Samsung tablet/Arduino based EBIAB help please

[jtmenzel]

I just bought an EBIAB setup off of Craigslist and I need some help adapting it to my needs.

The current system:
My Samsung Galaxy Tab 3
20 gallon kettle w/ recirc port
5500 watt element
false bottom
brew bag
chugger pump to recirculate mash

Project box current setup:
Arduino Uno R3
breadboard
40A ssr with heat sink
2 wire temp probe (also was given 2 extra 3 wire thermocouplers, but not sure of type)
twist lock outlet to kettle
extra twist lock outlet wired to 120v (not sure why)
element power toggle
full power/control temp toggle
Power cable to 240v outlet

It was set up to make yogurt so the current programming can put the element on full power or it can be toggled to hold 100F. There is no display on it since he only needed it for those 2 functions.

I have been brewing for 6 years, with most of that being BIAB. I understand the brewing process well, but know nothing about Arduino or programming. I am hoping to use a Samsung tablet, that doesn't get used any more, to interface with the Arduino and make adjustments to mash temp and boil level. I could do it as simple as controlling element power from 1-100%, but it would be nice to be able to set a mash temp and hold it and maybe even do step mashes. I plan to just add a toggle for the pump, so that will not need to controlled.
My hope is that there is an app that I could use to control the Arduino with the tablet with minimal programming needed since I am dunce when it comes to that stuff. If this setup won't work with what is currently in it, I will probably just buy a PID and conrtol it that way, but I figured I would give this a shot first as I have seen a lot of projects using the Arduino, but most likely by people much more computer savvy than me. I do have the original code from the previous owner, but it's only setup to hold at 100F so that isn't much help. Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[BrunDog]

If you would be willing to use a laptop instead of the tablet, I have a solution which can do what you are looking for. See my signature for the thread here or the website at BruControl.com.

Alternatively, search for 'Processing as GUI' here. IIRC there is a solution which can do what you are asking.

 

[jtmenzel]

If you would be willing to use a laptop instead of the tablet, I have a solution which can do what you are looking for. See my signature for the thread here or the website at BruControl.com.

Alternatively, search for 'Processing as GUI' here. IIRC there is a solution which can do what you are asking.

I appreciate the option. I did look at that software as an option. My thought is, if I need to spend the money on a laptop (don't currently have a spare), I would rather just re-wire the system with a PID and only have to spend the $50 ish on that.

 

[BrunDog]

Understood. One option would be to add a $99 mini-pc to the control box, then access it on your tablet via Remote Desktop. That would give you more functionality, especially if you add a relay to control the pump, but would certainly be more expensive between the hardware and software.

 

[newbrewer2017]

are you wanting to go with a wireless control? or use the Samsung tablet to control the Arduino via a direct connection.

You have several options. Do you have a duel charge and otg cable for the table? I would think a full charge might not handle the whole brew day.


I would assume the code is very basic on the arduino and could be modified.... .Another option is what i am working on. Just adding a screen like this one from adafruit and a couple of buttons to control the input

https://www.adafruit.com/product/1651 <- i happen to have that on hand.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=name.antonsmirnov.android.arduinodroid2 <- what i use to program an arduino while out and about

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.krio.gadgetcontroller <- what i use for a wifi connection to the tablet.


But there are lots of options out there.

 

[BrunDog]

I just realized this could be a plug & play solution too, probably the easiest: http://www.blynk.cc/getting-started

 

[jtmenzel]

are you wanting to go with a wireless control? or use the Samsung tablet to control the Arduino via a direct connection.

You have several options. Do you have a duel charge and otg cable for the table? I would think a full charge might not handle the whole brew day.


I would assume the code is very basic on the arduino and could be modified.... .Another option is what i am working on. Just adding a screen like this one from adafruit and a couple of buttons to control the input

https://www.adafruit.com/product/1651 <- i happen to have that on hand.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=name.antonsmirnov.android.arduinodroid2 <- what i use to program an arduino while out and about

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.krio.gadgetcontroller <- what i use for a wifi connection to the tablet.


But there are lots of options out there.

My plan was to use a USB cable between the Arduino and the tablet. The Arduino is currently hooked up to power through the project box, but not sure if the tablet could charge through that or not. I am just trying to see if there is code out there that I could use in the Arduino as is, since computer coding is not in my wheelhouse. I am sure I could learn, but every source I find is like looking at the matrix.

 

[newbrewer2017]

ok, you need one of these to hook the arduino to the samsung tablet

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013G4DMCE/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

my kids broken the screen on my 3 so I will be using a phone to walk you through this.

Next up is pastebin.com for the code you are currently using. Then I can see if its just a matter of adding in some inputs or if its gonna take a complete rewrite to use the code.
(if you send the code just the main file not all the extra files if there are some, I can find the rest if needed).

Also, you will need a computer to reprogram the arduino to use the tablet as an interface, if you don't have one, I can guide you through doing it with your tablet.

 

[newbrewer2017]

I just realized this could be a plug & play solution too, probably the easiest: http://www.blynk.cc/getting-started

That will still require OP to learn to code a bit to get started. I use his basic setup (tablet and ardunio) quite a bit, minus the easy interface. Which is just a matter of seeing what he wants and possibly adding to what he has with a bit of code glue.

 

[BrunDog]

FYI the Arduino will not power the tablet.

 

[jtmenzel]

ok, you need one of these to hook the arduino to the samsung tablet

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013G4DMCE/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

my kids broken the screen on my 3 so I will be using a phone to walk you through this.

Next up is pastebin.com for the code you are currently using. Then I can see if its just a matter of adding in some inputs or if its gonna take a complete rewrite to use the code.
(if you send the code just the main file not all the extra files if there are some, I can find the rest if needed).

Also, you will need a computer to reprogram the arduino to use the tablet as an interface, if you don't have one, I can guide you through doing it with your tablet.

This is the url link to pastebin (https://pastebin.com/KrwEaxip). Also attached is a PDF file of the code. I put in pastebin and downloaded (never used patebin before).I hope this gives a little clarity.
As for a cable between the tablet and Uno, it looks like there is a usb-B port on the Uno, but I can look closer.

This looked pretty cool, but looks like it was designed for a different model.
https://create.arduino.cc/projecthub/brewbench/brewbench-d64d90

 

[newbrewer2017]

To be honest that code will take time to make ready for an interface. I can modify it yes. But its super basic. I can change the mash/boil temp and time for you if you want and repost so you can use it for now.

yea the cable for the usb is a standard A to b cable.

Yea that is a cool project i need to look at it more.

 

[jtmenzel]

To be honest that code will take time to make ready for an interface. I can modify it yes. But its super basic. I can change the mash/boil temp and time for you if you want and repost so you can use it for now.

yea the cable for the usb is a standard A to b cable.

Yea that is a cool project i need to look at it more.

I'm not in a hurry because I am waiting for the electrician to wire the 240 to the basement so I have at least 3 weeks to figure out the interface part. I appreciate any help. Thanks