Hardware requirements for controller and other Qs

[gstar42]

I want to build a sprinkler controller and this software looks perfect. I'm not sure about the hardware however.

Is Raspberry Pi the only thing it runs on?

Can I setup a Raspberry Pi in my sprinkler control box, connected to relays to control the sprinklers and a wifi board/dongle so that I can communicate to/with it?

Is the hardware/software robust enough to run for months without intervention? Can it be set so that on power up (or after power outage) it boots up and runs my application? Can it use the wifi connection to query the web (to get current time and weather reports)?

Thanks...
Garry

[jschuryk]

Hi Garry,

I have a RaspiPi doing exactly what you are wanting to do.  My RasPi sits in the Pool house, not the sprinkler box, but it is not climate controlled so it wouldn't be too much different (it's also in Phoenix and the temp in that room gets up to near 50C in the summer).  The RasPi has been running unattended for quite some time - just did an uptime.   

 10:25:40 up 163 days,  2:25,  1 user,  load average: 0.10, 0.17, 0.13


Can't remember why I rebooted it last time - I think I was moving things around and had to cut power to it.

HomeGenie is not running on that particular RasPi - it predates my HomeGenie install, but I installed HomeGenie on a separate RasPi and use http calls to control it.    Once I get the HomeGenie configuration all sorted out, I'll probably consolidate the two.

The answer is yes to all of your other questions as well.

Good luck with your project,

Jerry