iSpindle - DIY Electronic Hydrometer

[pocketmon]

lol i had it in 10 s but i changed it now to 5min and looks like its working like a charm! will keep testing though

10 seconds is way too short. The reading and reporting gravity takes a few seconds to finish. Sam, the creator of iSpindel project, wants to use the temperature reading for fermentation temperature, and he uses one minute.

Impressive that the reading doesn't vary at all.

Don't be fooled by the zoomed in. Here comes the full picture. It works pretty good, though. The resolution is 1 point, which eliminates the noise.

 

[Mikmonken]

As a point of note, I had my reading every 20 seconds to start, (which is what it recommends to set up) when the battery gets to around 3.0v (is v the correct reading here?) it starts checking every 20mins.

I actually plan to set my spindle to maybe a reading every 3-6 hours when I use it properly which should help smooth the curve even more. I'm not planning to use for temp control so frequency can be reduced.

Also the enhanced method takes a while to get down to finishing gravity, (it's been a week) but the CO2 etc does seem to mean that there isn't a huge deviation in tilt at the early part of fermentation.

Measured angle (°)-----°Plato--------deviation °
17.50---------------------0.00. ------ -1.03 °P
70.97---------------------23.11 -----2514.72 °P
70.52---------------------22.01 -----2468.97 °P
66.30---------------------21.12 -----2068.99 °P
67.69---------------------20.23 -----2195.65 °P
66.00---------------------17.5 ------ 2038.36 °P
65.40---------------------16.6 ------ 1983.92 °P
63.08---------------------15.0 ------ 1782.08 °P
62.81---------------------14.7 ------ 1759.24 °P
61.95---------------------14.3 ------ 1687.73 °P
59.99---------------------13.3 ------ 1530.36 °P
57.53---------------------11.9 ----- 1343.38 °P
49.17---------------------8.0-------- 798.64 °P

 

[observing]

@pocketmon, I see that you're using Brewpiless. I'm having trouble getting my iSpindel to talk to it. I configured the iSpindel for HTTP, specified the IP address of the Brewpiless (192.168.X.X), the port (80), and the URL (/gravity). On the Brewpiless side, I configured the gravity sensor as an iSpindel that reports less than every 5 minutes. Did I miss something or get something wrong? I'm pretty sure the iSpindel is working because I get reports when it's configured for Ubidots. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[pocketmon]

@pocketmon, I see that you're using Brewpiless. I'm having trouble getting my iSpindel to talk to it. I configured the iSpindel for HTTP, specified the IP address of the Brewpiless (192.168.X.X), the port (80), and the URL (/gravity). On the Brewpiless side, I configured the gravity sensor as an iSpindel that reports less than every 5 minutes. Did I miss something or get something wrong? I'm pretty sure the iSpindel is working because I get reports when it's configured for Ubidots. Thanks in advance for any help.

It's simply because current release doesn't work - wait, I haven't OFFICIALLY released it.

The iSpindel code has to be modified. Sam just released a new version, but still a line of code has to be inserted to make it work with BPL.

 

[Klooid]

Hi All,

I have just updated the iSpendel firmware to 5.1.2 and everything was ok. I logged on to Ubidots, and the divine came up straight away with all the variables on display. However, although the Wemos is flashing the intermittent blue light, the Ubidots is stationary with the first values and even after 30 minutes the values have not changes. I tried re-stating the device, and the Ubidots refreshes with new vales. Therefore, can anyone shed some light on what I done wrong please?

Thanks.

PS The setting at configuration is to send every 900 seconds (15 minutes).

 

[pocketmon]

Hi All,

I have just updated the iSpendel firmware to 5.1.2 and everything was ok. I logged on to Ubidots, and the divine came up straight away with all the variables on display. However, although the Wemos is flashing the intermittent blue light, the Ubidots is stationary with the first values and even after 30 minutes the values have not changes. I tried re-stating the device, and the Ubidots refreshes with new vales. Therefore, can anyone shed some light on what I done wrong please?

Thanks.

PS The setting at configuration is to send every 900 seconds (15 minutes).

Check the connection between D0 and RST. The R1(470 ohm) connection in this schematics:
https://github.com/universam1/iSpindel/blob/master/docs/Schaltplan.md

ESP8266 won't wake up from deep sleep if D0 isn't connected RST.

 

[Klooid]

Thanks Pocketmon, I'll have a look at this and re-solder just in case of a bad connection.

Also, I can't wait to see what luck Mikmonken has had with his boards from PCBs, as I am not an expert in the soldering department.

Cheers.

 

[Mikmonken]

Thanks Pocketmon, I'll have a look at this and re-solder just in case of a bad connection.

Also, I can't wait to see what luck Mikmonken has had with his boards from PCBs, as I am not an expert in the soldering department.

Cheers.

Haha neither am I!!! Still don't think they've been shipped yet but I'll keep you posted.

 

[pocketmon]

@pocketmon, I see that you're using Brewpiless. I'm having trouble getting my iSpindel to talk to it. I configured the iSpindel for HTTP, specified the IP address of the Brewpiless (192.168.X.X), the port (80), and the URL (/gravity). On the Brewpiless side, I configured the gravity sensor as an iSpindel that reports less than every 5 minutes. Did I miss something or get something wrong? I'm pretty sure the iSpindel is working because I get reports when it's configured for Ubidots. Thanks in advance for any help.

I've updated the code, but I will be able to test it after one or more weeks. The iSpindel code must be modified. Please check the readme at Github.

 

[observing]

I've updated the code, but I will be able to test it after one or more weeks. The iSpindel code must be modified. Please check the readme at Github.

Works. Now, on to calibration. Thanks.

 

[kfladseth]

I have some problems with the Wemos D1 mini. Is it possible to enter the config site of the iSpindel after it has sent data to Ubidots?
I tried to push the Reset button several times to get to the config site, but the only thing that happened, was to send data to ubidots (start executive). Now, the Reset button seems broken as nothing happens at all when the Reset button are pushed. The wemos won't wake up either. I have changed the Reset - D0 resistor to a smaller one, but I think the Wemos is broken.
After all, I still don't understand how to get the Wemos to set up AP to get access to the config site.

 

[Mikmonken]

When you hit reset does the blue light flash? The trick I found is that you need to hit the reset a few times and then try and connect over wifi it's a bit of a faff but it can be done.

If however the led isn't flashing blue when it's reset I suspect you have killed it, I had something similar with my first one

 

[gromitdj]

Thanks Pocketmon, I'll have a look at this and re-solder just in case of a bad connection.

Also, I can't wait to see what luck Mikmonken has had with his boards from PCBs, as I am not an expert in the soldering department.

Cheers.

Haha neither am I!!! Still don't think they've been shipped yet but I'll keep you posted.

I'm at the edge of my seat as well...

 

[Feijoeiro]

View attachment 394607

fits a little lose inside lol? think 34mm might be the sweet spot and battery a little tight, just upgraded the diagram if anyone wants to try it, still waiting on some parts to assemble and test

So, could you tell us which bottle are you using? I bought that regular bottle from Ebay But I don't know if this sled will fit into the bottle.

I liked the idea of the sled having some room for additional weight.

Thanks.

 

[ElChangoGuero]

So, could you tell us which bottle are you using? I bought that regular bottle from Ebay But I don't know if this sled will fit into the bottle.

I liked the idea of the sled having some room for additional weight.

Thanks.

im using exactly the one you just bought and i got this 20g weight to put at the bottom, once assembled it floated around 24 degrees on tap water, the model was updated, you can just print the 2.1 version

 

[Feijoeiro]

I tought you were kidding about the 20 g weight. but it seems really efective. For a fraction of second I considered using a lead tablet that I probably have in a drawer over here but actually the weight is a better idea.

I already downloaded the 2.1 file version and will find someone to print it for me. Thanks a lot.

 

[ElChangoGuero]

I tought you were kidding about the 20 g weight. but it seems really efective. For a fraction of second I considered using a lead tablet that I probably have in a drawer over here but actually the weight is a better idea.

I already download the 2.1 file version and will find someone to print it for me. Thanks a lot.

hahahaha no joke! just thought hmm why not? seems to have worked pretty well so im quite happy and if the angle is not right then just a little bit more weight and silicone can likely fix it

 

[mattrox]

I am waiting on the switch to arrive to solder it all together. I will 3D print the sled at work.

That 20g weight looks good. Might have to go down that path.

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[Mikmonken]

I am waiting on the switch to arrive to solder it all together. I will 3D print the sled at work.

That 20g weight looks good. Might have to go down that path.

I used car balancing weights, but regardless you'll almost certainly need around 20gs or so to get the right tilt.

Placement obviously makes a big difference too. I needed 10 at the bottom and then 10 halfway up too to get the right balance.

 

[Scarabrew]

Has anyone tried to use those batteries with double the charge (6800 mAh) of the regular Panasonic ones?

I found these on Amazon and am thinking about it:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G9TOLNC/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[pocketmon]

Thanks Pocketmon, I'll have a look at this and re-solder just in case of a bad connection.

Also, I can't wait to see what luck Mikmonken has had with his boards from PCBs, as I am not an expert in the soldering department.

Cheers.

You might need to check this:
https://github.com/universam1/iSpindel/issues/59

In a nutshell, using the 470 ohm resistor might be a problem.

 

[Mikmonken]

Bit of an update on the boards, they're not quite right.

when I say not quite right, I made a couple of school boy errors, I didn't think about what orientation things like the wemos need to be so the gyro would need to be on the underside of the board, and also the female connectors are to close to the side of the board, which means when all connected up it wouldn't fit into the sled.

I also need to adjust slightly the footprint of the Lipo as it doesn't sit quite right the holes are just a touch further apart that what I assume the standard breadboard dimensions might be.

So the next version might be a few weeks off sadly.

On the plus side they sent me 5 boards instead of 4 (it's just a shame they're all useless ;-) )

 

[Klooid]

Thanks Pocketmon for this as I made up another board from scratch over the weekend and was very meticulous on the soldering, and the same this happened. Start off ok, linked first time to Ubidots then nothing. So, I'll research:-

You might need to check this:
https://github.com/universam1/iSpindel/issues/59

tonight and see what bits I need to modify?

Kloo.

 

[Klooid]

Bit of an update on the boards, they're not quite right.

when I say not quite right, I made a couple of school boy errors, I didn't think about what orientation things like the wemos need to be so the gyro would need to be on the underside of the board, and also the female connectors are to close to the side of the board, which means when all connected up it wouldn't fit into the sled.

Well I feel you pain for you Mikmonken, however, thanks for persevering, and I'm sure when the Version 2 arrives it will work ok, as I'm counting on you. Ha ha.

Cheers

 

[mattrox]

I've got mine put together minus the switch.

I crossed the tag ends of the wires where the switch would be.

I can flash and find the iSpindel but when I try to connect it to my home network it does not connect.

I reflashed a couple of times to set up again. There is something I am missing and need to look at it with fresh eyes later.

 

[Mikmonken]

I've got mine put together minus the switch.

I crossed the tag ends of the wires where the switch would be.

I can flash and find the iSpindel but when I try to connect it to my home network it does not connect.

I reflashed a couple of times to set up again. There is something I am missing and need to look at it with fresh eyes later.

When you say find the ispindel do you mean on your wifi network?

You need to first connect to it as if it were I wifi access point at which point you can set it all up.

Then if you went to connect again in the future you need to hit the reset button a few times and whilst you can see it connect as an access point again.

 

[kfladseth]

When you hit reset does the blue light flash? The trick I found is that you need to hit the reset a few times and then try and connect over wifi it's a bit of a faff but it can be done.

If however the led isn't flashing blue when it's reset I suspect you have killed it, I had something similar with my first one

It seemed that the D1 mini were broken. A new D1 mini works, and with 330 ohm reset resistor, the wake up function also works.
After some testing the tilt only reports 0! Perhaps the gyro is the next thing to be replaced.

 

[mattrox]

When you say find the ispindel do you mean on your wifi network?

You need to first connect to it as if it were I wifi access point at which point you can set it all up.

Then if you went to connect again in the future you need to hit the reset button a few times and whilst you can see it connect as an access point again.

I could connect direct to the iSpindel to configure it.

After it was "configured" it never connected to the wifi router. I will look at the configuration again.

 

[mattrox]

Well it is sending data to ubidots. All good.

 

[mattrox]

Not "all good". It only sends data to Ubidots when the reset button is pressed.

More investigation required.