Irrigation Controller (up to 16 valves with Shift Registers)

[BulldogLowell]

@treb0r said:

Shall it be working withou any problems with Domoticz on Raspberry Pi?

I assume so. It is using S_LIGHT, one of the most used device types. I am unsure however if Domoticz supports V_VAR1 & V_VAR2 for that device type, so you may have to check with other forum members who use Domoticz.

[epierre]

Do you think I I could use that kind of design in parallel of a static watering controller, so I could have the basic program with the controller, and manage extras with the arduino/mysensors ?

[Sparkman]

@epierre said:

Do you think I I could use that kind of design in parallel of a static watering controller, so I could have the basic program with the controller, and manage extras with the arduino/mysensors ?

Inspired by @BulldogLowell's controller, I've been working on a MySensors irrigation controller that works in parallel with my RainBird Controller. I'm using a double set of relays (one 5VDC set that's controlled by the Arduino and a 24VAC set that's controlled by the 5VDC relays and the RainBird). This way I can also sense in my HA system when the valves have been opened by the RainBird controller. I have the base functionality finished and working on some additional bells and whistles. Will post some details in a separate thread later today.

Cheers
Al

[treb0r]

Regarding the Video presenting this irrigation project: is the 15 min time, which is counting down after starting the valve via pressing the button, programed somewhere in the arduino code? Or it is taken from timer set in the Vera (or Domoticz) controller?

[treb0r]

@BulldogLowell said:

@treb0r said:

Shall it be working withou any problems with Domoticz on Raspberry Pi?

I assume so. It is using S_LIGHT, one of the most used device types. I am unsure however if Domoticz supports V_VAR1 & V_VAR2 for that device type, so you may have to check with other forum members who use Domoticz.

Well, it is not working. Domoticz finds 5 switches, but on LCD there is Message: Failed Clock Synchronisation, and the Updating Valves but still 0 :/ Is the problems with V_VAR1 & V_VAR2 variables?

[BulldogLowell]

@treb0r said:

Regarding the Video presenting this irrigation project: is the 15 min time, which is counting down after starting the valve via pressing the button, programed somewhere in the arduino code? Or it is taken from timer set in the Vera (or Domoticz) controller?

On my Vera controller (as demonstrated by @petewill ) you would edit the times under Variable1 and Variable2, which corresponds to V_VAR1 and V_VAR2 in the program.

The video shows how to modify the values in the arduino by changing the values. I am not sure if Domoticz supports such dataflow. Does Domoticz support V_VAR1 and V_VAR2?

@treb0r said:

on LCD there is Message: Failed Clock Synchronisation, and the Updating Valves but still 0 :/ Is the problems with V_VAR1 & V_VAR2 variables?

does Domoticz support MySensors time function? That I do not know.

[treb0r]

@BulldogLowell
I am afraid that Domoticz doesn't have such advanced options of configuration of devices. Or maybe I am wrong? Is there any chance to bypass the V_VAR1 variables?

[Moshe Livne]

@treb0r This thread seems to imply that V_VAR1 etc are supported. I guess @AWI can say more about that.

[BulldogLowell]

thanks for your help, @Moshe-Livne

Do you know if Domoticz supports returning Unix timestamp using requestTime()?

[Moshe Livne]

@BulldogLowell Sorry, I don't know.

[BulldogLowell]

thanks @Moshe-Livne

@treb0r said:

@BulldogLowell
I am afraid that Domoticz doesn't have such advanced options of configuration of devices. Or maybe I am wrong? Is there any chance to bypass the V_VAR1 variables?

@treb0r,

If you can find out if V_VAR1 & V_VAR2 can work you can try that. Otherwise we can hard code the watering times by zone into the programming.

If requestTime() isn't supported, we can attach a Real Time Clock (RTC) device to gain back the clock functionality.

You can then use the Domoticz devices to start the ALL_ZONE sequence or individual zones...

Let me know what you would like to do and I can modify the program for you.

[treb0r]

@BulldogLowell

requestTime() seems not be supported. A have rtc ds3231 or ds1307. They can use the same commands and libraries. If you would change the code that would perfect :) As you proposed you would also include in the code the timers for zones, instead of requesting them from Domoticz. As I understand these timers are only for manuals starts (via button) right?

[BulldogLowell]

@treb0r said:

@BulldogLowell
As I understand these timers are only for manuals starts (via button) right?

Well, those times will be used when you activate the device using the Domoticz on/off controls (or activate using 'scene' in Domotocz.

Give me a day or so and I will try to code for you.

[BulldogLowell]

@treb0r

Would you like to try this, untested.

Just to see if the RTC is working...

/*
MySprinkler for MySensors

Arduino Multi-Zone Sprinkler Control

June 30, 2015

*** Version 2.0nsr //MODIFIED FOR NO SHIFT REGISTER

*** 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 <DS1307RTC.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 "2.0nsr"
//
#define CHILD_ID_SPRINKLER 0
//
#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
//
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;
//
const int relayPin[NUMBER_OF_VALVES] = {5, 6, 7, 8}; //<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< YOUR DIGITAL PINS HERE
//
byte menuState = 0;
unsigned long menuTimer;
byte countDownTime = 10;
//
int allZoneTime [NUMBER_OF_VALVES + 1] = {0, 1, 1, 1, 1}; //minutes
int valveSoloTime [NUMBER_OF_VALVES + 1] = {0, 2, 2, 2, 2};
int valveNumber;
int lastValve;
unsigned long startMillis;
const int ledPin = 4;
const int waterButtonPin = 3;
boolean buttonPushed = false;
boolean showTime = true;
boolean clockUpdating = false;
boolean recentUpdate = true;
const char *verboseDayOfWeek[] = {
  /*"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...<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< COMMENTED OUT THIS BIT
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(0x27, 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, V_VAR1);
MyMessage var2valve(CHILD_ID_SPRINKLER, V_VAR2);
//
//
void setup()
{
  SERIAL_START(115200);
  DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Initialising..."));
  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);
  //
  // RTC setup
  setSyncProvider(RTC.get);   // the function to get the time from the RTC
  if(timeStatus()!= timeSet) 
     Serial.println("Unable to sync with the RTC");
  else
     Serial.println("RTC has set the system time"); 
  //
  //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, S_LIGHT);
  }
  DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Sensor Presentation Complete"));
  //
  digitalWrite (ledPin, LOW);
  DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("Ready..."));
  //
  lcd.clear();
  //Update valve data when first powered on
  for (byte i = 0; i <= NUMBER_OF_VALVES; i++)
  {
    pinMode(relayPin[i], OUTPUT);
    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, V_VAR1);
      delay(100);
    }
    while (gw.process() == false)
    {
      lcd.setCursor(15, 0);
      flashIcon = !flashIcon;
      flashIcon ? lcd.write(byte(1)) : lcd.print(F(" "));
      gw.request(i, V_VAR2);
      delay(100);
    }
    while (gw.process() == false)
    {
      lcd.setCursor(15, 0);
      flashIcon = !flashIcon;
      flashIcon ? lcd.write(byte(1)) : lcd.print(F(" "));
      gw.request(i, V_VAR3);
      delay(100);
    }
  }
  lcd.clear();
}
//
void loop()
{
  gw.process();
  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 Changed... all Zones off"));
      for (byte i = 0; i <= NUMBER_OF_VALVES; i++)
      {
        delay(50);
        gw.send(msg1valve.setSensor(i).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).set(true), false);
        }
        else
        {
          gw.send(msg1valve.setSensor(i).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).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).set(true), false);
        }
        else
        {
          gw.send(msg1valve.setSensor(i).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).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)
{
  for (byte i = 0; i < NUMBER_OF_VALVES; i++)
  {
    digitalWrite(relayPin[i], bitRead(value, i));
  }
}
//
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)
    {
      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();
      }
      else if (message.type == V_VAR1)
      {
        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;
        }
      }
      else if (message.type == V_VAR2)
      {
        int variable2 = atoi(message.data);// RUN_SINGLE_ZONE time
        DEBUG_PRINT(F("Recieved variable2 valve:"));
        DEBUG_PRINT(i);
        DEBUG_PRINT(F(" = "));
        DEBUG_PRINTLN(variable2);
        if (variable2 != valveSoloTime[i])
        {
          valveSoloTime[i] = variable2;
          zoneTimeUpdate = true;
        }
      }
      else if (message.type == V_VAR3)
      {
        String newMessage = String(message.data);
        if (newMessage.length() == 0)
        {
          DEBUG_PRINT(F("No Name Recieved for zone "));
          DEBUG_PRINTLN(i);
          break;
        }
        if (newMessage.length() > 16)
        {
          newMessage.substring(0, 16);
        }
        valveNickName[i] = "";
        valveNickName[i] += newMessage;
        DEBUG_PRINT(F("Recieved new name for zone "));
        DEBUG_PRINT(i);
        DEBUG_PRINT(F(" and it is now called: "));
        DEBUG_PRINTLN(valveNickName[i]);
      }
    }
  }
  if (zoneTimeUpdate)
  {
    //
    DEBUG_PRINTLN(F("New Zone Times Recieved..."));
    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(verboseDayOfWeek[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 fastClear()
{
  lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
  lcd.print(F("                "));
  lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
  lcd.print(F("                "));
}
//
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, V_VAR1);
    gw.request(valveIndex, V_VAR2);
    gw.request(valveIndex, V_VAR3);
    valveUpdateTime = millis();
    valveIndex++;
    if (valveIndex > NUMBER_OF_VALVES + 1)
    {
      valveIndex = 1;
    }
  }
}

[treb0r]

@BulldogLowell
HI
Thanks for the post. On LCD there is no info about Time Synchronisation fail. It stops, as previously on info: Updating Valve : 0
So I cant check if the RTC is working
treb0r

[BulldogLowell]

@treb0r

did you get your RTC connected and tested?

[treb0r]

@BulldogLowell
Yes, RTC is connected and tested with different sketches (just to check if RTC work correctly). Works ok.
With your correctes projects, as above mentioned: On LCD there is no info neither about Time Synchronisation, nor about Time Synchronisation fail. It stops, as previously on info: Updating Valve : 0
treb0r

[BulldogLowell]

Yes, since clock no longer needs to call server for time, synchronizing is not necessary.

You should post serial output or show a video.

Did you find out if Domoticz supports V_VAR1?

[treb0r]

@BulldogLowell
OK, I will post the video. If I will manage I will also post serial output
treb0r

[Moshe Livne]

@treb0r @BulldogLowel I had a chance to play a little bit with VAR1 this weekend. I verified that if you declare MyMessage var(CHILD_ID, V_VAR1); you can set it with gw.send(var.set("hello")); and request its value from the gateway using gw.request(CHILD_ID, V_VAR1);. you will get the answer in the incoming message handler under the V_VAR1 message

   if (message.type==V_VAR1) {
   	 Serial.println("got var1 answer");
   	 Serial.println(message.getString());
   }

However I still didn't manage to find how to access or show these values on the domoticz. their site crashed so couldn't ask this in the forum