Brewtroller 4.0 basics - attaching temp sensor.

[HBC]

I just bought a new (from an individual) Brewtroller 4.0 package. It came with the LCD, lcd module, lcd cables, and USB module... however, I do not see anything that a temp sensor would plug into.

On the Brewtroller v 3.0 - it shows that the temp sensors can be directly attached to the board.

Am I stuck here with no option for any sort of temp sensors? I am not finding much out as far as a search and would GREATLY appreciate help. I am keeping this stage of the build simple with a single heating element, and temp sensor.

 

[AllanMar]

http://www.oscsys.com/sites/default/files/BrewTroller 4.x User Manual.pdf

You will typically require a minimum of two expansion modules for basic functionality:
• USB Module – Provides communication to PC/Mac for firmware upgrades, logging and
external control software
• 1-Wire Module – Provides communication with 1-Wire devices such as the DS18B20
temperature sensors typically used with BrewTroller

They would plug in to one of the expansion module headers on the 4.x boards is my understanding.

 

[HBC]

I am in fear of this myself since I do NOT have an expansion module for the 1-pin connections. I was hoping that one of the other inputs, or the pins on the expansion headers themselves would easily work for mapping a length connection to a temp sensor. I have an email to the manufacturer, but they have not been responding to my last 2-emails as of yet so I am concerned about my purchase.

 

[AllanMar]

The expansion modules communicate over I2C or serial I believe so you can't just use the pins. It seems like a poor idea how they did this (I think they expected to be able to support lots of different types of temperature sensors, but quickly found most people stick with the 1-wire ones). It is my understanding you had to purchase these separately.

They ditched this design in the new models (DX1/BX1). I have had good success getting a hold of them via the Live Chat link on their website usually, they don't seem to monitor their forums too often. I haven't emailed them before but I wouldn't worry about it as they're good to deal with in my experience.

 

[HBC]

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[HBC]

I am hoping that when I call, they will have an option or an expansion board available. If not, I am thinking it may be possible to find another online that I could route: http://jeelabs.net/projects/hardware/wiki/Output_Plug --
not sure how close I can get to the correct design and protocol-- but sure there will be a learning curve too.

 

[AllanMar]

Not sure how technical you want to get. I'd bet the brewtroller guys will likely be able to get you one of the 1-Wire modules.

Otherwise it is opensource project, so I'm sure they'd send you the design. It's just a small board with a DS2482 (I2C to 1-Wire) chip that communicates with the brewtroller via I2C. On the new boards they've just placed this chip directly on the board.

 

[HBC]

WOW! 5-minutes on IRC and I have one ordered from them. Each person has their best communication medium.. thanks for the heads up AllanMar! We are getting closer to automation!