SmartPID - smart temperature controller

[mysobry]

Quick update on the project with special focus on new feature and enhancements of application SW
Delay Fridge start and PID auto tuning has been released and I have also added the configuration support for different beta coefficient for NTC sensors plus other minor changes coming from the beta tester

I have also tested extensively the auto tune with my test equipment and even if I’m not a fan of the auto tuning process it can help you to find an initial set up that maybe you can adjust by experience

Now working to the final version of the smart thermostat app adding the ramp/soak management for the fermentation chamber
I have also released the first official version of the android smartphone app on google play store, off course to use it you need the SmartPID controller (and the thingspeak account)

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=fred.com.smartpid

The beta testing phase has been completed and lot of feedback received, I have now extended the community with a limited offer to former Indiegogo backer but I’m ready to open the store to all of you with a limited stock of controller

It’s a matter of days, stay tuned !
Davide
Arzaman engineering

 

[mysobry]

New major feature for the smartPID temperature controller !

I have implemented on top of the smart thermostat the temperature profile management, something similar to the step mash feature of the brewing app

You can define up to 10 different profiles made by set point, ramp time and soak time than the controller moves linearly the stet-point from one value to another in the defined time so you can control the ramp slope

the soak time calculation has two options

static: soak time starts immediately after the ramp end, regardless the current temperature has reached the new set point

dynamic: soak time starts when the temperature reach set point (like in step mash) and so you have a synchronous process

in this video more details on the profile configuration and execution



this will make the smart thermostat perfect for the fermentation chamber control in case you need to change slowly your set point


hope you like it, any comment appreciated !

Br
Davide

 

[mysobry]

Long time since last post and lot of things happens !
Many homebrewers adopted SmartPID controller and I got lot of feedback that allow me to enhance and improve either HW and SW
Before summer break (at least in north hemisphere it’s summer time !) just few update on the project

Still working on the improvement of the overall quality of the engineering of smartPID and from next batch I'm happy to announce that the front panel has been replaced with a new one.
Not just a graphical and aesthetic review but a different solution. The tactile switch are now internal and on top of the panel a flexible membrane allow to press it.

This provide a very good feeling in operating in smartPID but more important good protection of the inside from splash or particles. Little details but improved in quality and reliability

Biggest news are SW side. As you may have seen the focus on the development now is on the BBQ controller application, with support of few professional pit master now the application is almost complete. Very powerful, feature reach and flexible...I will follow up on this topic and I will start a beta testing campaign after summer break ..stay tuned

The BBQ app give me the chance to talk about another big change in the SW architecture and evolution of SmartPID ecosystem. You know that one of the SmartPID smartest feature is the capability to remote monitor and control your device and process. Currently the smartphone app is available for android only and is based on the public service provided by Thingspeak.

In the BBQ solution I have tested a new technology to implement the remote control and the results are really good and promising

The new technology is based on MQTT subscribe and notify protocol that is becoming a standard for the IoT connected devices and allow me to mange a private server where to develop advanced services
From technical perspective allow me to solve lot of the annoying things to make a device connected via WiFi home router like the dynamic IP address of firewall traversal.

From your end user perspective the initial set up user experience will be simplified, the new app will be very responsive and with possibility to implement also commands and actions.
And finally the technology allow me to implement either native android smartphone app but also web application that you can use in any browser….fixed or mobile..so including tablet or IOS devices.

Have a look to this video that is quite explanatory!



In autumn I will retrofit also the smartphone app for hombrewing and smart thermostat and finally implement what you request so many times: full brew day and process remote controls (not only monitors) with full interactions and all the parameters remote control including recipe management

Finally I'm working to other two applications: a complete process controller for malting barley with a micro-malthouse and a spirit distiller controller. Still in a design and concept stage but progressing !

If you are interested there are really few smartPID pieces in the store still at the launch price, next stock available in August

Have a nice holiday and talk to you after summer break with other news and progress !

Br
Davide

 

[mysobry]

As usual I’m happy to share with you some news about the project but since Xmas time is approaching I have activated a special promo offer on the online store, For limited time period you can get for free

-SSR 40 A 24-380V AC with smartPID smart hombrewing app

Or

-Thermocouple K-type adapter with smartPID smart thermostat

Few pieces of the all in one klarstein mash tun retrofit kit are still available

don’t miss out !


coming back to project status update

Smart thermostat K-type support now available, the new SW release can be downloaded in the wiki section of the web site. For upgrade procedure of your smartPID follow instruction on installation and configuration manual


With this upgrade you can control high temperature process like furnaces , reflow ovens etc and reach 1380C of max temperature

Also the external adapter for the K-type probe connection is now available as optional in the store (free during Xmas promo)

The other big step forward is related to the remote control management, I’m working to a complete re-design of that part introducing a more interactive, user friendly and powerful technology that allow also integration with third party application.

The first application that have been updated is the smart thermostat, the retrofit is now complete and we are testing the android smartphone app that will make the smart thermostat a really smart and unique product ! Here some screenshot preview

Smart Homebrewing application will follow in January and brew day monitor, automation and recipe management will be something really amazing !

I take the opportunity to wish you a happy and peaceful Christmas and I will come back to you next years with lot of smart and exciting project and news

Br

Davide

 

[mysobry]

Hi smarPID firends !

Long time since my last post but smartpid project continue to evolve and progress with new product and new features mainly coming from your suggestions !

Just a summary of most important news

SmartPID CUBE

After almost one year of design, development and tests I’m very proud to announce that the new SmartPID CUBE hardware is now available and you can select it on the online store.

The smartPID cube is a complete re-engineering of the previous HW in a new form factor that is very fancy either to keep on a desktop or to wall mount (ie with a DIN rail support).

From SW and functional point of view is 100% smartPID so all current smart homebrewing and smart thermostat (BBQ will come later) applications runs seamlessly on the new HW.

Main difference are

+ bigger 1.5” OLED display

+ SD card adapter with process data logging

+ 12V external power supply (available optionally)

bottom line is a smartest PID ever that allow you to control everything anywhere


Smart Homebrewing new remote control architecture

Finally also the smart hombrewing app has been retrofitted and now can benefit of the powerful and flexible MQTT architecture.

I have already notified all the smartPID customer to perform the FW upgrade and to download the andorid smartphone app...please remember that the old solution (via thingspeak ) is not more supported

Notice that the new FW introduce lot of other features and enhancement including some robustness feature (process watchdog, auto resume after power down) so it’s strongly suggested to upgrade to last version available. All upgrade details and FW version are downloadable from the wiki section of web site.

Now all applications are aligned and have same remote control framework and consistent user experience but still some development are on going on the app side to perform

• recipe management
• brew day process visual status

few other requirements collected from your feedback will be implemented soon

Other work in progress..

working on a "web application” that can be used with any browser (including IOS environment) desktop and mobile. The first prototype is available and now testing


I also make a partnership with Brewfather web homebrewing too that is very powerful and flexible, SmartPID will be integrated soon and you can mange your recipe or fermentation monitor all in one place

Last but not least I have opened a new proof of concept to integrate smartPID in the amazon echo and google home ecosystems. Smart speaker are the “cool” hi-tech gadget of the moment and vocal interface is really something that can help smartPID to work in an even more effective way.

Hope you appreciate the news and the effort I put in keep the project live and move forward !

stay tuned

Davide