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Sigafoos · 05-27-2008, 05:01 PM

Nice, thanks. I was hoping to use this on my old eMac, which doesn't have a serial port, but I've also been trying to scrounge up old computers from my family to mess around with. I also wasn't planning on messing with this for a little bit, but then again I am impatient.

brauhausjoe · 05-27-2008, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olllllo

Given my recent problem with a refrigeration unit:
http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/fixed-my-fermentation-chamber-striking-relay-capacitor-handle-66697/

I would like to spec out something like this:
1) Unit must alert via SMS when a minimum or maximum temperature has been exceeded.
2) Unit would be an appliance that would not require a PC for operation.
3) Web interface to program the set points is preferred although USB connection would be acceptable.
4) Wired Ethernet is OK, but wireless would be preferred.
5) Wall wort power is acceptable.

1) I use a free monitoring tool called Nagios http://www.nagios.org Does SMS and email for me.
I am sure the rest could be done, but I am sure there would be a cost. I was trying for and inexpensive way to get it done. I like your ideas, it would be cool to build the rest of your ideas into a keezer collar...

brauhausjoe · 05-27-2008, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sigafoos

Nice, thanks. I was hoping to use this on my old eMac, which doesn't have a serial port, but I've also been trying to scrounge up old computers from my family to mess around with. I also wasn't planning on messing with this for a little bit, but then again I am impatient.

My laptop does not have a serial port either, I use a USB to Serial adapter, cost less than $15

brauhausjoe · 09-30-2008, 03:03 PM

My web temp sensor will be in BYO Brew Nation November issue. I thought it was pretty cool.

Philip1993 · 09-30-2008, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brauhausjoe

I would like to set up something to monitor the CO2 tank next, but I dont know what hardware to use....

Digital scale. Track changes in mass.

brauhausjoe · 09-30-2008, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Digital scale. Track changes in mass.

Very cool idea! You could also use that idea for the kegs. Time to look for some scales, anyone have any ideas on were to look?

jimmypager · 10-02-2008, 12:57 AM

Digital bathroom scales can be found cheap at thrift stores but the accuracy is +/- at best 0.5 lbs.

I have a couple I keep meaning to interface with my (still in the planning stages) keg system.

brauhausjoe · 10-02-2008, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmypager

Digital bathroom scales can be found cheap at thrift stores but the accuracy is +/- at best 0.5 lbs.

I have a couple I keep meaning to interface with my (still in the planning stages) keg system.

This might sound silly; can the data be transfered to a computer? If not were you planning to move the displays so you could more easily see them?

jimmypager · 10-02-2008, 03:57 AM

I'm sure you can very easily extend/move the lcd/led display on the scale to anywhere you need. (ie the front of your kegorater).

The problem/solution I have not attempted to solve (or even try) is the zeroing and refreshing of the bathroom scale.

Anything can be interfaced to a computer....it just might require a microcontroller and/or simple circuit to interface it.

My plan is to use a microcontroller. I would zero the scale on an empty keg and then use the scale output weight to calculate the remaining beer and interface it to the computer....

Once I have the keg weight in the microcontroller and/or computer I have dozens of different ideas on how to display the remaining beer left in a keg.(they would probably deserve there own seperate thread...)

So far I have run across many different types of scales....Load Cell, Strain Gauge, Optical Rack and Pinion etc etc....and each would have to be "hacked" or interfaced a little differently...And each have a little different footprint especially where space is tight in a keg system.

I'm sure someone will point to a commercial solution that "talks" to a computer already but "hacking" together a somewhat cheap solution is pretty much why I have "hobbies" that extend to just about anything and everything.

brauhausjoe · 10-02-2008, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmypager

I'm sure someone will point to a commercial solution that "talks" to a computer already but "hacking" together a somewhat cheap solution is pretty much why I have "hobbies" that extend to just about anything and everything.

If you cant open it, you dont own it. I agree, doing it your self is so much more fun. I would be interested in helping you out if you need it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmypager

Once I have the keg weight in the microcontroller and/or computer I have dozens of different ideas on how to display the remaining beer left in a keg.(they would probably deserve there own seperate thread...)

I would agree, it probably would deserve its own thread.