Keg Cop: Keg Monitoring and Control

[Thorrak]

Keg Cop will do a (controlled) reboot automatically at 24 hours - "Software reset via esp_restart" means it was programmatic. At the time I put that in to deal with weird mDNS things. I believe John may have discovered the reason for those issues in a core bug.

So it sounds like your problems are a hardware issue. That makes me feel better but likely does nothing for your attitude. I'll shoot you a PM to get your address and send you this controller I have showing up here in a day or so.

In theory you should be fine till you get the new controller, but you will not be able to upgrade to the release version till you have it replaced.

Yeah - the mDNS stuff is incredibly frustrating, as it seems to be some kind of issue with the wifi stack (which is closed source). I'm hoping to run that down further once we're back in NYC -- but at least the work so far has been productive (at least insofar as opening issues counts...)

 

[rkhanso]

I did just double-check my power supply. It is a 2A, 12v output.

 

[LBussy]

Seems like we have the culprit then. The good news in all of this is that I spent some quality time in a few sections of code to make them easier to maintain.

I’ll be releasing 1.2 here soon with the new Tower fan control among other things. I also want to look at some additional support for a new-ish project @Thorrak is working on, and maybe a couple other things.

 

[rkhanso]

One thing I've been noticing - it's still crashing/rebooting - Reason: ESP_RST_PANIC, Description: Software reset due to exception/panic
I notice it happening when I bring up a browser tab and access the web GUI. It could be happening at other times, but obviously - if I don't check the web GUI, I don't know if it is or not. When I do check the temps via the web interface, I immediately check the About page, and shows only 10 or so seconds of uptime. This happens every time I check via the web browser.
Also - The temp sensor and control settings are saved during this, but the Tap settings are always lost when this happens.

 

[LBussy]

What does the serial monitor say?

I’m 99.99% sure it’s just a bad controller. It’s not doing that here. Not sure what else to say. I should be dropping a package later today so we can see what’s up.

 

[LBussy]

Okay, in between harvesting honey, working my day job, and moving cattle around, I came up with a little teaser for you all:

 

[Exception13]

Okay, in between harvesting honey, working my day job, and moving cattle around, I came up with a little teaser for you all:
View attachment 779480

Themes! Love it!

 

[Thorrak]

Themes! Love it!

As a Mets fan, he had a better choice of color schemes originally. The right shade of orange and everything.

 

[LBussy]

As a Mets fan,

And that, dear reader, tells you all you need to know about him.

The right shade of orange and everything.

Ironically, that was apparently the default Bootstrap colors. I selected a Bootswatch theme that was not available in 4.x and that's what I got.

Okay; as long as we're here - one more teaser:

Why is that a picture of a screen rather than a screenshot? Well, that's not a computer. That's all I'll say about that right now.

 

[Exception13]

Well now.....what tomfoolery is this?

 

[LBussy]

Well now.....what tomfoolery is this?

I heard there might be an additional teaser for those who sign up for KegScreen notifications.

 

[Exception13]

I am already subscribed there.....funny, @Thorrak hasn't sent that teaser out yet....

 

[Thorrak]

I am already subscribed there.....funny, @Thorrak hasn't sent that teaser out yet....

.

The teaser is half-drafted, but I'm guessing it's going to be about three more weeks at minimum before it gets sent. Plenty of time to sign up for updates if you haven’t already

 

[tomakana]

Hi, all - been lurking for a while and collecting the materials to get KegCop up and running. At this point just waiting for the delivery from Mouser to get here. I built a BrewPi remix setup for myself over the pandemic, and short of the LCD screen never quite working right, it's been a god-send for my fermentation control. Can't wait to start digging into this one!

For now, I have a couple of assembly questions before I jump in and get too far down a path to back up.

First - My SwissFlow meters came with a connector on the end of the wires (see the pic with the included wiring diagram below). Am I correct in interpreting the diagram as the red wire is the ground (connects to the "G" on the breakout board), the center wire is the pulse (connects to the "D") and the top wire is the power (connects to the "V")?



If that's correct, the next thing I'm planning to do is extend the wires so the flowmeters can be further away from the boards than 15cm. Can anyone tell me what type of connector that is? I'd prefer to just put a connector on the end of the wires that run to the flow sensor board. The SwissFlow website just says "3-wire flat cable sealed in housing (jack-plug or molex connector on request)" - I didn't really know enough to pay attention to that. If a connector doesn't seem reasonable, best to simply strip and splice the wires?

Last thing, for now - I've dug around all the diagrams and pictures I can find, but I can't find one that shows exactly how the D32 connects to the PCB. I can see where it goes and the orientation, but the actual mechanics of it are escaping me for some reason. If anyone has a picture of the main board assembled with the D32 or can explain how it mounts, that would be a big help. I'm assuming it mounts above the resistors and capacitors, but can't quite identify the way to create the right spacing, if that makes sense.

Thanks in advance - @LBussy and everyone were incredibly helpful on the last project, and even though I understand the bare minimum of these threads, it's fun to try to follow everything!

Tom

 

[Thorrak]

I have the PCB design for those but may need to dig around for a link to the connector. Give me a bit.

 

[Thorrak]

I had the exact same question @tomakana so I designed the following board:



Eagle files are attached.

The problem with this board is that I designed it with this specific Molex connector in mind which seems to be tagged as obsolete. DigiKey claims that this connector is a potential replacement -- I don't own it to compare and thus can't say either way, but it might be worth a shot if you want to take the risk!

 

[danb35]

That looks like a JST-XH connector on the cable, and that's what my 6-way breakout board is designed to use--but it looks like I may have the pins in the incorrect order to just plug it in and have it work.

As to mounting the D32, maybe this will help--I've pulled it up out of the socket a little bit so it's more clear what's soldered to where:

 

[LBussy]

Am I correct in interpreting the diagram as the red wire is the ground (connects to the "G" on the breakout board), the center wire is the pulse (connects to the "D") and the top wire is the power (connects to the "V")?

Yep.

I'm assuming it mounts above the resistors and capacitors, but can't quite identify the way to create the right spacing, if that makes sense.

If you purchased the BOM from Mouser, you will receive those 16-pin headers to mount on the board as shown by @danb35 .

it looks like I may have the pins in the incorrect order to just plug it in and have it work.

Not too late for a PR to fix it. I believe that will be GA when I release the next feature release.

 

[tomakana]

That looks like a JST-XH connector on the cable, and that's what my 6-way breakout board is designed to use--but it looks like I may have the pins in the incorrect order to just plug it in and have it work.

As to mounting the D32, maybe this will help--I've pulled it up out of the socket a little bit so it's more clear what's soldered to where:
View attachment 779808

Thanks - this is a huge help!

If you purchased the BOM from Mouser, you will receive those 16-pin headers to mount on the board as shown by @danb35 .

OK - that's what I was thinking - it probably would have made complete sense once I saw everything on the table.

Thanks!

 

[Thorrak]

That looks like a JST-XH connector on the cable, and that's what my 6-way breakout board is designed to use--but it looks like I may have the pins in the incorrect order to just plug it in and have it work.

It might be, as they offer both. This is what mine looks like:

 

[tomakana]

That looks like a JST-XH connector on the cable, and that's what my 6-way breakout board is designed to use--but it looks like I may have the pins in the incorrect order to just plug it in and have it work.

So for what it's worth, the kit I ordered to get JST-XH female connectors for this was not correct. The connectors I got are too large. Could be the connectors aren't correct, but they seemed reputable. I'm going to email Swissflow and ask them specifically.

 

[LBussy]

I'm going to email Swissflow and ask them specifically.

It was very easy to decide to work with those folks, they are awesome to work with and are good about email. They are very supportive of us!

 

[Thorrak]

So for what it's worth, the kit I ordered to get JST-XH female connectors for this was not correct. The connectors I got are too large. Could be the connectors aren't correct, but they seemed reputable. I'm going to email Swissflow and ask them specifically.

I linked the connectors you need here:

I had the exact same question @tomakana so I designed the following board:

View attachment 779803

Eagle files are attached.

The problem with this board is that I designed it with this specific Molex connector in mind which seems to be tagged as obsolete. DigiKey claims that this connector is a potential replacement -- I don't own it to compare and thus can't say either way, but it might be worth a shot if you want to take the risk!

 

[LBussy]

I am pleased to announce:

Keg Cop Feature Release 1.2.0 Beta 1​

I can't honestly remember what all I've done, but GitHub has kept a record of my branches:

What's Changed​

• Sync WiFi password with json #95 by @lbussy in #96
• Use reset when setting cal by @lbussy in #100
• Fix mDNS service discovery (dns-sd) #98 by @lbussy in #101
• Add a thermostat-controlled tower fan by @lbussy in #104
• New graphics by @lbussy in #105
• Add tower fan thermostat by @lbussy in #107
• Add secret checks to significant PUTs by @lbussy in #114
• Cleaner resets by @lbussy in #116
• Cleanup and normalize config flow by @lbussy in #117
• Fix hostname redirect by @lbussy in #118
• Swap theme by @lbussy in #119
• KS-TV by @lbussy in #120
• Add an online report pause when wifi is lost by @lbussy in #124
• Bad update flag by @lbussy in #126
• Fix 404 error page links by @lbussy in #128
• Re-format About page by @lbussy in #129
• Reduce POST iterations by @lbussy in #130
• Bulk data load by @lbussy in #131
• Fix API docs by @lbussy in #132
• Move secret to a header by @lbussy in #133
• Enable menu change on sensor change by @lbussy in #135

Full Changelog: 1.1.1...1.2.0-Beta.1

You can update via the BrewFlasher app or via the web here: Keg Cop Beta 1.2.0-Beta.1

You can update via the UI if you have version 1.1.0+, but you cannot update via the UI if you are still on 1.0.0. If this is a show-stopper for you, I will post instructions on exporting/importing your config before this goes GA.

If you have time to test-drive this, your time makes it better for everyone!

 

[LBussy]

One strange thing I noticed that John is trying to tell me is a feature: When you flash with BrewFlasher Web, the "demo data" doesn't come over. If that's an issue for you, use the BrewFlasher App.

 

[tomakana]

I linked the connectors you need here:

Right - Swissflow confirmed that they're Molex connectors, and from everything I've found, @Thorrak is correct that the wire-to-board connectors are obsolete (at least from Molex) and basically unavailable anyplace I've checked. The challenge I'm having now is that I'm trying to extend the wires so the the breakout boards aren't very close to the actual flow meters, so I've been trying to find a wire-to-wire socket that work, with no luck so far. The linked connector does look like it'll work, but only if I want to plug the short wires from the flow meters directly into a board.

Since I'm still waiting for the parts I ordered from Mouser (last time I pick the free economy shipping), I'm probably going to just remove the molex crimps and install new connectors so I can do the extension.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Thorrak]

Right - Swissflow confirmed that they're Molex connectors, and from everything I've found, @Thorrak is correct that the wire-to-board connectors are obsolete (at least from Molex) and basically unavailable anyplace I've checked. The challenge I'm having now is that I'm trying to extend the wires so the the breakout boards aren't very close to the actual flow meters, so I've been trying to find a wire-to-wire socket that work, with no luck so far. The linked connector does look like it'll work, but only if I want to plug the short wires from the flow meters directly into a board.

Since I'm still waiting for the parts I ordered from Mouser (last time I pick the free economy shipping), I'm probably going to just remove the molex crimps and install new connectors so I can do the extension.

Thanks for the help.

I just ordered the TC connector I linked to see if it might works as an alternative. Judging from the diagrams the answer appears like it will be no, but we'll see.

 

[Thorrak]

I just ordered the TC connector I linked to see if it might works as an alternative. Judging from the diagrams the answer appears like it will be no, but we'll see.

Unfortunately, I was right - the TC connector doesn’t work. You might be able to remove the shrouding and fudge it, but that’s probably not worth it.

 

[LBussy]

Okay: Updated Keg Cop Beta to 1.2.0-Beta.2 (probably the last Beta before release.)

This Beta release supports KegScreen TV! If you missed the teaser back in post #309, here's what it looks like (yes that's a TV, not a monitor):

If you are not on the mailing list, here's the (Beta) release notice:

​ Announcing KegScreen TV​ I've never been a fan of the classic "kiosk" mode for displaying digital taplists, and wanted to come up with a better way. After quite a bit of work, I think I've finally figured it out. Now announcing KegScreen TV. The simple way to go from KegScreen to your TV.

​

​ Bridge the final three feet​

​ KegScreen presents your tap list as a web page that can be displayed on the device of your choosing -- but if that device is a TV, that normally means keeping your Raspberry Pi within one cable-length of your television. That doesn't sound pleasant, so instead I've come up with an easier way:

​ KegScreen TV

​ ​ Designed for Android TV​ KegScreen TV is an Android TV app which automatically discovers KegScreen installations and displays your Tap List on a TV. Easily locate your KegScreen installation, connect it to the app, and display your digital tap list in seconds.

​ ​ Works on Fire TV too​ Prefer Amazon to Google? KegScreen TV also works with FireTV devices, and will soon be available in the FireTV app store.

​ ​ Watch your Keg (Cop)​ Keg Cop was designed for KegScreen, and KegScreen TV works with Keg Cop. Automatically detect Keg Cop devices on your local network and display them with KegScreen TV. No KegScreen required.

​ The best part? It's available today.

​ ​ Open Beta via Google Play​ Interested in testing KegScreen TV today? Sign up here for the Open Beta, and then follow the instructions at the KSTV Issue Tracker on GitHub.

​ So, about KegScreen​ Yes, I know, KegScreen TV is being released ahead of KegScreen. Providing a good user experience is one of the key goals I have for KegScreen, and bridging the "final three feet" is a big part of that. Although you can't use KSTV yet with KegScreen, the latest release of Keg Cop (supported in version 1.2.0-Beta.1 and above) supports it out of the box. Once KegScreen is released, KSTV will be available on day one.

​ Questions? Comments?​ KegScreen TV is currently in open beta, but an invite may be required to install it on your device. More information can be found at the KegScreen TV Issue Tracker on GitHub.

 

[LBussy]

And, it's ready.

Keg Cop Feature Release 1.2.0!

Features in this release:

• Add tower fan thermostatic control (uses solenoid pin)
• Supports KegScreen TV!
• Themes! Well, two for now, Cerulean (original/light) and Superhero (dark). These are selectable in the settings.
• Split OTA - 1.0.0 users can still use the OTA to re-flash if needed, 1.1.0 and above use a new source. Upgrades from 1.0.0 to 1.1.1 or 1.2.0 need to be done with BrewFlasher (I recommend BrewFlasher app, not online for now. Sometimes the online one will clear the demo taps. If this is not an issue, go ahead and use it.)
• Bulk load of settings is possible. This will facilitate an upgrade path from 1.0.0 to 1.2.0+ without losing settings. This path lacks documentation, but the basic documentation for the uploader exists in the online docs.
• Possible breaking change: POST/PUT to configuration and action pages require a secret. This is done to prevent random resets and system clears because of some home security scanning software.
• A 6-way meter breakout is included (thanks @danb35!)
• There are some other changes intended to assist developers, contact me if you would like to hear about these, especially related to theme development.

If you would like to use BrewFlasher Web (with the caveat above) use this link. If you need the app, get it here.

Commit Summary​

• 0ffcef9 Sync password with json #95 (#96)
• 34e852d Use reset when setting cal (#100)
• fa2a6e6 Addresses #98 (#101)
• a69f583 Feature 86 (#104)
• 4db006f New graphics (#105)
• 514fa19 Add tower fan thermostat (#107)
• 7ec9183 Cleanup
• 82f26c4 Debug links (#108)
• e01c602 Add spinning icon (#109)
• 445cbac Update some of the rewrites (#110)
• f97b472 Provide proper URL in OTA (#111)
• 511e4d3 Fix ota (#112)
• 54e2820 Make sure rando clicks do not register (#113)
• e8b93c8 Fix links when using dataHost (again)
• f021552 Update todo list
• be86d65 Add secret checks to significant PUTs (#114)
• 901a4a2 Kill drd (#115)
• 595c4e5 Cleaner resets (#116)
• 02ace37 Cleanup and normalize config flow (#117)
• 623c515 Fix hostname redirect (#118)
• 3ad75b5 Swap theme (#119)
• c6986c7 Ks tv (#120)
• 6afd84a Better KS-TV (#121)
• f357531 Fix mDNS records/port (#122)
• 852702a Theme persist (#123)
• faf93ec Add an online report pause when wifi is lost (#124)
• 8f464ed Reduce KegScreen serial logging (#125)
• e385103 Bad update flag (#126)
• 675f9d5 Fix index bar click (dataHost) (#127)
• 0fae20d Fix 404 error page links (#128)
• d5ac7e7 Re-format About page (#129)
• a1d9ac0 Reduce POST iterations (#130)
• dded80f Bulk load (#131)
• a41f68b Fix API docs (#132)
• 1a8ad02 Move secret to a header (#133)
• 28ba5fe Fix alert bars (#134)
• 5dcbc9f Enable menu change on sensor change (#135)
• aa023b9 Version bump
• 3736c04 Cleanup debug (#136)
• f71d86d Kstv json (#137)
• fa77094 Don't need string (#138)
• df65dd4 Filesystem stability (#139)
• f5c5b5a Filesystem stability (#140)
• 4e968b4 Hide page when theme changes (#141)
• c51fc93 Update TODO
• 271629b Version update (#142)
• aef3f75 Merge pull request #143 from lbussy/feature1.2

See full list of files changed and other notes on the release page since I apparently made too mang changes for the forum software to allow me to list then here.