Irrigation Controller (up to 16 valves with Shift Registers)

[Sergio Rius]

@Mark-Jefford
DOH! :weary:

[petewill]

@Mark-Jefford said:

domoticz i don't think have plans to support this, they took out the ability to use free text variables.
:( that's unfortunate. Do they have any other way to store and retrieve variables? Has anyone reached out to them with this need?

[dbemowsk]

@Mark-Jefford said:

domoticz i don't think have plans to support this, they took out the ability to use free text variables.

I plan on doing 1 minute cycles for irrigation and using a moisture sensor to evaluate how much longer the cycles need to run for.

Can you elaborate a little more? What do you mean when you say free text variables?

[Sergio Rius]

Now that I read it twice... Just see that I writed "text sensor" not text or custom variables. That was what I first thought as a solution when I read about the the custom variable sending was dropped.

And yes, it's so unfortunate that Domoticz doesn't foresees the need to have "intelligent" nodes. That's so limiting. I would like to build, for example, a garage door opener or a central heating controller. Those things must continue working even if domoticz loses connection. And they must have standalone routines that must be preconfigured without being a programmer.
What if someone wants to sell an easy to use kit? In my language we say this is "andar con burreras", walking the path with those flaps horses and donkeys wear so they can't see sidewise.

[dbemowsk]

@Sergio-Rius said:

it's so unfortunate that Domoticz doesn't foresees the need to have "intelligent" nodes. That's so limiting.

I agree. That's a big part of automation.

[dbemowsk]

I am very close to having this working. The hardest part so far is sorting out all the text devices in Domoticz. I needed to use JSON calls to set the data for each of the text devices, but once they are set I shouldn't have to change them. But being JSON calls I should be able to easily change them with a script if needed.

So I have the node present S_INFO devices for each of the 3 variables (all zones time, individual zone time, and zone name). I have 4 zones, so that presents 12 new devices to Domoticz. I have set zone names and they display correctly on the irrigation controller, I just need to figure out some of the zone time variables and what devices they are attached to.

I should have this working in the next couple days and once I get it I will post the code with some notes on configuring it all.

[PierreSt]

Just an idea I was considering for my project, but haven't got around implementing yet so I don't know how viable it is.
Wouldn't it be possible to use a S_Dimmer type of device instead of an S_Light?
That way you can set the "dimmer" value in the UI between 0-100, and use this as the minutes in the sketch (I doubt I will water any part of my garden more than 100 mn). Granted it does not allow to have 2 different settings for manual and automatic, but I don't see this as a real limitation (actually, S_Dimmer also has a V_Watt variable, so theoretically you could also use that one).

[dbemowsk]

So I think I have this figured out.One of the things that I had to contend with was running out of memory on my 5V Pro Mini 328. To fix this I had to comment out and shorten some of the DEBUG PRINTLN statements which didn't impede functionality.

The key to making this work is presenting 3 new sensors for each zone. The sensors are S_INFO sensors that use V_TEXT variables. Because these are new to 2.0 and our sketch is for 1.5, we need to define them to be able to use them.

const int V_TEXT = 47;
// new S_INFO sensor type (development 20150905)
const int S_INFO = 36 ;

Here is how I present the new sensors. The S_LIGHT sensor is the valve control. The next 3 S_INFO sensors are the replacements for V_VAR1 - V_VAR3. They are defined as follows;
All zones time
Individual zone time
Zone display name

 for (byte i = 0; i <= NUMBER_OF_VALVES; i++)
  {
    gw.present((i * 4), S_LIGHT);
    gw.present(((i * 4) + 1), S_INFO);
    gw.present(((i * 4) + 2), S_INFO);
    gw.present(((i * 4) + 3), S_INFO);
  }

The hardest part in this was figuring out the V_TEXT values on the Domoticz side. What I found was the easiest was to set each to a numeric value from 1 to whatever number of sensors are presented. To set the values type this into the address bar of your web browser:

http://{your_domoticz_ip_address}:8080/json.htm?type=command&param=udevice&idx=41&nvalue=0&svalue=1

Replace the 41 in idx=41 wit the idx value in the setup>devices list, and change the 1 in svalue=1 to the number next number. Once those are set, start all zones using the button on the controller. You will see one of the numbers on the display. Match that number with it's index (idx) value and re-run the above json command changing the idx to the matched index, and the svalue to the name of the zone:

http://{your_domoticz_ip_address}:8080/json.htm?type=command&param=udevice&idx=36&nvalue=0&svalue=Run all zones

Repeat this for all zone names. Then repeat the process by letting a zone start and matching a zone time to it's index. That is the reason for setting each V_TEXT variable to a unique number. When testing each zone on an "All Zones" run, it is best to find the first zone and set the time to 1 minute. Then run "All Zones" again and let the first zone run its 1 minute to hit the zone 2 time. Continue this through all zones changing the Domoticz names and values for each to identify them all.

I have not been able to fully test this as my controller is set up slightly different than the one presented. I have done the steps above and have all of that set, but my zone 1 is my master valve, and zones 2 through 5 are my zones 1 through 4. Because of this I need to figure out the changes in my sketch. If someone can test this as I have it so far, that would help. Once I know this works, I will make my needed changes.

Here is the complete modified sketch:

/*
MySprinkler for MySensors

Arduino Multi-Zone Sprinkler Control

May 31, 2015

*** Version 2.0

*** Upgraded to http://MySensors.org version 1.4.1
*** Expanded for up to 16 Valves
*** Setup for active low relay board or comment out #define ACTIVE_LOW to switch to active high
*** Switch to bitshift method vs byte arrays
*** Changed RUN_ALL_ZONES Vera device to 0 (was highest valve)
*** Added optional LCD display featuring remaining time, date last ran & current time
*** Features 'raindrop' and 'clock' icons which indicate sensor is updating valve data and clock respectively
*** Added single pushbutton menu to manually select which program to run (All Zones or a Single Zone)
*** Added option of naming your Zones programmatically or with Vera (V_VAR3 used to store names)

Utilizing your Vera home automation controller and the MySensors.org gateway you can
control up to a sixteen zone irrigation system with only three digital pins.  This sketch
will create NUMBER_OF_VALVES + 1 devices on your Vera controller

This sketch features the following:

* Allows you to cycle through All zones (RUN_ALL_ZONES) or individual zone (RUN_SINGLE_ZONE) control.
* Use the 0th controller to activate RUN_ALL_ZONES (each zone in numeric sequence 1 to n)
  using Variable1 as the "ON" time in minutes in each of the vera devices created.
* Use the individual zone controller to activate a single zone.  This feature uses
  Variable2 as the "ON" time for each individual device/zone.
* Connect according to pinout below and uses Shift Registers as to allow the MySensors
  standard radio configuration and still leave available digital pins
* Turning on any zone will stop the current process and begin that particular process.
* Turning off any zone will stop the current process and turn off all zones.
* To push your new time intervals for your zones, simply change the variable on your Vera and
  your arduino will call to Vera once a minute and update accordingly.  Variables will also be
  requested when the device is first powered on.
* Pushbutton activation to RUN_ALL_ZONES, RUN_SINGLE_ZONE or halt the current program
* LED status indicator

PARTS LIST:
Available from the MySensors store - http://www.mysensors.org/store/
* Relays (8 channel)
* Female Pin Header Connector Strip
* Prototype Universal Printed Circuit Boards (PCB)
* NRF24L01 Radio
* Arduino (I used a Pro Mini)
* FTDI USB to TTL Serial Adapter
* Capacitors (10uf and .1uf)
* 3.3v voltage regulator
* Resistors (270 & 10K)
* Female Dupont Cables
* 1602 LCD (with I2C Interface)
* LED
* Push button
* Shift Register (SN74HC595)
* 2 Pole 5mm Pitch PCB Mount Screw Terminal Block
* 3 Pole 5mm Pitch PCB Mount Screw Terminal Block
* 22-24 gauge wire or similar (I used Cat5/Cat6 cable)
* 18 gauge wire (for relay)
* Irrigation Power Supply (24-Volt/750 mA Transformer)


INSTRUCTIONS:

* A step-by-step setup video is available here: http://youtu.be/l4GPRTsuHkI
* After assembling your arduino, radio, decoupling capacitors, shift register(s), status LED, pushbutton LCD (I2C connected to
  A4 and A5) and relays, and load the sketch.
* Following the instructions at https://MySensors.org include the device to your MySensors Gateway.
* Verify that each new device has a Variable1, Variable2 and Variable3. Populate data accordingly with whole minutes for
  the RUN_ALL_ZONES routine (Variable1) and the RUN_SINGLE_ZONE routines (Variable 2).  The values entered for times may be zero and
  you may use the defaulet zone names by leaving Variable3 blank.
* Once you have entered values for each zone and each variable, save the settings by pressing the red save button on your Vera.
* Restart your arduino; verify the settings are loaded into your arduino with the serial monitor; the array will be printed
  on the serial monitor.
* Your arduino should slow-flash, indicating that it is in ready mode.
* There are multiple debug serial prints that can be monitored to assure that it is operating properly.
* ***THIS SHOULD NO LONGER BE NEEDED*** The standard MySensors library now works. https://bitbucket.org/fmalpartida/new-liquidcrystal/downloads for the I2C library, or use yours

Contributed by Jim (BulldogLowell@gmail.com) with much contribution from Pete (pete.will@mysensors.org) and is released to the public domain
*/
//
#include <Wire.h>
#include <Time.h>
#include <MySensor.h>
#include <SPI.h>
#include <LiquidCrystal.h>
#include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h>


//
#define NUMBER_OF_VALVES 4  // Change this to set your valve count up to 16.
#define VALVE_RESET_TIME 7500UL   // Change this (in milliseconds) for the time you need your valves to hydraulically reset and change state
#define RADIO_ID AUTO  // Change this to fix your Radio ID or use Auto

#define SKETCH_NAME "MySprinkler"
#define SKETCH_VERSION "2.0"
//
#define CHILD_ID_SPRINKLER 0
#define CHILD_ID_SPRINKLER_ALL 1
#define CHILD_ID_SPRINKLER_IND 2
//
#define ACTIVE_LOW // comment out this line if your relays are active high
//
#define DEBUG_ON   // comment out to supress serial monitor output
//
#ifdef ACTIVE_LOW
#define BITSHIFT_VALVE_NUMBER ~(1U << (valveNumber-1))
#define ALL_VALVES_OFF 0xFFFF
#else
#define BITSHIFT_VALVE_NUMBER (1U << (valveNumber-1))
#define ALL_VALVES_OFF 0U
#endif
//
#ifdef DEBUG_ON
#define DEBUG_PRINT(x)   Serial.print(x)
#define DEBUG_PRINTLN(x) Serial.println(x)
#define SERIAL_START(x)  Serial.begin(x)
#else
#define DEBUG_PRINT(x)
#define DEBUG_PRINTLN(x)
#define SERIAL_START(x)
#endif

// new V_TEXT variable type (development 20150905)
const int V_TEXT = 47;
// new S_INFO sensor type (development 20150905)
const int S_INFO = 36 ;

//
typedef enum {
  STAND_BY_ALL_OFF, RUN_SINGLE_ZONE, RUN_ALL_ZONES, CYCLE_COMPLETE, ZONE_SELECT_MENU
}
SprinklerStates;
//
SprinklerStates state = STAND_BY_ALL_OFF;
SprinklerStates lastState;
byte menuState = 0;
unsigned long menuTimer;
byte countDownTime = 10;
//
int allZoneTime [NUMBER_OF_VALVES + 1];
int valveSoloTime [NUMBER_OF_VALVES + 1];
int valveNumber;
int lastValve;
unsigned long startMillis;
const int ledPin = 5;
const int waterButtonPin = 3;
boolean buttonPushed = false;
boolean showTime = true;
boolean clockUpdating = false;
boolean recentUpdate = true;
const char *dayOfWeek[] = {
  "Null", "Sunday ", "Monday ", "Tuesday ", "Wednesday ", "Thursday ", "Friday ", "Saturday "
};
// Name your Zones here or use Vera to edit them by adding a name in Variable3...
String valveNickName[17] = {
  "All Zones", "Zone 1", "Zone 2", "Zone 3", "Zone 4", "Zone 5", "Zone 6", "Zone 7", "Zone 8", "Zone 9", "Zone 10", "Zone 11", "Zone 12", "Zone 13", "Zone 14", "Zone 15", "Zone 16"
};
//
time_t lastTimeRun = 0;
//Setup Shift Register...
const int latchPin = 8;
const int clockPin = 4;
const int dataPin  = 7;
//
byte clock[8] = {0x0, 0xe, 0x15, 0x17, 0x11, 0xe, 0x0}; // fetching time indicator
byte raindrop[8] = {0x4, 0x4, 0xA, 0xA, 0x11, 0xE, 0x0,}; // fetching Valve Data indicator
// Set the pins on the I2C chip used for LCD connections:
//                    addr, en,rw,rs,d4,d5,d6,d7,bl,blpol
LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x3F, 2, 1, 0, 4, 5, 6, 7, 3, POSITIVE);  // Set the LCD I2C address to 0x27
MySensor gw;
//
MyMessage msg1valve(CHILD_ID_SPRINKLER, V_LIGHT);
MyMessage var1valve(CHILD_ID_SPRINKLER_ALL, V_TEXT);
MyMessage var2valve(CHILD_ID_SPRINKLER_IND, V_TEXT);

bool receivedInitialValue = false;
//
void setup()
{
  SERIAL_START(115200);
  DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Initialising..."));
  pinMode(latchPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(clockPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(dataPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(waterButtonPin, INPUT_PULLUP);
  //pinMode(waterButtonPin, INPUT);
  attachInterrupt(1, PushButton, RISING); //May need to change for your Arduino model
  digitalWrite (ledPin, HIGH);
  DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Turning All Valves Off..."));
  updateRelays(ALL_VALVES_OFF);
  //delay(5000);
  lcd.begin(16, 2); //(16 characters and 2 line display)
  lcd.clear();
  lcd.backlight();
  lcd.createChar(0, clock);
  lcd.createChar(1, raindrop);
  //
  //check for saved date in EEPROM
  //DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Checking EEPROM for stored date:"));
  delay(500);
  if (gw.loadState(0) == 0xFF); // EEPROM flag
  {
    //``DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Retreiving last run time from EEPROM..."));
    for (int i = 0; i < 4 ; i++)
    {
      lastTimeRun = lastTimeRun << 8;
      lastTimeRun = lastTimeRun | gw.loadState(i + 1); // assemble 4 bytes into an ussigned long epoch timestamp
    }
  }
  gw.begin(getVariables, RADIO_ID, false); // Change 'false' to 'true' to create a Radio repeating node
  gw.sendSketchInfo(SKETCH_NAME, SKETCH_VERSION);

  for (byte i = 0; i <= NUMBER_OF_VALVES; i++)
  {
    gw.present((i * 4), S_LIGHT);
    gw.present(((i * 4) + 1), S_INFO);
    gw.present(((i * 4) + 2), S_INFO);
    gw.present(((i * 4) + 3), S_INFO);
  }
  DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Presentation Complete"));
  //
  digitalWrite (ledPin, LOW);
  DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Ready..."));
  //
  lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
  lcd.print(F(" Syncing Time  "));
  lcd.setCursor(15, 0);
  lcd.write(byte(0));
  lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
  int clockCounter = 0;
  while (timeStatus() == timeNotSet && clockCounter < 21)
  {
    gw.process();
    gw.requestTime(receiveTime);
    DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Requesting time:"));
    delay(1000);
    lcd.print(".");
    clockCounter++;
    if (clockCounter > 16)
    {
      DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Failed synchronization!"));
      lcd.clear();
      lcd.print(F("  Failed Clock  "));
      lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
      lcd.print(F(" Syncronization "));
      delay(2000);
      break;
    }
  }
  //
  lcd.clear();
  //Update valve data when first powered on
  for (byte i = 0; i <= NUMBER_OF_VALVES; i++)
  {
    lcd.print(F(" Updating  "));
    lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
    lcd.print(F(" Valve Data: "));
    lcd.print(i);
    boolean flashIcon = false;
    DEBUG_PRINT(F("Calling for Valve "));
    DEBUG_PRINT(i);
    DEBUG_PRINTLN(F(" Data..."));
    while (gw.process() == false)
    {
      lcd.setCursor(15, 0);
      flashIcon = !flashIcon;
      flashIcon ? lcd.write(byte(1)) : lcd.print(F(" "));
      gw.request((i * 4) + 1, V_TEXT);
      delay(100);
    }
    while (gw.process() == false)
    {
      lcd.setCursor(15, 0);
      flashIcon = !flashIcon;
      flashIcon ? lcd.write(byte(1)) : lcd.print(F(" "));
      gw.request((i * 4) + 2, V_TEXT);
      delay(100);
    }
    while (gw.process() == false)
    {
      lcd.setCursor(15, 0);
      flashIcon = !flashIcon;
      flashIcon ? lcd.write(byte(1)) : lcd.print(F(" "));
      gw.request((i * 4) + 3, V_TEXT);
      delay(100);
    }
  }
  lcd.clear();
}
//
void loop()
{
  gw.process();
  updateClock();
  updateDisplay();
  goGetValveTimes();
  //
  if (buttonPushed)
  {
    menuTimer = millis();
    DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Button Pressed"));
    if (state == STAND_BY_ALL_OFF)
    {
      state = ZONE_SELECT_MENU;
      menuState = 0;
    }
    else if (state == ZONE_SELECT_MENU)
    {
      menuState++;
      if (menuState > NUMBER_OF_VALVES)
      {
        menuState = 0;
      }
    }
    else
    {
      state = STAND_BY_ALL_OFF;
    }
    buttonPushed = false;
  }
  if (state == STAND_BY_ALL_OFF)
  {
    slowToggleLED ();
    if (state != lastState)
    {
      updateRelays(ALL_VALVES_OFF);
      DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("State all Zones off"));
      for (byte i = 0; i <= NUMBER_OF_VALVES; i++)
      {
        delay(50);
        gw.send(msg1valve.setSensor(i * 4).set(false), false);
      } 
      lcd.clear();
      lcd.setCursor(0,0);
      lcd.print(F("** Irrigation **"));
      lcd.setCursor(0,1);
      lcd.print(F("**   Halted   **"));
      delay(2000);
      lastValve = -1;
    }
  }
  //
  else if (state == RUN_ALL_ZONES)
  {
    if (lastValve != valveNumber)
    {
      for (byte i = 0; i <= NUMBER_OF_VALVES; i++)
      {
        if (i == 0 || i == valveNumber)
        {
          gw.send(msg1valve.setSensor(i * 4).set(true), false);
        }
        else
        {
          gw.send(msg1valve.setSensor(i * 4).set(false), false);
        }
      }
    }
    lastValve = valveNumber;
    fastToggleLed();
    if (state != lastState)
    {
      valveNumber = 1;
      updateRelays(ALL_VALVES_OFF);
      DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("State Changed, Running All Zones..."));
    }
    unsigned long nowMillis = millis();
    if (nowMillis - startMillis < VALVE_RESET_TIME)
    {
      updateRelays(ALL_VALVES_OFF);
    }
    else if (nowMillis - startMillis < (allZoneTime[valveNumber] * 60000UL))
    {
      updateRelays(BITSHIFT_VALVE_NUMBER);
    }
    else
    {
      DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Changing Valves..."));
      updateRelays(ALL_VALVES_OFF);
      startMillis = millis();
      valveNumber++;
      if (valveNumber > NUMBER_OF_VALVES)
      {
        state = CYCLE_COMPLETE;
        startMillis = millis();
        lastValve = -1;
        lastTimeRun = now();
        saveDateToEEPROM(lastTimeRun);
        for (byte i = 0; i <= NUMBER_OF_VALVES; i++)
        {
          gw.send(msg1valve.setSensor(i * 4).set(false), false);
        }
        DEBUG_PRINT(F("State = "));
        DEBUG_PRINTLN(state);
      }
    }
  }
  //
  else if (state == RUN_SINGLE_ZONE)
  {
    fastToggleLed();
    if (state != lastState)
    {
      for (byte i = 0; i <= NUMBER_OF_VALVES; i++)
      {
        if (i == 0 || i == valveNumber)
        {
          gw.send(msg1valve.setSensor(i * 4).set(true), false);
        }
        else
        {
          gw.send(msg1valve.setSensor(i * 4).set(false), false);
        }
      }
      DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("State Changed, Single Zone Running..."));
      DEBUG_PRINT(F("Zone: "));
      DEBUG_PRINTLN(valveNumber);
    }
    unsigned long nowMillis = millis();
    if (nowMillis - startMillis < VALVE_RESET_TIME)
    {
      updateRelays(ALL_VALVES_OFF);
    }
    else if (nowMillis - startMillis < (valveSoloTime [valveNumber] * 60000UL))
    {
      updateRelays(BITSHIFT_VALVE_NUMBER);
    }
    else
    {
      updateRelays(ALL_VALVES_OFF);
      for (byte i = 0; i <= NUMBER_OF_VALVES; i++)
      {
        gw.send(msg1valve.setSensor(i * 4).set(false), false);
      }
      state = CYCLE_COMPLETE;
      startMillis = millis();
      DEBUG_PRINT(F("State = "));
      DEBUG_PRINTLN(state);
    }
    lastTimeRun = now();
  }
  else if (state == CYCLE_COMPLETE)
  {
    if (millis() - startMillis < 30000UL)
    {
      fastToggleLed();
    }
    else
    {
      state = STAND_BY_ALL_OFF;
    }
  }
  else if (state = ZONE_SELECT_MENU)
  {
    displayMenu();
  }
  lastState = state;
}
//
void displayMenu(void)
{
  static byte lastMenuState = -1;
  static int lastSecond;
  if (menuState != lastMenuState)
  {
    lcd.clear();
    lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
    lcd.print(valveNickName[menuState]);
    lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
    lcd.print(F("Starting"));
    DEBUG_PRINT(valveNickName[menuState]);
    Serial.print(F(" Starting Shortly"));
  }
  int thisSecond = (millis() - menuTimer) / 1000UL;
  if (thisSecond != lastSecond && thisSecond < 8)
  {
    lcd.print(F("."));
    Serial.print(".");
  }
  lastSecond = thisSecond;
  if (millis() - menuTimer > 10000UL)
  {
    startMillis = millis();
    if (menuState == 0)
    {
      valveNumber = 1;
      state = RUN_ALL_ZONES;
    }
    else
    {
      valveNumber = menuState;
      state = RUN_SINGLE_ZONE;
    }
  }
  else
  {

  }
  lastMenuState = menuState;
}
//
void updateRelays(int value)
{
  digitalWrite(latchPin, LOW);
  shiftOut(dataPin, clockPin, MSBFIRST, highByte(value));
  shiftOut(dataPin, clockPin, MSBFIRST, lowByte(value));
  digitalWrite(latchPin, HIGH);
}
//
void PushButton() //interrupt with debounce
{
  static unsigned long last_interrupt_time = 0;
  unsigned long interrupt_time = millis();
  if (interrupt_time - last_interrupt_time > 200)
  {
    buttonPushed = true;
  }
  last_interrupt_time = interrupt_time;
}
//
void fastToggleLed()
{
  static unsigned long fastLedTimer;
  if (millis() - fastLedTimer >= 100UL)
  {
    digitalWrite(ledPin, !digitalRead(ledPin));
    fastLedTimer = millis ();
  }
}
//
void slowToggleLED ()
{
  static unsigned long slowLedTimer;
  if (millis() - slowLedTimer >= 1250UL)
  {
    digitalWrite(ledPin, !digitalRead(ledPin));
    slowLedTimer = millis ();
  }
}
//
void getVariables(const MyMessage &message)
{
  boolean zoneTimeUpdate = false;
  if (message.isAck())
  {
    DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("This is an ack from gateway"));
  }
  for (byte i = 0; i <= NUMBER_OF_VALVES; i++)
  {
    if (message.sensor == (i * 4))
    {
      if (message.type == V_LIGHT)
      {
        int switchState = atoi(message.data);
        if (switchState == 0)
        {
          state = STAND_BY_ALL_OFF;
          DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Recieved Instruction to Cancel..."));
        }
        else
        {
          if (i == 0)
          {
            state = RUN_ALL_ZONES;
            valveNumber = 1;
            DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Recieved Instruction to Run All Zones..."));
          }
          else
          {
            state = RUN_SINGLE_ZONE;
            valveNumber = i;
            DEBUG_PRINT(F("Recieved Instruction to Activate Zone: "));
            DEBUG_PRINTLN(i);
          }
        }
        startMillis = millis();
      }
    }
    if (message.sensor == ((i * 4) + 1))
    {
      if (message.type == V_TEXT)
      {
        int variable1 = atoi(message.data);// RUN_ALL_ZONES time
        DEBUG_PRINT(F("Recieved variable1 valve:"));
        DEBUG_PRINT(i);
        DEBUG_PRINT(F(" = "));
        DEBUG_PRINTLN(variable1);
        if (variable1 != allZoneTime[i])
        {
          allZoneTime[i] = variable1;

          zoneTimeUpdate = true;
        }
      }
    }
    if (message.sensor == ((i * 4) + 2))
    {
      if (message.type == V_TEXT)
      {
        int variable2 = atoi(message.data);// RUN_SINGLE_ZONE time
        DEBUG_PRINT(F("Recieved variable1 valve:"));
        DEBUG_PRINT(i);
        DEBUG_PRINT(F(" = "));
        DEBUG_PRINTLN(variable2);
        if (variable2 != valveSoloTime[i])
        {
          valveSoloTime[i] = variable2;

          zoneTimeUpdate = true;
        }
      }
    }
    if (message.sensor == ((i * 4) + 3))
    {
      if (message.type == V_TEXT)
      {
        String newMessage = String(message.data);
        if (newMessage.length() == 0) 
        {
          DEBUG_PRINT(F("No Name for "));
          DEBUG_PRINTLN(i);
          break;
        }
        if (newMessage.length() > 16)
        {
          newMessage.substring(0, 16);
        }
        valveNickName[i] = "";
        valveNickName[i] += newMessage;
        DEBUG_PRINT(F("Recieved name "));
        DEBUG_PRINT(i);
        DEBUG_PRINT(F(" called: "));
        DEBUG_PRINTLN(valveNickName[i]);
      }
      receivedInitialValue = true;
    }
  }
  if (zoneTimeUpdate)
  {
    //
    DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("New Zone Times..."));
    for (byte i = 0; i <= NUMBER_OF_VALVES; i++)
    {
      if (i != 0)
      {
        DEBUG_PRINT(F("Zone "));
        DEBUG_PRINT(i);
        DEBUG_PRINT(F(" individual time: "));
        DEBUG_PRINT(valveSoloTime[i]);
        DEBUG_PRINT(F(" group time: "));
        DEBUG_PRINTLN(allZoneTime[i]);
        recentUpdate = true;
      }
    }
  }
  else
  {
    recentUpdate = false;
  }
}
//
void updateDisplay()
{
  static unsigned long lastUpdateTime;
  static boolean displayToggle = false;
  //static byte toggleCounter = 0;
  static SprinklerStates lastDisplayState;
  if (state != lastDisplayState || millis() - lastUpdateTime >= 3000UL)
  {
    displayToggle = !displayToggle;
    switch (state) {
      case STAND_BY_ALL_OFF:
        //
        fastClear();
        lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
        if (displayToggle)
        {
          lcd.print(F("  System Ready "));
          if (clockUpdating)
          {
            lcd.setCursor(15, 0);
            lcd.write(byte(0));
          }
          lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
          lcd.print(hourFormat12() < 10 ? F(" ") : F(""));
          lcd.print(hourFormat12());
          lcd.print(minute() < 10 ? F(":0") : F(":"));
          lcd.print(minute());
          lcd.print(isAM() ? F("am") : F("pm"));
          lcd.print(month() < 10 ? F(" 0") : F(" "));
          lcd.print(month());
          lcd.print(day() < 10 ? F("/0") : F("/"));
          lcd.print(day());
          lcd.print(F("/"));
          lcd.print(year() % 100);
        }
        else
        {
          lcd.print(F("  Last Watered "));
          if (clockUpdating)
          {
            lcd.setCursor(15, 0);
            lcd.write(byte(0));
          }
          lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
          lcd.print(dayOfWeek[weekday(lastTimeRun)]);
          lcd.setCursor(11, 1);
          lcd.print(month(lastTimeRun) < 10 ? F(" ") : F(""));
          lcd.print(month(lastTimeRun));
          lcd.print(day(lastTimeRun) < 10 ? F("/0") : F("/"));
          lcd.print(day(lastTimeRun));
        }
        break;
      case RUN_SINGLE_ZONE:
        //
        fastClear();
        lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
        if (displayToggle)
        {
          lcd.print(F("Single Zone Mode"));
          lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
          lcd.print(F(" Zone:"));
          if (valveNumber < 10) lcd.print(F("0"));
          lcd.print(valveNumber);
          lcd.print(F(" Active"));
        }
        else
        {
          lcd.print(F(" Time Remaining "));
          lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
          if (valveSoloTime[valveNumber] == 0)
          {
            lcd.print(F(" No Valve Time "));
          }
          else
          {
            unsigned long timeRemaining = (valveSoloTime[valveNumber] * 60) - ((millis() - startMillis) / 1000);
            lcd.print(timeRemaining / 60 < 10 ? "   0" : "   ");
            lcd.print(timeRemaining / 60);
            lcd.print("min");
            lcd.print(timeRemaining % 60 < 10 ? " 0" : " ");
            lcd.print(timeRemaining % 60);
            lcd.print("sec  ");
          }
        }
        break;
      case RUN_ALL_ZONES:
        //
        fastClear();
        lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
        if (displayToggle)
        {
          lcd.print(F(" All-Zone  Mode "));
          lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
          lcd.print(F(" Zone:"));
          if (valveNumber < 10) lcd.print(F("0"));
          lcd.print(valveNumber);
          lcd.print(F(" Active "));
        }
        else
        {
          lcd.print(F(" Time Remaining "));
          lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
          int timeRemaining = (allZoneTime[valveNumber] * 60) - ((millis() - startMillis) / 1000);
          lcd.print((timeRemaining / 60) < 10 ? "   0" : "   ");
          lcd.print(timeRemaining / 60);
          lcd.print("min");
          lcd.print(timeRemaining % 60 < 10 ? " 0" : " ");
          lcd.print(timeRemaining % 60);
          lcd.print("sec  ");
        }
        break;
      case CYCLE_COMPLETE:
        //
        if (displayToggle)
        {
          lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
          lcd.print(F(" Watering Cycle "));
          lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
          lcd.print(F("    Complete    "));
        }
        else
        {
          int totalTimeRan = 0;
          for (int i = 1; i <= NUMBER_OF_VALVES + 1; i++)
          {
            totalTimeRan += allZoneTime[i];
          }
          lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
          lcd.print(F(" Total Time Run "));
          lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
          lcd.print(totalTimeRan < 10 ? "   0" : "   ");
          lcd.print(totalTimeRan);
          lcd.print(" Minutes   ");
        }
    }
    lastUpdateTime = millis();
  }
  lastDisplayState = state;
}
void receiveTime(time_t newTime)
{
  DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Time value received and updated..."));
  int lastSecond = second();
  int lastMinute = minute();
  int lastHour = hour();
  setTime(newTime);
  if (((second() != lastSecond) || (minute() != lastMinute) || (hour() != lastHour)) || showTime)
  {
    DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Clock updated...."));
    DEBUG_PRINT(F("Sensor's time currently set to:"));
    DEBUG_PRINT(hourFormat12() < 10 ? F(" 0") : F(" "));
    DEBUG_PRINT(hourFormat12());
    DEBUG_PRINT(minute() < 10 ? F(":0") : F(":"));
    DEBUG_PRINT(minute());
    DEBUG_PRINTLN(isAM() ? F("am") : F("pm"));
    DEBUG_PRINT(month());
    DEBUG_PRINT(F("/"));
    DEBUG_PRINT(day());
    DEBUG_PRINT(F("/"));
    DEBUG_PRINTLN(year());
    DEBUG_PRINTLN(dayOfWeek[weekday()]);
    showTime = false;
  }
  else
  {
    DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Sensor's time did NOT need adjustment greater than 1 second."));
  }
  clockUpdating = false;
}
void fastClear()
{
  lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
  lcd.print(F("                "));
  lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
  lcd.print(F("                "));
}
//
void updateClock()
{
  static unsigned long lastVeraGetTime;
  if (millis() - lastVeraGetTime >= 3600000UL) // updates clock time and gets zone times from vera once every hour
  {
    DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Requesting time and valve data from Gateway..."));
    lcd.setCursor(15, 0);
    lcd.write(byte(0));
    clockUpdating = true;
    gw.requestTime(receiveTime);
    lastVeraGetTime = millis();
  }
}
//
void saveDateToEEPROM(unsigned long theDate)
{
  DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Saving Last Run date"));
  if (gw.loadState(0) != 0xFF)
  {
    gw.saveState(0, 0xFF); // EEPROM flag for last date saved stored in EEPROM (location zero)
  }
  //
  for (int i = 1; i < 5; i++)
  {
    gw.saveState(5 - i, byte(theDate >> 8 * (i - 1))); // store epoch datestamp in 4 bytes of EEPROM starting in location one
  }
}
//
void goGetValveTimes()
{
  static unsigned long valveUpdateTime;
  static byte valveIndex = 1;
  if (millis() - valveUpdateTime >= 300000UL / NUMBER_OF_VALVES)// update each valve once every 5 mins (distributes the traffic)
  {
    DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Calling for Valve Data..."));
    lcd.setCursor(15, 0);
    lcd.write(byte(1)); //lcd.write(1);
    gw.request((valveIndex * 4) + 1, V_TEXT);
    gw.request((valveIndex * 4) + 2, V_TEXT);
    gw.request((valveIndex * 4) + 3, V_TEXT);
    valveUpdateTime = millis();
    valveIndex++;
    if (valveIndex > NUMBER_OF_VALVES + 1)
    {
      valveIndex = 1;
    }
  }
}

Curious to see how this works for people.

[Sergio Rius]

@dbemowsk

Just a hint on memory: Why creating three sensors for each valve? Why not creating a unique sensor with array contents for all valves? ;)

[dbemowsk]

@Sergio-Rius I hadn't thought of the array. I've never dealt with a S_INFO/V_TEXT as an array. Do you have an example of this? It does sound like an easier approach.

[AWI]

@dbemowsk I would suggest to take @PierreSt advice and go for a V_PERCENTAGE device. From my perspective you wil mostly deal with "a scale of fixed values' for more or less intensive irrigation. As you are working with Domoticz you can use a "Selector switch" to select the diiferent options.

I am currently using this for selecting patterns in my Wall mounted mood light and it works like a charm.

If anyone is intrested I will publish a "how-to" (in the Domoticz section)

[Sergio Rius]

@AWI
While that would be a logical approach, the the dimmer control in Domoticz it's complex and sometimes requires more than one click to activate. In other interfaces (Android, etc) that could be worse, and should change in the future.

@dbemowsk
I did not use S_INFO in my sketch, but I managed to use an array for valves configuration and may be pretty interesting if we mix the two of them.

Note that this is a version 2.0 sketch, and that I removed all the remote management stuff. Due to the flow change in v2, the display menu was so difficult to do.
Perhaps you can adapt it back and get back to the original idea.

///// Mysensors options /////
//#define MY_DEBUG
#define MY_RADIO_NRF24
#define MY_NODE_ID 1 // Having some problems with auto Id on my installation.

#include <Time.h>
#include <Wire.h>
#include <SPI.h>

#include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h>
#include <MySensors.h>

#define SKETCH_NAME "GardenController"
#define SKETCH_VERSION "1.0"

/////// Display output options /////
//#define USING_DISPLAY
//boolean showTime = true;
//#ifdef USING_DISPLAY
//	LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x27, 16, 2);
//	//#define LCDINIT (DEBUG_PRINTLN("Setting up LCD..."); lcd.init(); lcd.clear(); lcd.backlight();)
//#else
//	#define LCDINIT
//#endif

const int latchPin = 8;
const int clockPin = 4;
const int dataPin = 7;

unsigned char bitStatus;

#define ACTIVE_LOW // comment out this line if your relays are active high
#ifdef ACTIVE_LOW
	#define ALL_ELEMENTS_OFF 0xFFFF
	#define myShiftOut (shiftOut(dataPin, clockPin, MSBFIRST, ~bitStatus))
#else
	#define ALL_ELEMENTS_OFF 0U
	#define myShiftOut (shiftOut(dataPin, clockPin, MSBFIRST, bitStatus))
#endif

boolean clockSetup = false;

///// Serial interface options /////
#define DEBUG_ON   // comment out to supress serial monitor output
#ifdef DEBUG_ON
	#define DEBUG_PRINT(x)   Serial.print(x)
	#define DEBUG_PRINTLN(x) Serial.println(x)
	#define SERIAL_START(x)  Serial.begin(x)
#else
	#define DEBUG_PRINT(x)
	#define DEBUG_PRINTLN(x)
	#define SERIAL_START(x)
#endif

///// Control elements /////
class myElement {
public:
	myElement(char* name, int runningTime, unsigned long Started);
	char* Name;
	int RunningTime;
	unsigned long Started;
};

myElement::myElement(char* Name, int RunningTime, unsigned long Started = 0)
{
	this->Name = Name;
	this->RunningTime = RunningTime;
	this->Started = Started;
};

myElement myElements[] =
{
	{ "Irrigation Zone 1", 1 },
	{ "Irrigation Zone 2", 1 },
	{ "Pond Pump", 0 },
	{ "Pond Lights", 0 },
	{ "Front way lights", 0 },
	{ "Acc1", 0 },
	{ "Acc2", 0 },
	{ "Acc3", 0 },
};

int NUMBER_OF_ELEMENTS = sizeof(myElements) / sizeof(*myElements);

MyMessage msg1valve(0, V_STATUS);

void setup()
{
	SERIAL_START(9600);
	DEBUG_PRINTLN("Initialising...");

	pinMode(latchPin, OUTPUT);
	pinMode(clockPin, OUTPUT);
	pinMode(dataPin, OUTPUT);

	//LCDINIT;
	//DEBUG_PRINTLN("Setting up LCD..."); lcd.init(); lcd.clear(); lcd.backlight();

	//DEBUG_PRINTLN("Requesting time from Gateway");
	//requestTime();

	//DEBUG_PRINTLN("Ready!");
}

void presentation() 
{
	sendSketchInfo(SKETCH_NAME, SKETCH_VERSION);
	for (int i = 0; i < NUMBER_OF_ELEMENTS; i++) {
		myElement Elm = myElements[i];
		present(i, S_BINARY, Elm.Name);
		wait(50);
		DEBUG_PRINT("Presented element (id/name/preset time): "); DEBUG_PRINT(i); DEBUG_PRINT("/");  DEBUG_PRINT(Elm.Name); DEBUG_PRINT("/"); DEBUG_PRINTLN(Elm.RunningTime);
		request(i, V_STATUS);
		wait(50);
	}
}

void loop()
{
	//Check if there are some timer lights to shutdown
	for (int i = 0; i < NUMBER_OF_ELEMENTS; i++) {
		//DEBUG_PRINT(myElements[i].Name); DEBUG_PRINT("/"); DEBUG_PRINT(myElements[i].RunningTime); DEBUG_PRINT("/"); DEBUG_PRINTLN(myElements[i].Started);
		if (myElements[i].Started > 0) {
			DEBUG_PRINT("Running element ("); DEBUG_PRINT(i); DEBUG_PRINTLN(")");
			if ((millis() - myElements[i].Started) >= (myElements[i].RunningTime * 60000)){
				DEBUG_PRINT("ELEMENT TIMEOUT! ("); DEBUG_PRINT(i); DEBUG_PRINTLN(")");
				updateRelay(i, 0);
				send(msg1valve.setSensor(i).set(false), false);
			}
		}
		wait(500);
	}
}

//void receiveTime(time_t newTime)
//{
//	DEBUG_PRINTLN("Received time value, updating...");
//	int lastSecond = second();
//	int lastMinute = minute();
//	int lastHour = hour();
//	setTime(newTime);
//	if (((second() != lastSecond) || (minute() != lastMinute) || (hour() != lastHour)) )|| showTime)
//	{
//		DEBUG_PRINT("Node's time currently set to: ");
//		DEBUG_PRINT(day());
//		DEBUG_PRINT("/");
//		DEBUG_PRINT(month());
//		DEBUG_PRINT(F("/"));
//		DEBUG_PRINT(year());
//		DEBUG_PRINT(hour() < 10 ? F(" 0") : F(" "));
//		DEBUG_PRINT(hour());
//		DEBUG_PRINT(minute() < 10 ? F(":0") : F(":"));
//		DEBUG_PRINTLN(minute());
//		showTime = false;
//	}
//	else
//	{
//		DEBUG_PRINTLN("Node's time did NOT need adjustment greater than 1 second.");
//	}
//	clockSetup = true;
//}

void receive(const MyMessage &message) {
	// We only expect one type of message from controller. But we better check anyway.
	switch (message.type)
	{
	case V_STATUS:
		DEBUG_PRINT("Received: Position "); DEBUG_PRINT(message.sensor); DEBUG_PRINT(" Value "); DEBUG_PRINTLN(message.getBool());
		//DEBUG_PRINT("Before status: "); DEBUG_PRINTLN(bitStatus);
		updateRelay(message.sensor, message.getBool());
		break;
	default:
		break;
	}
}

//void RESET() {
//	digitalWrite(latchPin, LOW);
//	shiftOut(dataPin, clockPin, MSBFIRST, ALL_ELEMENTS_OFF);
//	digitalWrite(latchPin, HIGH);
//}

void updateRelay(int whichPin, byte whichState) {
	if (myElements[whichPin].RunningTime > 0){
		if (whichState == 1){
			myElements[whichPin].Started = millis();
			DEBUG_PRINT("Stored start time ("); DEBUG_PRINT(myElements[whichPin].Started); DEBUG_PRINT(") for "); DEBUG_PRINTLN(whichPin);
		}
		else
		{
			myElements[whichPin].Started = 0;
			DEBUG_PRINT("Reset start time for "); DEBUG_PRINTLN(whichPin);
		}
	}

	digitalWrite(latchPin, LOW);
	bitWrite(bitStatus, whichPin, whichState);
	//DEBUG_PRINT("updateRelay: bitStatus -> "); DEBUG_PRINTLN(bitStatus);
	myShiftOut;
	digitalWrite(latchPin, HIGH);
}

As you may noticed, it can control up to 32 valves and you only have to populate the array. It'll be nice to request this data to domoticz and after a timer or received it, store in eeprom and populate the sub-nodes. Then in subsequent starts, boot with the info on eeprom and ask for changes.
The sensor shuts itself the "valves" and if time is set to zero runs them without limit.

That's not my irrigation controller, but my whole garden controller. (thaks the op for the idea)

[dbemowsk]

@Sergio-Rius Just a few things. I am assuming that the array you are talking about is "myElement". I am fairly new to MySensors and Domoticz. How do you use this array with Domoticz to send the zone times to the controller? It looks like you are setting the valve names and times within the sketch as if they are permanently set on the controller. I am a little confused about the presentation of the S_BINARY, Elm.Name:

        myElement Elm = myElements[i];
        present(i, S_BINARY, Elm.Name);

My understanding is that S_BINARY is just for on/off which I am guessing is the on/off control for the zone. What does the Elm.Name do though? Do yoy have a way to set valve times from within Domoticz?

I also noticed that you removed the time sync with the receiveTime() function. This tells me that you are not sending the current time to the controller. Any reason for this?

As for my sketch, I am thinking of another route to go with this where I can send the valve times and names using a single S_INFO sensor. I plan to use some of the information from this forum post: Splitting a string. The idea is to use a separator character such as ":" or "|" to create a pseudo array using a single string. Doing this will eliminate 2 S_INFO sensors for each zone, and also make it easier to configure. I am going to work on this tonight and see where I get with it.

[dbemowsk]

@AWI I am still not a big fan of the V_PERCENTAGE route. I like the flexibility of the all zones time as well as the individual zone times. I suppose from a scripting sense it wouldn't matter too much, but I still think it's easier and more flexible the other way.

[dbemowsk]

OK, so I've modified my sketch making the change to only use a single S_INFO sensor. The idea is to send a pipe delimited string of all the config data for a zone in the following format:
{all zone time}|{individual time}|{zone name}

45|60|Garden/pond 

So all zones call uses 45 minutes, individual zone time is 60 minutes, and the zone name is "Garden/pond"

Well without further adieu, here is the sketch.

/*
MySprinkler for MySensors

Arduino Multi-Zone Sprinkler Control

May 31, 2015

*** Version 2.0

*** Upgraded to http://MySensors.org version 1.4.1
*** Expanded for up to 16 Valves
*** Setup for active low relay board or comment out #define ACTIVE_LOW to switch to active high
*** Switch to bitshift method vs byte arrays
*** Changed RUN_ALL_ZONES Vera device to 0 (was highest valve)
*** Added optional LCD display featuring remaining time, date last ran & current time
*** Features 'raindrop' and 'clock' icons which indicate sensor is updating valve data and clock respectively
*** Added single pushbutton menu to manually select which program to run (All Zones or a Single Zone)
*** Added option of naming your Zones programmatically or with Vera (V_VAR3 used to store names)

Utilizing your Vera home automation controller and the MySensors.org gateway you can
control up to a sixteen zone irrigation system with only three digital pins.  This sketch
will create NUMBER_OF_VALVES + 1 devices on your Vera controller

This sketch features the following:

* Allows you to cycle through All zones (RUN_ALL_ZONES) or individual zone (RUN_SINGLE_ZONE) control.
* Use the 0th controller to activate RUN_ALL_ZONES (each zone in numeric sequence 1 to n)
  using Variable1 as the "ON" time in minutes in each of the vera devices created.
* Use the individual zone controller to activate a single zone.  This feature uses
  Variable2 as the "ON" time for each individual device/zone.
* Connect according to pinout below and uses Shift Registers as to allow the MySensors
  standard radio configuration and still leave available digital pins
* Turning on any zone will stop the current process and begin that particular process.
* Turning off any zone will stop the current process and turn off all zones.
* To push your new time intervals for your zones, simply change the variable on your Vera and
  your arduino will call to Vera once a minute and update accordingly.  Variables will also be
  requested when the device is first powered on.
* Pushbutton activation to RUN_ALL_ZONES, RUN_SINGLE_ZONE or halt the current program
* LED status indicator

PARTS LIST:
Available from the MySensors store - http://www.mysensors.org/store/
* Relays (8 channel)
* Female Pin Header Connector Strip
* Prototype Universal Printed Circuit Boards (PCB)
* NRF24L01 Radio
* Arduino (I used a Pro Mini)
* FTDI USB to TTL Serial Adapter
* Capacitors (10uf and .1uf)
* 3.3v voltage regulator
* Resistors (270 & 10K)
* Female Dupont Cables
* 1602 LCD (with I2C Interface)
* LED
* Push button
* Shift Register (SN74HC595)
* 2 Pole 5mm Pitch PCB Mount Screw Terminal Block
* 3 Pole 5mm Pitch PCB Mount Screw Terminal Block
* 22-24 gauge wire or similar (I used Cat5/Cat6 cable)
* 18 gauge wire (for relay)
* Irrigation Power Supply (24-Volt/750 mA Transformer)


INSTRUCTIONS:

* A step-by-step setup video is available here: http://youtu.be/l4GPRTsuHkI
* After assembling your arduino, radio, decoupling capacitors, shift register(s), status LED, pushbutton LCD (I2C connected to
  A4 and A5) and relays, and load the sketch.
* Following the instructions at https://MySensors.org include the device to your MySensors Gateway.
* Verify that each new device has a Variable1, Variable2 and Variable3. Populate data accordingly with whole minutes for
  the RUN_ALL_ZONES routine (Variable1) and the RUN_SINGLE_ZONE routines (Variable 2).  The values entered for times may be zero and
  you may use the defaulet zone names by leaving Variable3 blank.
* Once you have entered values for each zone and each variable, save the settings by pressing the red save button on your Vera.
* Restart your arduino; verify the settings are loaded into your arduino with the serial monitor; the array will be printed
  on the serial monitor.
* Your arduino should slow-flash, indicating that it is in ready mode.
* There are multiple debug serial prints that can be monitored to assure that it is operating properly.
* ***THIS SHOULD NO LONGER BE NEEDED*** The standard MySensors library now works. https://bitbucket.org/fmalpartida/new-liquidcrystal/downloads for the I2C library, or use yours

Contributed by Jim (BulldogLowell@gmail.com) with much contribution from Pete (pete.will@mysensors.org) and is released to the public domain
*/
//
#include <Wire.h>
#include <Time.h>
#include <MySensor.h>
#include <SPI.h>
#include <LiquidCrystal.h>
#include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h>


//
#define NUMBER_OF_VALVES 4  // Change this to set your valve count up to 16.
#define VALVE_RESET_TIME 7500UL   // Change this (in milliseconds) for the time you need your valves to hydraulically reset and change state
#define RADIO_ID AUTO  // Change this to fix your Radio ID or use Auto

#define SKETCH_NAME "MySprinkler"
#define SKETCH_VERSION "2.0"
//
#define CHILD_ID_SPRINKLER 0
#define CHILD_ID_SPRINKLER_ALL 1
#define CHILD_ID_SPRINKLER_IND 2
//
#define ACTIVE_LOW // comment out this line if your relays are active high
//
#define DEBUG_ON   // comment out to supress serial monitor output
//
#ifdef ACTIVE_LOW
#define BITSHIFT_VALVE_NUMBER ~(1U << (valveNumber-1))
#define ALL_VALVES_OFF 0xFFFF
#else
#define BITSHIFT_VALVE_NUMBER (1U << (valveNumber-1))
#define ALL_VALVES_OFF 0U
#endif
//
#ifdef DEBUG_ON
#define DEBUG_PRINT(x)   Serial.print(x)
#define DEBUG_PRINTLN(x) Serial.println(x)
#define SERIAL_START(x)  Serial.begin(x)
#else
#define DEBUG_PRINT(x)
#define DEBUG_PRINTLN(x)
#define SERIAL_START(x)
#endif

// new V_TEXT variable type (development 20150905)
const int V_TEXT = 47;
// new S_INFO sensor type (development 20150905)
const int S_INFO = 36 ;

//
typedef enum {
  STAND_BY_ALL_OFF, RUN_SINGLE_ZONE, RUN_ALL_ZONES, CYCLE_COMPLETE, ZONE_SELECT_MENU
}
SprinklerStates;
//
SprinklerStates state = STAND_BY_ALL_OFF;
SprinklerStates lastState;
byte menuState = 0;
unsigned long menuTimer;
byte countDownTime = 10;
//
int allZoneTime [NUMBER_OF_VALVES + 1];
int valveSoloTime [NUMBER_OF_VALVES + 1];
int valveNumber;
int lastValve;
unsigned long startMillis;
const int ledPin = 5;
const int waterButtonPin = 3;
boolean buttonPushed = false;
boolean showTime = true;
boolean clockUpdating = false;
boolean recentUpdate = true;
const char *dayOfWeek[] = {
  "Null", "Sunday ", "Monday ", "Tuesday ", "Wednesday ", "Thursday ", "Friday ", "Saturday "
};
// Name your Zones here or use Vera to edit them by adding a name in Variable3...
String valveNickName[17] = {
  "All Zones", "Zone 1", "Zone 2", "Zone 3", "Zone 4", "Zone 5", "Zone 6", "Zone 7", "Zone 8", "Zone 9", "Zone 10", "Zone 11", "Zone 12", "Zone 13", "Zone 14", "Zone 15", "Zone 16"
};
//
time_t lastTimeRun = 0;
//Setup Shift Register...
const int latchPin = 8;
const int clockPin = 4;
const int dataPin  = 7;
//
byte clock[8] = {0x0, 0xe, 0x15, 0x17, 0x11, 0xe, 0x0}; // fetching time indicator
byte raindrop[8] = {0x4, 0x4, 0xA, 0xA, 0x11, 0xE, 0x0,}; // fetching Valve Data indicator
// Set the pins on the I2C chip used for LCD connections:
//                    addr, en,rw,rs,d4,d5,d6,d7,bl,blpol
LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x3F, 2, 1, 0, 4, 5, 6, 7, 3, POSITIVE);  // Set the LCD I2C address to 0x27
MySensor gw;
//
MyMessage msg1valve(CHILD_ID_SPRINKLER, V_LIGHT);
MyMessage var1valve(CHILD_ID_SPRINKLER_ALL, V_TEXT);
MyMessage var2valve(CHILD_ID_SPRINKLER_IND, V_TEXT);

bool receivedInitialValue = false;
//
void setup()
{
  SERIAL_START(115200);
  DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Initialising..."));
  pinMode(latchPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(clockPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(dataPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(waterButtonPin, INPUT_PULLUP);
  //pinMode(waterButtonPin, INPUT);
  attachInterrupt(1, PushButton, RISING); //May need to change for your Arduino model
  digitalWrite (ledPin, HIGH);
  DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Turning All Valves Off..."));
  updateRelays(ALL_VALVES_OFF);
  //delay(5000);
  lcd.begin(16, 2); //(16 characters and 2 line display)
  lcd.clear();
  lcd.backlight();
  lcd.createChar(0, clock);
  lcd.createChar(1, raindrop);
  //
  //check for saved date in EEPROM
  //DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Checking EEPROM for stored date:"));
  delay(500);
  if (gw.loadState(0) == 0xFF); // EEPROM flag
  {
    //``DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Retreiving last run time from EEPROM..."));
    for (int i = 0; i < 4 ; i++)
    {
      lastTimeRun = lastTimeRun << 8;
      lastTimeRun = lastTimeRun | gw.loadState(i + 1); // assemble 4 bytes into an ussigned long epoch timestamp
    }
  }
  gw.begin(getVariables, RADIO_ID, false); // Change 'false' to 'true' to create a Radio repeating node
  gw.sendSketchInfo(SKETCH_NAME, SKETCH_VERSION);

  for (byte i = 0; i <= NUMBER_OF_VALVES; i++)
  {
    gw.present((i * 2), S_LIGHT);
    gw.present(((i * 2) + 1), S_INFO);
    delay(100);
  }
  DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Presentation Complete"));
  //
  digitalWrite (ledPin, LOW);
  DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Ready..."));
  //
  lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
  lcd.print(F(" Syncing Time  "));
  lcd.setCursor(15, 0);
  lcd.write(byte(0));
  lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
  int clockCounter = 0;
  while (timeStatus() == timeNotSet && clockCounter < 21)
  {
    gw.process();
    gw.requestTime(receiveTime);
    DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Requesting time:"));
    delay(1000);
    lcd.print(".");
    clockCounter++;
    if (clockCounter > 16)
    {
      DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Failed synchronization!"));
      lcd.clear();
      lcd.print(F("  Failed Clock  "));
      lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
      lcd.print(F(" Syncronization "));
      delay(2000);
      break;
    }
  }
  //
  lcd.clear();
  //Update valve data when first powered on
  for (byte i = 0; i <= NUMBER_OF_VALVES; i++)
  {
    lcd.print(F(" Updating  "));
    lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
    lcd.print(F(" Valve Data: "));
    lcd.print(i);
    boolean flashIcon = false;
    DEBUG_PRINT(F("Calling for Valve "));
    DEBUG_PRINT(i);
    DEBUG_PRINTLN(F(" Data..."));
    while (gw.process() == false)
    {
      lcd.setCursor(15, 0);
      flashIcon = !flashIcon;
      flashIcon ? lcd.write(byte(1)) : lcd.print(F(" "));
      gw.request((i * 2) + 1, V_TEXT);
      delay(100);
    }
  }
  lcd.clear();
}
//
void loop()
{
  gw.process();
  updateClock();
  updateDisplay();
  goGetValveTimes();
  //
  if (buttonPushed)
  {
    menuTimer = millis();
    DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Button Pressed"));
    if (state == STAND_BY_ALL_OFF)
    {
      state = ZONE_SELECT_MENU;
      menuState = 0;
    }
    else if (state == ZONE_SELECT_MENU)
    {
      menuState++;
      if (menuState > NUMBER_OF_VALVES)
      {
        menuState = 0;
      }
    }
    else
    {
      state = STAND_BY_ALL_OFF;
    }
    buttonPushed = false;
  }
  if (state == STAND_BY_ALL_OFF)
  {
    slowToggleLED ();
    if (state != lastState)
    {
      updateRelays(ALL_VALVES_OFF);
      DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("State all Zones off"));
      for (byte i = 0; i <= NUMBER_OF_VALVES; i++)
      {
        delay(50);
        gw.send(msg1valve.setSensor(i * 2).set(false), false);
      } 
      lcd.clear();
      lcd.setCursor(0,0);
      lcd.print(F("** Irrigation **"));
      lcd.setCursor(0,1);
      lcd.print(F("**   Halted   **"));
      delay(2000);
      lastValve = -1;
    }
  }
  //
  else if (state == RUN_ALL_ZONES)
  {
    if (lastValve != valveNumber)
    {
      for (byte i = 0; i <= NUMBER_OF_VALVES; i++)
      {
        if (i == 0 || i == valveNumber)
        {
          gw.send(msg1valve.setSensor(i * 2).set(true), false);
        }
        else
        {
          gw.send(msg1valve.setSensor(i * 2).set(false), false);
        }
      }
    }
    lastValve = valveNumber;
    fastToggleLed();
    if (state != lastState)
    {
      valveNumber = 1;
      updateRelays(ALL_VALVES_OFF);
      DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("State Changed, Running All Zones..."));
    }
    unsigned long nowMillis = millis();
    if (nowMillis - startMillis < VALVE_RESET_TIME)
    {
      updateRelays(ALL_VALVES_OFF);
    }
    else if (nowMillis - startMillis < (allZoneTime[valveNumber] * 60000UL))
    {
      updateRelays(BITSHIFT_VALVE_NUMBER);
    }
    else
    {
      DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Changing Valves..."));
      updateRelays(ALL_VALVES_OFF);
      startMillis = millis();
      valveNumber++;
      if (valveNumber > NUMBER_OF_VALVES)
      {
        state = CYCLE_COMPLETE;
        startMillis = millis();
        lastValve = -1;
        lastTimeRun = now();
        saveDateToEEPROM(lastTimeRun);
        for (byte i = 0; i <= NUMBER_OF_VALVES; i++)
        {
          gw.send(msg1valve.setSensor(i * 2).set(false), false);
        }
        DEBUG_PRINT(F("State = "));
        DEBUG_PRINTLN(state);
      }
    }
  }
  //
  else if (state == RUN_SINGLE_ZONE)
  {
    fastToggleLed();
    if (state != lastState)
    {
      for (byte i = 0; i <= NUMBER_OF_VALVES; i++)
      {
        if (i == 0 || i == valveNumber)
        {
          gw.send(msg1valve.setSensor(i * 2).set(true), false);
        }
        else
        {
          gw.send(msg1valve.setSensor(i * 2).set(false), false);
        }
      }
      DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("State Changed, Single Zone Running..."));
      DEBUG_PRINT(F("Zone: "));
      DEBUG_PRINTLN(valveNumber);
    }
    unsigned long nowMillis = millis();
    if (nowMillis - startMillis < VALVE_RESET_TIME)
    {
      updateRelays(ALL_VALVES_OFF);
    }
    else if (nowMillis - startMillis < (valveSoloTime [valveNumber] * 60000UL))
    {
      updateRelays(BITSHIFT_VALVE_NUMBER);
    }
    else
    {
      updateRelays(ALL_VALVES_OFF);
      for (byte i = 0; i <= NUMBER_OF_VALVES; i++)
      {
        gw.send(msg1valve.setSensor(i * 2).set(false), false);
      }
      state = CYCLE_COMPLETE;
      startMillis = millis();
      DEBUG_PRINT(F("State = "));
      DEBUG_PRINTLN(state);
    }
    lastTimeRun = now();
  }
  else if (state == CYCLE_COMPLETE)
  {
    if (millis() - startMillis < 30000UL)
    {
      fastToggleLed();
    }
    else
    {
      state = STAND_BY_ALL_OFF;
    }
  }
  else if (state = ZONE_SELECT_MENU)
  {
    displayMenu();
  }
  lastState = state;
}
//
void displayMenu(void)
{
  static byte lastMenuState = -1;
  static int lastSecond;
  if (menuState != lastMenuState)
  {
    lcd.clear();
    lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
    lcd.print(valveNickName[menuState]);
    lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
    lcd.print(F("Starting"));
    DEBUG_PRINT(valveNickName[menuState]);
    Serial.print(F(" Starting Shortly"));
  }
  int thisSecond = (millis() - menuTimer) / 1000UL;
  if (thisSecond != lastSecond && thisSecond < 8)
  {
    lcd.print(F("."));
    Serial.print(".");
  }
  lastSecond = thisSecond;
  if (millis() - menuTimer > 10000UL)
  {
    startMillis = millis();
    if (menuState == 0)
    {
      valveNumber = 1;
      state = RUN_ALL_ZONES;
    }
    else
    {
      valveNumber = menuState;
      state = RUN_SINGLE_ZONE;
    }
  }
  else
  {

  }
  lastMenuState = menuState;
}
//
void updateRelays(int value)
{
  digitalWrite(latchPin, LOW);
  shiftOut(dataPin, clockPin, MSBFIRST, highByte(value));
  shiftOut(dataPin, clockPin, MSBFIRST, lowByte(value));
  digitalWrite(latchPin, HIGH);
}
//
void PushButton() //interrupt with debounce
{
  static unsigned long last_interrupt_time = 0;
  unsigned long interrupt_time = millis();
  if (interrupt_time - last_interrupt_time > 200)
  {
    buttonPushed = true;
  }
  last_interrupt_time = interrupt_time;
}
//
void fastToggleLed()
{
  static unsigned long fastLedTimer;
  if (millis() - fastLedTimer >= 100UL)
  {
    digitalWrite(ledPin, !digitalRead(ledPin));
    fastLedTimer = millis ();
  }
}
//
void slowToggleLED ()
{
  static unsigned long slowLedTimer;
  if (millis() - slowLedTimer >= 1250UL)
  {
    digitalWrite(ledPin, !digitalRead(ledPin));
    slowLedTimer = millis ();
  }
}
//
//void getVariables(const MyMessage &message)
void getVariables(const MyMessage &message)
{
  boolean zoneTimeUpdate = false;
  if (message.isAck())
  {
    DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("This is an ack from gateway"));
  }
  for (byte i = 0; i <= NUMBER_OF_VALVES; i++)
  {
    if (message.sensor == (i * 2))
    {
      if (message.type == V_LIGHT)
      {
        int switchState = atoi(message.data);
        if (switchState == 0)
        {
          state = STAND_BY_ALL_OFF;
          DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Recieved Instruction to Cancel..."));
        }
        else
        {
          if (i == 0)
          {
            state = RUN_ALL_ZONES;
            valveNumber = 1;
            DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Recieved Instruction to Run All Zones..."));
          }
          else
          {
            state = RUN_SINGLE_ZONE;
            valveNumber = i;
            DEBUG_PRINT(F("Recieved Instruction to Activate Zone: "));
            DEBUG_PRINTLN(i);
          }
        }
        startMillis = millis();
      }
    }
    if (message.sensor == ((i * 2) + 1))
    {
      if (message.type == V_TEXT)
      {
        String valveMessage = String(message.data);
        char* valveData = &valveMessage[0]; //.c_str();
        DEBUG_PRINT(F("Recieved valve data:"));
        DEBUG_PRINT(i);
        DEBUG_PRINT(F(" = "));
        DEBUG_PRINTLN(valveMessage);

        char* var = strtok(valveData, "|");

        int variable1 = atoi(var); // RUN_ALL_ZONES time
        
        if (variable1 != allZoneTime[i])
        {
          allZoneTime[i] = variable1;

          zoneTimeUpdate = true;
        }
        
        var = strtok(NULL, "|");
        
        int variable2 = atoi(var);// RUN_SINGLE_ZONE time
        
        if (variable2 != valveSoloTime[i])
        {
          valveSoloTime[i] = variable2;

          zoneTimeUpdate = true;
        }
        
        var = strtok(NULL, "|");
        
        String newMessage = String(var);
        if (newMessage.length() == 0) 
        {
          DEBUG_PRINT(F("No Name for "));
          DEBUG_PRINTLN(i);
          break;
        }
        if (newMessage.length() > 16)
        {
          newMessage.substring(0, 16);
        }
        valveNickName[i] = "";
        valveNickName[i] += newMessage;
        DEBUG_PRINT(F("Recieved name "));
        DEBUG_PRINT(i);
        DEBUG_PRINT(F(" called: "));
        DEBUG_PRINTLN(valveNickName[i]);
      }
      receivedInitialValue = true;
    }
  }
  if (zoneTimeUpdate)
  {
    //
    DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("New Zone Times..."));
    for (byte i = 0; i <= NUMBER_OF_VALVES; i++)
    {
      if (i != 0)
      {
        DEBUG_PRINT(F("Zone "));
        DEBUG_PRINT(i);
        DEBUG_PRINT(F(" individual time: "));
        DEBUG_PRINT(valveSoloTime[i]);
        DEBUG_PRINT(F(" group time: "));
        DEBUG_PRINTLN(allZoneTime[i]);
        recentUpdate = true;
      }
    }
  }
  else
  {
    recentUpdate = false;
  }
}
//
void updateDisplay()
{
  static unsigned long lastUpdateTime;
  static boolean displayToggle = false;
  //static byte toggleCounter = 0;
  static SprinklerStates lastDisplayState;
  if (state != lastDisplayState || millis() - lastUpdateTime >= 3000UL)
  {
    displayToggle = !displayToggle;
    switch (state) {
      case STAND_BY_ALL_OFF:
        //
        fastClear();
        lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
        if (displayToggle)
        {
          lcd.print(F("  System Ready "));
          if (clockUpdating)
          {
            lcd.setCursor(15, 0);
            lcd.write(byte(0));
          }
          lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
          lcd.print(hourFormat12() < 10 ? F(" ") : F(""));
          lcd.print(hourFormat12());
          lcd.print(minute() < 10 ? F(":0") : F(":"));
          lcd.print(minute());
          lcd.print(isAM() ? F("am") : F("pm"));
          lcd.print(month() < 10 ? F(" 0") : F(" "));
          lcd.print(month());
          lcd.print(day() < 10 ? F("/0") : F("/"));
          lcd.print(day());
          lcd.print(F("/"));
          lcd.print(year() % 100);
        }
        else
        {
          lcd.print(F("  Last Watered "));
          if (clockUpdating)
          {
            lcd.setCursor(15, 0);
            lcd.write(byte(0));
          }
          lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
          lcd.print(dayOfWeek[weekday(lastTimeRun)]);
          lcd.setCursor(11, 1);
          lcd.print(month(lastTimeRun) < 10 ? F(" ") : F(""));
          lcd.print(month(lastTimeRun));
          lcd.print(day(lastTimeRun) < 10 ? F("/0") : F("/"));
          lcd.print(day(lastTimeRun));
        }
        break;
      case RUN_SINGLE_ZONE:
        //
        fastClear();
        lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
        if (displayToggle)
        {
          lcd.print(F("Single Zone Mode"));
          lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
          lcd.print(F(" Zone:"));
          if (valveNumber < 10) lcd.print(F("0"));
          lcd.print(valveNumber);
          lcd.print(F(" Active"));
        }
        else
        {
          lcd.print(F(" Time Remaining "));
          lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
          if (valveSoloTime[valveNumber] == 0)
          {
            lcd.print(F(" No Valve Time "));
          }
          else
          {
            unsigned long timeRemaining = (valveSoloTime[valveNumber] * 60) - ((millis() - startMillis) / 1000);
            lcd.print(timeRemaining / 60 < 10 ? "   0" : "   ");
            lcd.print(timeRemaining / 60);
            lcd.print("min");
            lcd.print(timeRemaining % 60 < 10 ? " 0" : " ");
            lcd.print(timeRemaining % 60);
            lcd.print("sec  ");
          }
        }
        break;
      case RUN_ALL_ZONES:
        //
        fastClear();
        lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
        if (displayToggle)
        {
          lcd.print(F(" All-Zone  Mode "));
          lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
          lcd.print(F(" Zone:"));
          if (valveNumber < 10) lcd.print(F("0"));
          lcd.print(valveNumber);
          lcd.print(F(" Active "));
        }
        else
        {
          lcd.print(F(" Time Remaining "));
          lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
          int timeRemaining = (allZoneTime[valveNumber] * 60) - ((millis() - startMillis) / 1000);
          lcd.print((timeRemaining / 60) < 10 ? "   0" : "   ");
          lcd.print(timeRemaining / 60);
          lcd.print("min");
          lcd.print(timeRemaining % 60 < 10 ? " 0" : " ");
          lcd.print(timeRemaining % 60);
          lcd.print("sec  ");
        }
        break;
      case CYCLE_COMPLETE:
        //
        if (displayToggle)
        {
          lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
          lcd.print(F(" Watering Cycle "));
          lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
          lcd.print(F("    Complete    "));
        }
        else
        {
          int totalTimeRan = 0;
          for (int i = 1; i <= NUMBER_OF_VALVES + 1; i++)
          {
            totalTimeRan += allZoneTime[i];
          }
          lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
          lcd.print(F(" Total Time Run "));
          lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
          lcd.print(totalTimeRan < 10 ? "   0" : "   ");
          lcd.print(totalTimeRan);
          lcd.print(" Minutes   ");
        }
    }
    lastUpdateTime = millis();
  }
  lastDisplayState = state;
}
void receiveTime(time_t newTime)
{
  DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Time value received and updated..."));
  int lastSecond = second();
  int lastMinute = minute();
  int lastHour = hour();
  setTime(newTime);
  if (((second() != lastSecond) || (minute() != lastMinute) || (hour() != lastHour)) || showTime)
  {
    DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Clock updated...."));
    DEBUG_PRINT(F("Sensor's time currently set to:"));
    DEBUG_PRINT(hourFormat12() < 10 ? F(" 0") : F(" "));
    DEBUG_PRINT(hourFormat12());
    DEBUG_PRINT(minute() < 10 ? F(":0") : F(":"));
    DEBUG_PRINT(minute());
    DEBUG_PRINTLN(isAM() ? F("am") : F("pm"));
    DEBUG_PRINT(month());
    DEBUG_PRINT(F("/"));
    DEBUG_PRINT(day());
    DEBUG_PRINT(F("/"));
    DEBUG_PRINTLN(year());
    DEBUG_PRINTLN(dayOfWeek[weekday()]);
    showTime = false;
  }
  else
  {
    DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Sensor's time did NOT need adjustment greater than 1 second."));
  }
  clockUpdating = false;
}
void fastClear()
{
  lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
  lcd.print(F("                "));
  lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
  lcd.print(F("                "));
}
//
void updateClock()
{
  static unsigned long lastVeraGetTime;
  if (millis() - lastVeraGetTime >= 3600000UL) // updates clock time and gets zone times from vera once every hour
  {
    DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Requesting time and valve data from Gateway..."));
    lcd.setCursor(15, 0);
    lcd.write(byte(0));
    clockUpdating = true;
    gw.requestTime(receiveTime);
    lastVeraGetTime = millis();
  }
}
//
void saveDateToEEPROM(unsigned long theDate)
{
  DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Saving Last Run date"));
  if (gw.loadState(0) != 0xFF)
  {
    gw.saveState(0, 0xFF); // EEPROM flag for last date saved stored in EEPROM (location zero)
  }
  //
  for (int i = 1; i < 5; i++)
  {
    gw.saveState(5 - i, byte(theDate >> 8 * (i - 1))); // store epoch datestamp in 4 bytes of EEPROM starting in location one
  }
}
//
void goGetValveTimes()
{
  static unsigned long valveUpdateTime;
  static byte valveIndex = 1;
  if (millis() - valveUpdateTime >= 300000UL / NUMBER_OF_VALVES)// update each valve once every 5 mins (distributes the traffic)
  {
    DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Calling for Valve Data..."));
    lcd.setCursor(15, 0);
    lcd.write(byte(1)); //lcd.write(1);
    gw.request((valveIndex * 4) + 1, V_TEXT);
    gw.request((valveIndex * 4) + 2, V_TEXT);
    gw.request((valveIndex * 4) + 3, V_TEXT);
    valveUpdateTime = millis();
    valveIndex++;
    if (valveIndex > NUMBER_OF_VALVES + 1)
    {
      valveIndex = 1;
    }
  }
}

[AWI]

@Sergio-Rius said:

the dimmer control in Domoticz it's complex and sometimes requires more than one click to activate

Can you elaborate on this? In my setup the Dimmer is as reliable as any other control. Main limitation is that the standard dimmer can only assume 16 "states"/ values.

[AWI]

@dbemowsk said:

I am still not a big fan of the V_PERCENTAGE route

While introducing the V_TEXT/S_INFO type we were aware that this would be a would open up the route to many "non standard" applications. I personally try to keep everything in the standard types or to have a standard defined for it. (like in the V_ORIENTATION suggestion in the Orientation actuator ).
Sometimes the choice is limited as with the V_PERCENTAGE/ DIMMER implementation in Domoticz as there is no "generic" type to represent just a value (int/float) or date/time (y/m/d h:m:s).

[Sergio Rius]

@dbemowsk said:

How do you use this array with Domoticz to send the zone times to the controller? It looks like you are setting the valve names and times within the sketch as if they are permanently set on the controller.

Yes, that was the part where we supposedly had to join our sketches. Just getting all the array contents from an S_INFO. Perhaps using some Json to array conversion. Should be some library for conversions there.

I am a little confused about the presentation of the S_BINARY, Elm.Name:

        myElement Elm = myElements[i];
        present(i, S_BINARY, Elm.Name);

My understanding is that S_BINARY is just for on/off which I am guessing is the on/off control for the zone. What does the Elm.Name do though?

Elm.Name assigns a name to the valve. And presents to Domoticz. Still doesn't exists a way to get from domoticz.

Do yoy have a way to set valve times from within Domoticz?

Again, still doesn't....

I also noticed that you removed the time sync with the receiveTime() function. This tells me that you are not sending the current time to the controller. Any reason for this?

Yes. as I said it was so complicated for me to integrate the "stand-alone functions" that use loop cycles for running the menu. I planned to make dedicated functions for it, but didn't have time.

As for my sketch, I am thinking of another route to go with this where I can send the valve times and names using a single S_INFO sensor. I plan to use some of the information from this forum post: Splitting a string. The idea is to use a separator character such as ":" or "|" to create a pseudo array using a single string. Doing this will eliminate 2 S_INFO sensors for each zone, and also make it easier to configure. I am going to work on this tonight and see where I get with it.

And why not using this approach on a single S_INFO, that could feed the array I have in my sketch?

[Sergio Rius]

@AWI said:

Can you elaborate on this? In my setup the Dimmer is as reliable as any other control. Main limitation is that the standard dimmer can only assume 16 "states"/ values.

The dimmer is reliable. I was talking of interface widget being complex. In Domoticz, to activate one zone you would have to first click, and when the popup appears, click again on the blue (sphere?) for it to start.
In Imperihome, you would have up to 32 rgb dial indicators on your page and still don't get the current set value, and when you set it on, most of times it doesn't respect the current intensity value.

And that doesn't solve the double timing setup nor the naming.
I always like to apply the KISS rule to my developments and avoid to depend on other systems. Specially if they don't walk in the same direction. Imagine that in the future the dimmer system changes, for example, into a hue pallete.

And it's true that mysensors and domoticz is lacking a sensors configuration system.

[AWI]

@Sergio-Rius Think I understand ;) and keep my systems as autonomous and simple as possible.
The route with S_INFO/V_TEXT won't bring you any luck, regarding the customization to be done in Domoticz to get values in V_TEXT (LUA / JSON).
btw. Like your sketch :thumbsup: