iSpindle - DIY Electronic Hydrometer

[korev]

You are not the only one affected by bad quality switches.

you risk damaging the board if you try to unsolder the parts (unless you are skilled at that) to replace the switch. I would suggest that bypassing the switch is your best option and remove the battery when not in use.

You need to connect the output (+) of the charging board to the +5V on the wemos

another option I covered in my documentation is to use a reed switch (magnetic switch) when bypassing the switch. If you choose one that is normally closed it will work and if you place a magnet close to the reed switch it will be turned off.

Hardware - GravityMon v1.2.0

Thanks I have tried the bypass and that seems to work and have also ordered a NC reed switch
Cheers

 

[DuncB]

@korev
The reed switches are fragile bending the wires so bend the wire away from the little glass bulb.

The blue tape is that covering up the temp sensor wires that are prominent on that side of the board.

If so I think on the how to build part of the open source distilling site they have how to solder flat so you don't get that wire sticking up issue.

 

[korev]

@korev
The reed switches are fragile bending the wires so bend the wire away from the little glass bulb.

The blue tape is that covering up the temp sensor wires that are prominent on that side of the board.

If so I think on the how to build part of the open source distilling site they have how to solder flat so you don't get that wire sticking up issue.

Thanks for the tip - the reed switches will be arriving March hopefully
Yes, Blue tape covers the temp sensor terminals - inherited iSpindel!

Photos of my bodged temporary switch attached

 

[DuncB]

@korev
To be honest what more do you really need as a switch. With the gravity mon I think you can easily set the time interval live to different times, so you could just change to a many hours rather than seconds of update when it's not in a ferment. Just leave it constantly on then.
On the ispindel software I used the reed switch instead of the contacts for triggering the local network to adjust configuration.
That allowed me to change the interval with a magnet during a ferment.

 

[gabeweisz]

@korev
To be honest what more do you really need as a switch. With the gravity mon I think you can easily set the time interval live to different times, so you could just change to a many hours rather than seconds of update when it's not in a ferment. Just leave it constantly on then.
On the ispindel software I used the reed switch instead of the contacts for triggering the local network to adjust configuration.
That allowed me to change the interval with a magnet during a ferment.

I've switched to the GravityMon firmware and enabled the option to sleep forever when you put the device cap down.
This is because I've had the switch fail on multiple devices, and this allows me to just short the switch rather than trying to replace it. You only need to leave it cap down for 15-30 minutes until it goes to sleep. You can turn it back on when you want to use it again by shorting the reset pins for a few seconds, which I usually do after charging it.

 

[kdw2pd]

I have a weird issue that I'm hoping someone can give me some pointers about. I've soldered up 2 Jeffrey 2.69 PCBs with Lolin ESP32 C3 V2.1 minis. One works fine, the other one not so much. Successfully flashed, but it won't open the "GravityMon" AP point using the GravityMon 1.2 firmware on battery power. When I connect it to my laptop via USB, it boots up just fine, opens the AP point, etc. So it's some issue with battery power getting to the ESP32, right?

I checked the non-cooperative ESP32 with a multimeter, and I get the same 4.11v reading that I do when just testing the battery. In addition, when I turn it on, the LED on the gyroscope lights up, so it's not just a dead battery or improperly seated battery holder, or an issue with the switch. In addition, the battery fully charges, so don't think it's an issue with the TP4056.

Comparing the soldering between the working and non-working ones, I don't see anything obvious, like bridged pins or something like that. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

 

[mper]

I have a weird issue that I'm hoping someone can give me some pointers about. I've soldered up 2 Jeffrey 2.69 PCBs with Lolin ESP32 C3 V2.1 minis. One works fine, the other one not so much. Successfully flashed, but it won't open the "GravityMon" AP point using the GravityMon 1.2 firmware on battery power. When I connect it to my laptop via USB, it boots up just fine, opens the AP point, etc. So it's some issue with battery power getting to the ESP32, right?

I checked the non-cooperative ESP32 with a multimeter, and I get the same 4.11v reading that I do when just testing the battery. In addition, when I turn it on, the LED on the gyroscope lights up, so it's not just a dead battery or improperly seated battery holder, or an issue with the switch. In addition, the battery fully charges, so don't think it's an issue with the TP4056.

Comparing the soldering between the working and non-working ones, I don't see anything obvious, like bridged pins or something like that. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Can you hook up a serial monitor and send me the result on the faulty one, remove any passwords etc.

could be a boot issue with the bootloader or crash at startup or faulty chip

 

[korev]

FYI Just built a new iSpindel with a NC Reed switch - seems to work OK

 

[mattrox]

I have uploaded the iSpindel firmware but failing to get an access point. It's been a while so my memory might be foggy. I used to be able to upload the firmware and access 194.168.4.1 even with nothing connected.

I have tried flashing different versions on several esp8226 board. Each time I can only get the ESP-CA... on a wifi signal not the normal iSpindel AP. I have used the node mcu flasher and done the INTERNAL://NODEMCU and INTERNAL://BLANK before uploading firmware. I have used Brewflasher too.

This is the error message over Arduino IDE serial monitor:
FW 7.0.0
2.2.2-dev(38a443e)
Worker run!
mounting FS... mounted!
ERROR: failed to load json config

ERROR config corrupted
scanning for OW device on pin: 5
No devices found!
scanning for OW device on pin: 12
No devices found!
scanning for OW device on pin: 0
No devices found!
scanning for OW device on pin: 0
No devices found!
ERROR: cannot find a OneWire Temperature Sensor!
Acc Test Connection ERROR!
offsets not available
Boot-Mode: Deep-Sleep Wake

I am at a loss. I am not really worried about the errors for things not yet connected. The failed to load json config I am concerned about but have run out of ideas.

 

[mattrox]

Or maybe I'm an idiot and remembering badly....

 

[gingerneil]

It wont boot without the temp sensor - you'll just hit a boot loop, as you're seeing there

 

[mattrox]

I wanted to make sure the flash worked, because I have a bunch of boards used at school in STEM classes, I am not 100% sure they are all operational. That along with an over-supply of non-data cables (now all in the bin) and well used faulty data cables too, have caused headaches all afternoon. I didn't want to solder in an esp8266 board to the PCB only to find it not working properly. I was overthinking things after cable frustrations.

I am revisiting this to see if I can simplify the project a little to lower the cognitive load.
I am using various PCBs and previously used esp8266 units before buying in new equipment.

In the end I held the pins from the esp8266 against the solder pads long enough to get a connection and see the iSpindel WIFI and look at the data.

Thank you for your reply.

 

[BreeBrew]

I have uploaded the iSpindel firmware but failing to get an access point. It's been a while so my memory might be foggy. I used to be able to upload the firmware and access 194.168.4.1 even with nothing connected.

I have tried flashing different versions on several esp8226 board. Each time I can only get the ESP-CA... on a wifi signal not the normal iSpindel AP. I have used the node mcu flasher and done the INTERNAL://NODEMCU and INTERNAL://BLANK before uploading firmware. I have used Brewflasher too.

This is the error message over Arduino IDE serial monitor:
FW 7.0.0
2.2.2-dev(38a443e)
Worker run!
mounting FS... mounted!
ERROR: failed to load json config

ERROR config corrupted
scanning for OW device on pin: 5
No devices found!
scanning for OW device on pin: 12
No devices found!
scanning for OW device on pin: 0
No devices found!
scanning for OW device on pin: 0
No devices found!
ERROR: cannot find a OneWire Temperature Sensor!
Acc Test Connection ERROR!
offsets not available
Boot-Mode: Deep-Sleep Wake

I am at a loss. I am not really worried about the errors for things not yet connected. The failed to load json config I am concerned about but have run out of ideas.

You clearly have a hardware problem, probably a faulty MPU6050 (gyro) or temp sensor.

 

[abq72]

Is this kit decent? Not sure what the differences are between PCB's. I know there's also one with the mustache guy in on it, is that better?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2947467989...Jtu83NZT5S&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

FWIW, I’ve ordered this kit and it has been flawless.

 

[mper]

I have uploaded the iSpindel firmware but failing to get an access point. It's been a while so my memory might be foggy. I used to be able to upload the firmware and access 194.168.4.1 even with nothing connected.

I have tried flashing different versions on several esp8226 board. Each time I can only get the ESP-CA... on a wifi signal not the normal iSpindel AP. I have used the node mcu flasher and done the INTERNAL://NODEMCU and INTERNAL://BLANK before uploading firmware. I have used Brewflasher too.

This is the error message over Arduino IDE serial monitor:
FW 7.0.0
2.2.2-dev(38a443e)
Worker run!
mounting FS... mounted!
ERROR: failed to load json config

ERROR config corrupted
scanning for OW device on pin: 5
No devices found!
scanning for OW device on pin: 12
No devices found!
scanning for OW device on pin: 0
No devices found!
scanning for OW device on pin: 0
No devices found!
ERROR: cannot find a OneWire Temperature Sensor!
Acc Test Connection ERROR!
offsets not available
Boot-Mode: Deep-Sleep Wake

I am at a loss. I am not really worried about the errors for things not yet connected. The failed to load json config I am concerned about but have run out of ideas.

You need to complete the build or it wont start at all. You get the json error because it has not saved any config yet

 

[DuncB]

I wanted to make sure the flash worked, because I have a bunch of boards used at school in STEM classes, I am not 100% sure they are all operational. That along with an over-supply of non-data cables (now all in the bin) and well used faulty data cables too, have caused headaches all afternoon. I didn't want to solder in an esp8266 board to the PCB only to find it not working properly. I was overthinking things after cable frustrations.

I am revisiting this to see if I can simplify the project a little to lower the cognitive load.
I am using various PCBs and previously used esp8266 units before buying in new equipment.

In the end I held the pins from the esp8266 against the solder pads long enough to get a connection and see the iSpindel WIFI and look at the data.

Thank you for your reply.

You could try flashing the tempmon software made by @mper as a variant of the gravitymon software it's an option in brewflasher. This doesn't require the gyro or the temp sensor as it can use the D1 mini temp sensor. This might allow testing of your D1 board.

I use this for remote monitoring of my brewfridge temperature, just need the D1 mini and battery holder and battery. You can remove the battery and charge it in a dedicated charger then replace or add the charging module if you have one lurking about.

 

[mper]

You could try flashing the tempmon software made by @mper as a variant of the gravitymon software it's an option in brewflasher. This doesn't require the gyro or the temp sensor as it can use the D1 mini temp sensor. This might allow testing of your D1 board.

I use this for remote monitoring of my brewfridge temperature, just need the D1 mini and battery holder and battery. You can remove the battery and charge it in a dedicated charger then replace or add the charging module if you have one lurking about.

You can use my gravitymon software as well, it will work without any sensors (you will get prompted about them missing but it will start). Unfortunately the ispindle wont start unless all the external devices is in place.

 

[kcinpdx]

Hi all- I've read a ton through this and searched to no avail. My iSpindel is linked to my Brewer's Friend account and I cannot get accurate readings whatsoever. Temp always reads 32F. Gravity reading is in Plato (which I am fairly certain I changed, but it is wildly inaccurate. ABV is showing up as -2237% whatever that is. This was not a home build and the seller gets very high ratings, so I'm fairly sure it is my ineptitude. Any ideas or thoughts?

 

[DuncB]

Hi all- I've read a ton through this and searched to no avail. My iSpindel is linked to my Brewer's Friend account and I cannot get accurate readings whatsoever. Temp always reads 32F. Gravity reading is in Plato (which I am fairly certain I changed, but it is wildly inaccurate. ABV is showing up as -2237% whatever that is. This was not a home build and the seller gets very high ratings, so I'm fairly sure it is my ineptitude. Any ideas or thoughts?

Do you know how to use the reset switch to put the ispindel into local mode?

Use the reset button a few times and then locate ispindel network on your phone, connect to that and it will show you a page with options. Select info and you should see angle and temperature. See if temp is different.
You should also be able to see the build number of ispindel software you are using.

This will be a starting help. The other numbers issue looks like a formula error, either from the ispindel or a setting in brewers friend. I link my ispindels to brewspy so can't offer much help there.

 

[BreeBrew]

Hi all- I've read a ton through this and searched to no avail. My iSpindel is linked to my Brewer's Friend account and I cannot get accurate readings whatsoever. Temp always reads 32F. Gravity reading is in Plato (which I am fairly certain I changed, but it is wildly inaccurate. ABV is showing up as -2237% whatever that is. This was not a home build and the seller gets very high ratings, so I'm fairly sure it is my ineptitude. Any ideas or thoughts?

Did you follow these instructions, especially the sg part where it say's
"** You will need to change the polynominal in the config for the correct gravity value when using the specific gravity URL."
and calibration part?

By default an iSpindel reports gravity in Plato so if you want SG you'll have to put a SG formula in the iSpindel's polynominal field.

See:
iSpindel - Brewer's Friend Docs

 

[kpietro22]

Hi all, I have been looking through this thread and searching on google but can’t seem to find any help. I finished soldering my second ISpindel a couple days ago using the Jeffery 2.69 pcb and noticed an issue when I powered it on using the battery. The temperature probe instantly heated up extremely hot and started to smoke. All other parts turned on okay but I do not know what could be causing this issue other than a short somewhere? There is definitely no solder bridge between the pins, the only think I could suspect would be some residual conductivity from flux? Any help/advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you!

 

[mper]

Hi all, I have been looking through this thread and searching on google but can’t seem to find any help. I finished soldering my second ISpindel a couple days ago using the Jeffery 2.69 pcb and noticed an issue when I powered it on using the battery. The temperature probe instantly heated up extremely hot and started to smoke. All other parts turned on okay but I do not know what could be causing this issue other than a short somewhere? There is definitely no solder bridge between the pins, the only think I could suspect would be some residual conductivity from flux? Any help/advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Check the orientation and pins, you probably soldered it backwards, switching + and -

 

[kpietro22]

Check the orientation and pins, you probably soldered it backwards, switching + and -

I believe I tried to follow the directions from opensourcedistilling and watching his video it looks like the flat side of the ds18b20 is facing up, which is what I currently have. I believe I did it this way for my previous ISpindel and it is currently working in a batch of Kolsch. I suppose I could desolder and try it the other way?

 

[BreeBrew]

Hi all, I have been looking through this thread and searching on google but can’t seem to find any help. I finished soldering my second ISpindel a couple days ago using the Jeffery 2.69 pcb and noticed an issue when I powered it on using the battery. The temperature probe instantly heated up extremely hot and started to smoke. All other parts turned on okay but I do not know what could be causing this issue other than a short somewhere? There is definitely no solder bridge between the pins, the only think I could suspect would be some residual conductivity from flux? Any help/advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you!

The only thing I can think of is that you soldered the temp probe the wrong way round.

 

[mper]

I believe I tried to follow the directions from opensourcedistilling and watching his video it looks like the flat side of the ds18b20 is facing up, which is what I currently have. I believe I did it this way for my previous ISpindel and it is currently working in a batch of Kolsch. I suppose I could desolder and try it the other way?

This is the pins on the temp probe, but if it was smoking it is probably broken. this is seen from the bottom.

 

[kpietro22]

This is the pins on the temp probe, but if it was smoking it is probably broken. this is seen from the bottom.

View attachment 826406

I’m sure that I must have some how mixed up the pins because obviously I should not be seeing smoke. But from what I have seen from other images and from my other ISpindel unit, this current one is facing the correct direction. Here is an image of what it looks like:

 

[danb35]

That is backward compared to mine.

 

[BreeBrew]

this current one is facing the correct direction

No it's not.
The round side should be facing up. You should solder it so that the shape of the probe matches the silkscreen, the white lines on the board.

 

[gromitdj]

It is backward according to the silkscreen also.

 

[BreeBrew]

...and after you have soldered a new one and the iSpindel doesn't work check the gyroscope as well because that could be fried too.

Click the link and lookup

Temp Probe​

https://www.opensourcedistilling.com/ispindel-troubleshooting/