Ideas for a DIY temp controller

[SatelliteGuy2]

Hi guys. First, I'll preface this post by saying I was originally SatelliteGuy, but I've been out of the homebrew game, I haven't been around in ages, and for various reasons, I lost my login info. But enough about me.

Secondly, I'm just the idea guy here, I'll leave the implementation to people with electronics knowledge and experience greater then my own.

Years ago, I read this article on building a diode based temp sensor. Recently, I started poking around with the idea of using this circuit as a thermometer for homebrewing. The author of the linked article also wrote this article, which showcases a tiny voltmeter that could be used as the readout, with some good info on how to implement that. I don't know if this meter is still available, but I'm sure there are plenty of inexpensive substitutes that could be used, with modification of the circuit.

So far, we have the temp sensor and display. Now, we need some way to use this information to turn on and off whatever you're using this circuit on -- electric burner, fermenting chamber, keezer, whatever.
To this end, we'd need a voltage comparator, where we could vary the reference voltage, to adjust what temp would trigger the relay that would act as a switch on the outlet the keezer (for example) is plugged into.

Now, I've done my part as the idea guy, and stoked the fires of creativity in the electronics-savvy types out there, who can either build on this, or systematically shoot it down as being dumb, or too costly, or whatever other reason it wouldn't work.
So, have at it, friends!

 

[SteelManCM]

it's an idea we've all had at one time or another. I'm a DIY guy. If I can build it, I will. Sometimes at a grater cost than just purchasing.

However, in this case, it would probably cost twice as much to build it. I researched the different ideas. If you don't need a web GUI to monitor the temps, then the STC-1000+ is the answer.

One of our own users (alphaomega) wrote the code for these so that it displays Fahrenheit and you can use schedules for stepped fermenting.

I got my from BrewsBySmith. The basic controller, already flashed is $30.00.

If you want an enclosure for it, he sells them, too. Even a DIY kit. Check out the blog in my signature to see me build mine.

 

[smithabusa]

it's an idea we've all had at one time or another. I'm a DIY guy. If I can build it, I will. Sometimes at a grater cost than just purchasing.

However, in this case, it would probably cost twice as much to build it. I researched the different ideas. If you don't need a web GUI to monitor the temps, then the STC-1000+ is the answer.

One of our own users (alphaomega) wrote the code for these so that it displays Fahrenheit and you can use schedules for stepped fermenting.

I got my from BrewsBySmith. The basic controller, already flashed is $30.00.

If you want an enclosure for it, he sells them, too. Even a DIY kit. Check out the blog in my signature to see me build mine.

Thanks for the referral Extremely nice writeup on your blog as well!

Greg

 

[NeoBrew]

If you don't need a web GUI to monitor the temps, then the STC-1000+ is the answer.

This can't be beat as a simple and effective answer to a basic temp controller.

If you are a glutton for punishment (like me) and like to tinker (like me) then the arduino http://arduino.cc/ is definitely a great platform to build on. You can start simple with a temp readout and control relay all the way up to web access, PID algorithms, and graphic displays.

Obviously there is a learning curve, but in my opinion it is probably easier than creating an old school circuit with components for those of us that don't truly understand electronics.

 

[FuzzeWuzze]

This can't be beat as a simple and effective answer to a basic temp controller.

If you are a glutton for punishment (like me) and like to tinker (like me) then the arduino http://arduino.cc/ is definitely a great platform to build on. You can start simple with a temp readout and control relay all the way up to web access, PID algorithms, and graphic displays.

Obviously there is a learning curve, but in my opinion it is probably easier than creating an old school circuit with components for those of us that don't truly understand electronics.

If your gonna go that route BrewPi all the way, and if its just code you want more contributors are always welcome i assume!