I’ve been on a quest for years to integrate my Jandy RS with Vera at a lower cost than the excellent but pricey Autelis system. After months of research and experimentation, I’m thrilled to share my successful setup using a Raspberry Pi and the AqualinkD project from GitHub. This setup has transformed how I monitor and control my pool system!
The Setup
With a leftover Raspberry Pi and a $7 USB RS485 adapter, I’ve managed to integrate my Jandy system seamlessly with Vera. While not all features are available yet, the developer is actively working on expanding control capabilities. Currently, I can monitor and control pumps, activate features like spillover or waterfalls, track temperatures, and oversee my SWG system—all from the comfort of my home.
Hardware and Software Breakdown
- Hardware:
- 1 x RS485 Adapter
- 1 x Raspberry Pi (any model works)
- Optional USB Wifi Adapter (for older Pi models without built-in Wifi)
- SD or MicroSD Card for Pi
- Software:
- Raspbian Linux OS
- MQTT Broker (e.g., Mosquitto)
- AqualinkD
- Vera Plugins (SiteSensor, MQTT Plugin, Reactor or PLEG, Switchboard Virtual Switch)
Installation and Configuration
Following the AqualinkD Wiki and Mosquitto instructions, I configured the Raspberry Pi and attached it to the RS485 bus. Ensuring serial connectivity and MQTT pub/subscription tests passed was crucial. On Vera, installing the necessary plugins and configuring MQTT for full SWG status monitoring was key.
Tips and Tricks
- Use SiteSensor to monitor switch states and temperatures with 5-second intervals.
- Leverage MQTT to capture detailed telemetry for Imperihome or Vera app display.
- Create virtual switches with Switchboard to trigger Reactor/PLEG actions for feature toggling.
- For a comprehensive overview, set up a Variable container to display SWG status, including voltage, current, salt levels, and fault status.
Limitations and Future Hopes
Currently, VSP control and one-touch macros aren’t available, but workarounds using PLEG/Reactor are effective. I’m excited about the developer’s ongoing enhancements and can’t wait for full functionality!
This project has been a rewarding journey, combining cost-effectiveness with powerful smart home integration. I hope my experience inspires others to explore similar setups and contribute to the growing community of DIY smart pool controllers. Happy tinkering! 