Wally.B
Active member
FIRST, I am posting this thread to simply share my successful Modification of my Gyre Controller to meet my Personal requirements.
I am in no way suggesting that anyone attempt to do the same.
If you attempt to do what I have done or something similar you could possibly DAMAGE or DESTROY your controller. (Circuit board and parts are delicate, and sensitive to heat).
You will probably VOID your warranty as soon as you open the controller.
AGAIN. If you decide to MOD your controller, you are on your own.
I may or may not respond to any posts, since I'm not supporting this MOD in any way and I get busy at times. I did it for myself, and sharing my setup for your creative thinking and designs.
So the reason to MOD to my Gyre Controller is I was frustrated that there were so many great modes for the Gyre Pump, but no way other then manually changing them..
I'm still scratching my head why they DID NOT ADD a simple feature like a timer to switch between modes to take Full advantage of Gyre Pump Capabilities.
The best I could do was pick one mode and then turn off my Gyre at night time with my Apex or a Timer. So I had to have other pumps running at night time for my SPS only tank. I would switch modes every so often, but that was not consistent and annoying.
I heard rumours that there would be a controller eventually coming on the market, and also rumours that there would be an Apex Controllable controller.
I also found information that folks were building their own controllers to control the Gyre Pump. However that didn't appeal much to me for many reasons.
Then I got an Idea. I wasn't sure if it would work, unless I opened up the controller. I was concerned that I would void my warranty, and depending how the controller was sealed inside, that I would break my precious Gyre. Also I wasn't sure my idea would work depending on how the gyre controller was built, and functioned.
Then I opened the controlled.
To my surprise, it was exactly what I had hoped for.
The controller simply works by the push buttons, which are mechanical contact switches. At this point I'm speaking to the Mode switch and the Program switch. I haven't looked into the Dial Pad Yet.
The great part is the switch is exposed at the contact points, so I knew my idea would work, but I'd have to be careful to not damage the delicate circuitry and switches.
I then MODed the controller to access the switch, and proved that I could remotely control the controller just like the on board switch. At first with a simple switch in parallel. Once I knew that would work, I continued onto the automation components Via ARDUINO and a Interface to drive a Relay Contact Switch..
SO IN A FEW WORDS WHAT IS THE MOD and how does it work?
- I soldered wire leads to the MODE switch contacts in parallel.
- Then I tested the leads by shorting them to act like the switch (it worked).
- Then I build an Arduno interfaced circuit with a Relay to act as a switch.
- I wrote a simple program to trigger the Relay to act like a mechanical switch to the controller, to cycle between the modes.
- Each Gyre mode could be setup custom and then simply pick my timing to switch between each mode. (gyre Controller stores the program settings for each mode and keeps them in memory, even after a power off)
- I learned that the switch push release time has to be less than 3-4 seconds, or else the Controller shuts off.
Having said that. My MOD is in it's first stage. There are more improvements I plan to make. For example, if timing gets out of wack, or Controller, or Arduino powers off, the modes programming could be out of sync. (ie I could be switching to Pulse, but be in Continuous mode). Or worse yet, I could turn on full blast Alternating mode all night long. I have idea's on how to get around this and it won't be too difficult.
- At this point the current MOD Design suits my needs.
----------> My Gyre Alternating mode can run during the day.
----------> I can also flip to Continuous mode with a different Power setting
----------> For night time, I'll be running Pulse mode in a gentle setting.
----------> I have plans to integrate this into my Apex for Feed mode (Gyre Off, by power off)
----------> This was cheap and I had all the parts handy. Was built and tested (on a Prototype board, all in a day). Never touched an ARDINO before today. Learned all from Google searches. Included the Interface design.
I may explore how the Controller Dial works. It is mechanical switch, or a trim pot. If mechanical, it will be a another simple Mod, and then I could totally take over the controller remotely/automatically.
- NOW I'm really happy with my Gyre, since I can use it to it's full potential.
- Fish will be happy that I don't run Mega Circulation during sleep time.
- Corals will be Happy that I provide Circulation 24/7.
SO HERE IS A PICTURE VIEW OF THE MOD/TESTING.
THE CONTROLLER MOD (Lead Wire to Switch)
Testing of the Controller with MOD Leads
Testing the AUDUINO Interface Module & Programming
SO THE PROTOTYPE WORKED.
Next step is to:
- Package it up into a permanent Module/Case.
- Work the Gyre Modes Setups, and the overall daily program.
- Install Permanently into my Tank.
Future plans:
- Work on more Advanced programming for BulletProof running.
- Possible tackle the Setup and Dial Button (for complete control)
- Improved design with a PhotoCell or other way to get feedback from COntroller Panel Setting.
- Maybe even convert this to my Raspberry PI for Web Based Interface.
- Maybe Integrate this with Apex.
For now, I can finally Run my Gyre all day long, which was my goal.
I am in no way suggesting that anyone attempt to do the same.
If you attempt to do what I have done or something similar you could possibly DAMAGE or DESTROY your controller. (Circuit board and parts are delicate, and sensitive to heat).
You will probably VOID your warranty as soon as you open the controller.
AGAIN. If you decide to MOD your controller, you are on your own.
I may or may not respond to any posts, since I'm not supporting this MOD in any way and I get busy at times. I did it for myself, and sharing my setup for your creative thinking and designs.
So the reason to MOD to my Gyre Controller is I was frustrated that there were so many great modes for the Gyre Pump, but no way other then manually changing them..
I'm still scratching my head why they DID NOT ADD a simple feature like a timer to switch between modes to take Full advantage of Gyre Pump Capabilities.
The best I could do was pick one mode and then turn off my Gyre at night time with my Apex or a Timer. So I had to have other pumps running at night time for my SPS only tank. I would switch modes every so often, but that was not consistent and annoying.
I heard rumours that there would be a controller eventually coming on the market, and also rumours that there would be an Apex Controllable controller.
I also found information that folks were building their own controllers to control the Gyre Pump. However that didn't appeal much to me for many reasons.
Then I got an Idea. I wasn't sure if it would work, unless I opened up the controller. I was concerned that I would void my warranty, and depending how the controller was sealed inside, that I would break my precious Gyre. Also I wasn't sure my idea would work depending on how the gyre controller was built, and functioned.
Then I opened the controlled.
To my surprise, it was exactly what I had hoped for.
The controller simply works by the push buttons, which are mechanical contact switches. At this point I'm speaking to the Mode switch and the Program switch. I haven't looked into the Dial Pad Yet.
The great part is the switch is exposed at the contact points, so I knew my idea would work, but I'd have to be careful to not damage the delicate circuitry and switches.
I then MODed the controller to access the switch, and proved that I could remotely control the controller just like the on board switch. At first with a simple switch in parallel. Once I knew that would work, I continued onto the automation components Via ARDUINO and a Interface to drive a Relay Contact Switch..
SO IN A FEW WORDS WHAT IS THE MOD and how does it work?
- I soldered wire leads to the MODE switch contacts in parallel.
- Then I tested the leads by shorting them to act like the switch (it worked).
- Then I build an Arduno interfaced circuit with a Relay to act as a switch.
- I wrote a simple program to trigger the Relay to act like a mechanical switch to the controller, to cycle between the modes.
- Each Gyre mode could be setup custom and then simply pick my timing to switch between each mode. (gyre Controller stores the program settings for each mode and keeps them in memory, even after a power off)
- I learned that the switch push release time has to be less than 3-4 seconds, or else the Controller shuts off.
Having said that. My MOD is in it's first stage. There are more improvements I plan to make. For example, if timing gets out of wack, or Controller, or Arduino powers off, the modes programming could be out of sync. (ie I could be switching to Pulse, but be in Continuous mode). Or worse yet, I could turn on full blast Alternating mode all night long. I have idea's on how to get around this and it won't be too difficult.
- At this point the current MOD Design suits my needs.
----------> My Gyre Alternating mode can run during the day.
----------> I can also flip to Continuous mode with a different Power setting
----------> For night time, I'll be running Pulse mode in a gentle setting.
----------> I have plans to integrate this into my Apex for Feed mode (Gyre Off, by power off)
----------> This was cheap and I had all the parts handy. Was built and tested (on a Prototype board, all in a day). Never touched an ARDINO before today. Learned all from Google searches. Included the Interface design.
I may explore how the Controller Dial works. It is mechanical switch, or a trim pot. If mechanical, it will be a another simple Mod, and then I could totally take over the controller remotely/automatically.
- NOW I'm really happy with my Gyre, since I can use it to it's full potential.
- Fish will be happy that I don't run Mega Circulation during sleep time.
- Corals will be Happy that I provide Circulation 24/7.
SO HERE IS A PICTURE VIEW OF THE MOD/TESTING.
THE CONTROLLER MOD (Lead Wire to Switch)
Testing of the Controller with MOD Leads
Testing the AUDUINO Interface Module & Programming
SO THE PROTOTYPE WORKED.
Next step is to:
- Package it up into a permanent Module/Case.
- Work the Gyre Modes Setups, and the overall daily program.
- Install Permanently into my Tank.
Future plans:
- Work on more Advanced programming for BulletProof running.
- Possible tackle the Setup and Dial Button (for complete control)
- Improved design with a PhotoCell or other way to get feedback from COntroller Panel Setting.
- Maybe even convert this to my Raspberry PI for Web Based Interface.
- Maybe Integrate this with Apex.
For now, I can finally Run my Gyre all day long, which was my goal.
Last edited:
... I'll never hear the end of this 
