Yes. There are hacks for the Tilt to do that.
iSpindle - DIY Electronic Hydrometer
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It would ... but likely as a display point only. People doing that with the Tilt for instance have found the temp to not always be exact and certainly not steady enough to run the control from.
MP6050, the sensor I use, has a temperature sensor built-in. The reading is the temperature of the die, not environment temperature. The longer the system runs, the higher the temperature seems to be. I was convinced again when I learned iSpindle uses a DS18B20.
I checked the specification of the Bean Arduino. The temperature sensor of Bean is part of the accelerator sensor, BMA250. I don't have any knowledge or experience with BMA250, but I doubt the temperature reading is affected by the accelerator sensor, if TILT doesn't have a dedicated temp. sensor.
You can't use the temperature of iSpindle because iSpindle wakes up every hour. Of course, you might be able to config a shorter time in price of shorter battery life. I don't think that will work.
I've been giving some thought to this (more than I care to admit actually). My plan has been to respin this into a custom board using an ESP32 (In part because it has bluetooth, and in part because I've been looking for an excuse to play with one.). By building a custom board I'm pretty sure I can make it fit in a 50mL tube.
I've done some power estimates and here's what I've come up with.
So if you assume 10 seconds to update 4 times an hour (the code currently does every 15 minutes until the battery drops below a certain level then steps back to 60 minutes) you end up with an average load of about 6.9mA therefore to last 14 days you would need a capacity of 2310mAh, which is right about where a 18650 is. There are a lot assumptions here so actual performance may vary.
There are also newer versions of the motion chip that have more advanced low power modes. I need to look in to how they're using the sensor in the code more in order to understand if we could take advantage of that.
Another issue with the 50mL tube that I hadn't thought of until recently is buoyancy. I did a test with just the battery in a tube and it floated at the level of the cap. I need to study the math more but I'm guessing that's not going to let it tilt correctly. I'm not sure if a taller tube with the same diameter is available or if I can 3d print an extension to it.
Still a lot of work to do...
I've done some power estimates and here's what I've come up with.
Code:
Component Idle(mA) Active(mA)
ESP32 0.02 260
MPU6050 3.9 3.9
RT9013 0.05 0.05
DS18B20 0.0001 1.5So if you assume 10 seconds to update 4 times an hour (the code currently does every 15 minutes until the battery drops below a certain level then steps back to 60 minutes) you end up with an average load of about 6.9mA therefore to last 14 days you would need a capacity of 2310mAh, which is right about where a 18650 is. There are a lot assumptions here so actual performance may vary.
There are also newer versions of the motion chip that have more advanced low power modes. I need to look in to how they're using the sensor in the code more in order to understand if we could take advantage of that.
Another issue with the 50mL tube that I hadn't thought of until recently is buoyancy. I did a test with just the battery in a tube and it floated at the level of the cap. I need to study the math more but I'm guessing that's not going to let it tilt correctly. I'm not sure if a taller tube with the same diameter is available or if I can 3d print an extension to it.
Still a lot of work to do...
Great to see someone pick up this challenge! I'd love to try to help, although I'm not sure how much help I could be!
I've been thinking about this too. Unfortunately my understanding of coding and electronics is novice level only.
My "bright idea" was in wondering why these solutions try to cram all the electronics into the float. It seems like getting a thermowell into the fermenter is a doable thing for most of us, why not build this so the accelerometer can be put through the thermowell and run it via wires with a control box on the outside? I am picturing something like a traditional thermowell, with a hinged section at the bottom that is just large enough to hold the accelerometer.
Something like one of thesehttp://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail...Elgu6tBH0Q5RUFCADH1Y7Rldu1q47IerSyRoCHwPw_wcB
It would take some work to figure out how to connect things in a sanitary way down there, and with the reduced weight it would take some experimenting to balance the thing somehow. But I think we could even figure out how to do it in stainless if we set our mind to it. The joint might be tricky, but I tend to think it might be able to just be tethered via the wire to avoid having a hinge that could collect nasties.
One of the ways my brain got to this idea was thinking bout that 50 ml tube floating in the krausen. If the sensor was held under the krausen, wouldn't it have a better chance of not getting crusted up and changing its buoyancy?
I would love to hear some of your thoughts on this idea.
I've been thinking about this too. Unfortunately my understanding of coding and electronics is novice level only.
My "bright idea" was in wondering why these solutions try to cram all the electronics into the float. It seems like getting a thermowell into the fermenter is a doable thing for most of us, why not build this so the accelerometer can be put through the thermowell and run it via wires with a control box on the outside? I am picturing something like a traditional thermowell, with a hinged section at the bottom that is just large enough to hold the accelerometer.
Something like one of thesehttp://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail...Elgu6tBH0Q5RUFCADH1Y7Rldu1q47IerSyRoCHwPw_wcB
It would take some work to figure out how to connect things in a sanitary way down there, and with the reduced weight it would take some experimenting to balance the thing somehow. But I think we could even figure out how to do it in stainless if we set our mind to it. The joint might be tricky, but I tend to think it might be able to just be tethered via the wire to avoid having a hinge that could collect nasties.
One of the ways my brain got to this idea was thinking bout that 50 ml tube floating in the krausen. If the sensor was held under the krausen, wouldn't it have a better chance of not getting crusted up and changing its buoyancy?
I would love to hear some of your thoughts on this idea.
I suppose I get the challenge of learning/doing such a project, but the Tilt is pretty cheap. I think the time you end up investing for one-off runs would not be worth the effort compared to just buying the Tilt. Unless you wanted to make a business out of it... just check you aren't infringing any IP protection.
![Craft A Brew - Safale S-04 Dry Yeast - Fermentis - English Ale Dry Yeast - For English and American Ales and Hard Apple Ciders - Ingredients for Home Brewing - Beer Making Supplies - [1 Pack]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41fVGNh6JfL._SL500_.jpg)
lol! DIY never pays if you figure in your time!
I would love to turn it into a business, but that would not be my primary goal. I have my hands full with my day job!
It's about just learning and trying something new for me. I love problem solving challenges. Also crave the sense of accomplishment in making something that works.
I would love to turn it into a business, but that would not be my primary goal. I have my hands full with my day job!
It's about just learning and trying something new for me. I love problem solving challenges. Also crave the sense of accomplishment in making something that works.
Abyssal
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This is can be used in the current version of Craftbeerpi I believe.
Abyssal
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I feel like if you hard wired anything to the float then the wires would throw off how the float reacts to the change in density? Like the hanging wires would throw off the center of gravity and couldn't keep it consistent depending on how the wire hangs.
That's a good point. Especially if you coat the wires or put them in some kind of food safe sleeve or something. I suppose the trick would be to make it have enough weight/buoyancy that the force from the wire was negligible, but now we are probably talking something too large to fit in a thermal well.
I'll ponder some more...
Carlscan26
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I think the tilt guys are pursuing a patent. If so, then they could ask for this thread to be deleted by the mods...let be flame war about patents begin.
They can fight with the Germans who are doing it. I've got no beef with anyone.
As I understand patents (I'm an engineer, not a lawyer) nothing in this thread would be an issue. Patents protect them against someone selling something that violated it not discussing it. Also, unless this is the same guys they're probably out of luck as prior artwork exists:
https://www.google.com/patents/US20140260607
As far as cost, if I don't count time (which is obviously cheating), my current BOM estimate is $40 each so I should be able to build 3 of them for what a Tilt costs. But as was already mentioned this isn't really about cost, it's about the learning/challenge. I've done a handful of PCB designs, and write software for a living, but I've never done anything with the ESP32, accelerometers, or battery power. So really it's just an excuse to delve into new area. And of course I will have to brew more beer to test it...
and then of course you can waste beer so you'll have to drink it!!
You poor bastard!!!
Now how to create this particular issue for myself??
I am an EE, been a designer for 44 years, am the named inventor in a dozen patents and a named contributor in many more.
Patents do not prohibit discussion of the specific art, any prior art, any related art, or any unrelated art.
If the mods cave to such a ridiculous request, then too bad for them...
Cheers!
Carlscan26
Well-Known Member
Great so you know half of how a patent works. The other half is protecting it. Go do some searching; this has been discussed elsewhere on this site.
The braumeister is patented, yet both this site and it's sister Aussie site gave explicit instructions on how to clone it(I'm the OP of probably the biggest brauclone thread there is) including the controller later to become Ardbir, I have not yet received a cease and desist nor have any of the other major contributors. Now if you were going to sell a clone thereof I dare say the story would be a little different.
The patent process is the intentional public description of the device. So yea, talking about it is fine. However, violating a patent by MAKING one, even if just for yourself, does indeed violate the patent. Of course, because it costs money to defend a patent, no company is going to pursue an individual violator like that (especially if it's a device of low value, like this one).
A party that actively encourages others to violate a patent can create liability for that party (see the USPTO). Where does this thread / forum fit into "encouragement"? Not sure.
Since we (HBT) have zero interest in any legal schtuff, let's not morph this thread into a maker thread. I'd prefer to see you all work on ways to NOT violate the independent claims of that patent.
Carlscan26
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My apologies for derailing the thread passedpawn and thank you for providing clarity around what we can and can't do.
Since I was the one who brought it up, I'll close by saying I can't find anywhere in their site where they are indicating they are pursuing a patent - maybe I dreamed it, or they had it and removed it.
Back to the original topic...
Since I was the one who brought it up, I'll close by saying I can't find anywhere in their site where they are indicating they are pursuing a patent - maybe I dreamed it, or they had it and removed it.
Back to the original topic...
The patent listed above is by the very same guys who make & sell the Tilt.
Good to know, I wasn't able to find names associated with Tilt (I admittedly didn't try that hard). I've also learned some things about patents here and will respect their rights and wont discuss it further.
ElChangoGuero
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if im not mistaken i think i can make this for ~$28, all from aliexpress and ebay, let you guys know if it works 
ElChangoGuero
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anybody used this NEW wimos wifi version? apparently it has more memory and its only $1 more
WEMOS D1 mini Pro
WEMOS D1 mini Pro
The Wemos has been used on several DIY project here on HBT. However it lacks the on board accelerometer/gyro though just checked and it does fit nicely in a 50ml tube. max draw on these is 500ma.
ElChangoGuero
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Yes, i am getting that separately GY-521 they also make a nice ProtoBoard Shield for Wemos, going to use the TP4056 and see if i can get it to work with 2 NCR18650B batteries and fit on this soda bottle preform, if everything works well maybe ill try upgrading it to a wifi fermentation controller/digital hydrometer.
Note that board does not have an onboard antenna.
Might look at Adafruit's Feather form factor.
Might look at Adafruit's Feather form factor.
ElChangoGuero
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It should come with an built in antenna, although it might not be as strong there for the external antenna connector...hmm...although i read the mini pro uses less energy that the mini
Description: The D1 mini Pro is a mini wifi board based on ESP-8266EX.
Features:
11 digital input/output pins
Interrupt/pwm/I2C/one-wire
1 analog input(3.2V max input)
16M bytes(128M bit) Flash
External antenna connector
Built-in ceramic antenna
New CP2104 USB-TO-UART IC
Same size as D1 mini, but more light
It does. It's the "Rainsun" ceramic antenna module.
Should be comparable to the etched antennae found on many BT modules...
Cheers!
So much bigger that the one on my desk not looking forward to soldering these upIt does. It's the "Rainsun" ceramic antenna module.
Should be comparable to the etched antennae found on many BT modules...
Cheers!
