrise/sunset times were being incorrectly calculated by the Javascript library and comparing them to the controller’s sun rise/set was causing most of the issues you were seeing. The issue has been pushed to the code here: https://github.com/OpenSprinkler/OpenSprinkler-App/commit/f10431d22d3e2911f114e45cb1b456abb759aafe and will be released in the next app update.

The code has been pushed to the beta server and if you are interested a small post has been written on switching back and forth between beta, here: https://opensprinkler.com/forums/topic/mobile-app-ui-beta-access/

Thanks!

[Samer]

First, no the app didn’t break support with previous firmware versions. To double check, I loaded 2.1.3 and tested, no issues.

To troubleshoot, does the IP on the OpenSprinkler (press B1) match the IP in the app? If not, maybe you have DHCP and the IP changed. If this is the case, you should setup static DHCP reservation in your router to prevent this.

Otherwise, try opening the IP in a browser see if the UI loads that way and let us know.

Thanks

[Samer]

Sure, please send it back in it’s original packaging and we would be happy to issue a full refund. Please send the product back to:

OpenSprinkler
5 Valley Lane
Amherst, MA 01002

If you have a copy of the order email/receipt please include it in the packaging.

Thanks!

[Samer]

If I understand correctly, the issue is purely with the preview but the schedule does run correctly. If this is the case, I will take a look at the app tonight and see if this is a reproducible bug and if so, get it fixed.

Thanks!

[Samer]

If the wifi module does not work then try to use a powerline adapter which sends the network signal through the power lines in your home. We sell a powerline kit on our website, available here: https://opensprinkler.com/product/powerline-ethernet-adapter/

[Samer]

This is actually the same bug as the one you reported earlier but unfortunately in a second location. I have fixed and pushed the new code so you should be able to refresh and see the correct localization.

Thanks again for the report!

[Samer]

@pls90 Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. In order to remove the start up of the unified firmware please run the following command:

update-rc.d OpenSprinkler.sh remove

This will prevent OpenSprinkler Unified firmware from starting on systen startup. You could either restart after or manually kill the running process.

[Samer]

Hi, thank you for letting me know about this. I have identified the issue and will be pushing the fix soon.

Thanks!

[Samer]

Glad it ended up working but I am very curious how the {“result”: 32} showed up in the app. This really should never happen. You don’t happen to have a screenshot or a way to replicate it do you?

Thanks!

[Samer]

Hi Emiliano,

If you go back into the “Edit Options” page, under location, you will see a small pin icon to the right of the input. If you push this, a map overlay will come up with nearby weather stations. Please try a nearby weather station until you find one with accurate/working data.

Thank you

[Author]

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