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brewjunky · 09-15-2008, 05:15 AM

I think having the software that would work on a laptop and a USB interface where all of the solenoids would plug into would be a good idea. Making it a simple plug and play system would be easy for users to work with.

bakins · 09-15-2008, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brewjunky

I think having the software that would work on a laptop and a USB interface where all of the solenoids would plug into would be a good idea. Making it a simple plug and play system would be easy for users to work with.

That's what I was thinking about for an arduino based setup. A box with a USB connector and everything just plugs into it (pumps, heating elements, etc.). The actual relays would be inside the box as well (with heatsinks). This is how my brewcart is today, except I'm using a couple of Auber PID's. I could theoretically "transform" mine for the price of an Arduino and some programming time. If I ever get around to it, I'm not sure what language I'd program it in (I don't even have a windows box to even try...) but I guess I could learn Java or something to be cross platform. Would release it as open source, because I'm sure it would need lots of community involvement to be usable.

**John Beere** · 09-15-2008, 08:12 PM

Well, I had hoped to brew on my new setup this weekend but it just didn't happen due to some unexpected personal issues. On the other hand - I was able to pick up my new kettles today.

The software has a "hide pointer" option so that it can run from a touchscreen. It would run just fine from a laptop - another option is a cheap or used tablet PC. The only real issue is that it would have to support 1024x768 or higher resolution.

Before I agree to release it, I will have to create options for Brutus / RIMs systems. There are a lot of options but they are all very realistic to add into the app - just have to get it all worked out...

**ScottyBones** · 09-15-2008, 08:26 PM

great work John. keep it up! very interested as well.

CrookedChris · 09-15-2008, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Beere

A good example is the PH electrode integration we are working on. I'm not even going to go into the EE issues we are working through, but I will say that even if you get it working, you are in for trouble if you don't offer a robust calibration routine as well as have an algorithm to handle temperature offsets.

I'm an EE and develop calibration routines for industrial/automotive sensors as part of my job. I'd love to see what challenges your facing if you can share.

**John Beere** · 09-15-2008, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrookedChris

I'm an EE and develop calibration routines for industrial/automotive sensor for a living. I'd love to see what challenges your facing if you can share.

I don't have all my notes in front of me - and I'm not the EE - but it has to do with amplifying the output of the PH probe into readable voltage by the LabJack. The temperature calibration routine doesn't look like it is going to be that challenging as it is linear. We still don't have a working amplifier, but the other thing I am trying to take into consideration is the fact that ph probes can apparently lose up to 70% of the output voltage in time or if not cleaned properly...

Full Throttle · 09-15-2008, 09:36 PM

John, I have an amplifier I sell that we use on a type K thermocouple so that they can be connected to data logging systems, has a 0-5 volt output. I would be happy to send you one to try on your PH probe. Not sure it would work but the price is right

if interested PM a note with your address
Mike Licht

**John Beere** · 09-15-2008, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Full Throttle

John, I have an amplifier I sell that we use on a type K thermocouple so that they can be connected to data logging systems, has a 0-5 volt output. I would be happy to send you one to try on your PH probe. Not sure it would work but the price is right

if interested PM a note with your address
Mike Licht

Awesome - will do. Thanks much...

Bopper · 09-15-2008, 09:38 PM

Wow! This system is amazing. Congrats!!

Just a side note from a legal perspective...have you been considering patents for the design? You can get patents for the current design and get new ones for subsequent modifications to the base prototype. If you are considering selling this thing (which you definitely should) I'd consider getting them sooner rather than later (if you haven't already), especially since you are sharing information on a public forum. Would hate to see someone profit from your ideas, albeit you haven't shared significant detail.

Again, congrats on this project! It's amazing.

**kladue** · 09-15-2008, 10:48 PM

Have you taken a look at the LAB-Tick amplifier board for the Ph probe?, looks like the input impedance would work, just need to bias the Ph probe with +2.5 V to get full range output (Ph probe output polarity reverses above Ph 7). As to probe maintenace and signal loss from electrolyte dilution you can prolong the life of the probe by storing the glass element in the concentrated electrolyte solution when not in use.