The FerMonitor Lives

[P-Lay]

Since the Fermonitor uses the LabJack hardware, I wonder if it could somehow be used with their CloudDot services. This does look like a remote service though, perhaps a bit more difficult than just a web interface on a local LAN. (I have no experience with CloudDot and just did a quick search)

Maybe the Fermonitor guys and the Embedded Control Concepts guys could get together and work on something.

 

[TheYoshi]

Hmm, this kind of thing screams for java or a web interface or at least just spitting out a text file (ideally xml) on what is seen by any computer as a USB drive, then you have easy access to its data from any platform.

Platform specific programming truly sucks. I hope this gets off the ground

 

[Catt22]

Nearly two years since the original post on this gizmo and it's still not on the market? What's the hold up? Seems like it died on the vine so to speak. Any update on what's happening?

 

[Sawdustguy]

Nearly two years since the original post on this gizmo and it's still not on the market? What's the hold up? Seems like it died on the vine so to speak. Any update on what's happening?

From his website:

October 16, 2010 - We have been delayed by problems at one of our part suppliers. We expect to have more products in-stock soon!

 

[dozer4412]

Hmm, this kind of thing screams for java or a web interface or at least just spitting out a text file (ideally xml) on what is seen by any computer as a USB drive, then you have easy access to its data from any platform.

Platform specific programming truly sucks. I hope this gets off the ground

From his site I see you can buy just the probe and a labjack. Labjack supports several programming languages, and you'd be more than able to implement your "java" or "web interface". I personally enjoy the .Net framework myself and will likely grow my own UI around this once it's released.

 

[Hokie]

I personally enjoy the .Net framework myself and will likely grow my own UI around this if it's released.

FTFY

I've always been very suspicious of this little thing. The lack of the creator's input here makes me all the more suspicious. Also, if there are working prototypes out there, wouldn't they want to put a video of the thing actually giving readings and stuff? Build some hype...get people excited about it, even if it is a long way off. All we have is a half-assed screen shot of the GUI and some odd-angled, low-res, partial photos of the device.

/skeptical to say the least
//I'd love to be proven wrong, very wrong

 

[Catt22]

FTFY

I've always been very suspicious of this little thing. The lack of the creator's input here makes me all the more suspicious. Also, if there are working prototypes out there, wouldn't they want to put a video of the thing actually giving readings and stuff? Build some hype...get people excited about it, even if it is a long way off. All we have is a half-assed screen shot of the GUI and some odd-angled, low-res, partial photos of the device.

/skeptical to say the least
//I'd love to be proven wrong, very wrong

I share your skepticism, but to be honest, I have no interest in actually buying the device(s). I've been following this thread mostly to see if my suspicion was justified. Seems like it's a solution to a non-problem. Some of the early cheer leading also raised a red flag. I also hope I'm wrong so that those who do want to acquire the device can do so.

 

[bricklayer38]

I bought one of the SG probes when it was first made available on the website and I can tell you it is not a hoax, mine works really well. But I have only made 2 batches with it so it is sort of early to be giving alot of praise. It is very well put together, stainless steel probe that connects to a transmitter. I love the Labjack that came with it, been tinkering with it more than anything. I like to think am pretty tech savvy and it took me a while to figure out how to use the probe and the software, not the most intuitive interface and I don't read instructions... eh hehe . From the website it sounds like they are having trouble with a supplier but should have more soon. Cheers!

 

[Hokie]

I bought one of the SG probes when it was first made available on the website and I can tell you it is not a hoax, mine works really well. But I have only made 2 batches with it so it is sort of early to be giving alot of praise. It is very well put together, stainless steel probe that connects to a transmitter. I love the Labjack that came with it, been tinkering with it more than anything. I like to think am pretty tech savvy and it took me a while to figure out how to use the probe and the software, not the most intuitive interface and I don't read instructions... eh hehe . From the website it sounds like they are having trouble with a supplier but should have more soon. Cheers!

Care to post pics, vids, or anything showing the thing in action? Even sticking it in a sugar solution vs. distilled water...I think that would be cool to see.

 

[Catt22]

They sure have been slow getting them out. I still don't see anything available on their web site.

 

[D0ug]

I have a friend who works for an electrical supply distributor. He says they've been having supply problems since the recession started because so many of the shops over seas making the basic components closed their doors and sent everyone home. He said it's been taking a long time for things to start ramping back up, especially with basic components.
He was saying, as an example, there's a certain type of fluorescent fixture that they can't get because the manufacturer can't get components for the ballast, because the shop that made that component went out of business and no one else makes that part. He said it happened all over the place.

The recession, it just keeps getting better and better...

 

[Catt22]

I have a friend who works for an electrical supply distributor. He says they've been having supply problems since the recession started because so many of the shops over seas making the basic components closed their doors and sent everyone home. He said it's been taking a long time for things to start ramping back up, especially with basic components.
He was saying, as an example, there's a certain type of fluorescent fixture that they can't get because the manufacturer can't get components for the ballast, because the shop that made that component went out of business and no one else makes that part. He said it happened all over the place.

The recession, it just keeps getting better and better...

Perhaps, but I'm having a hard time swallowing that explanation.

 

[D0ug]

Perhaps, but I'm having a hard time swallowing that explanation.

Well, that's been his experience. They've been struggling with it for awhile now, I think they refer to the phenomenon as "excess capacity coming out of the market".
He doesn't have a dog in this fight, in fact I doubt he's even heard of this device, it's just something he's been talking about for the last year and a half or so.

Just thought I'd share. If you would rather condemn this guy for things that are probably beyond his control, have at it.

 

[bricklayer38]

I will try to make a video or at least some photos next time I brew, hopefully during the holiday break. But, more I think about it, I'm not sure it will show you what you want to see. When you use the probe you only insert it into the wort just after yeast pitch - you don't mess with it again until fermentation is mostly done which of course takes days. Would be hard to video that to provide anything meanaingful. I will try to make some time to set up a little experiment to show how accurate it is. My experience has been very good with the first two batches, nailed OG and FG and I assume the trend in between was right on. This sounds like fun, not sure I can post pics or vids here, might have to email it to one of you senior members or something?

 

[Yambor44]

Please post something bricklayer. I would be interested to see how you use this in your setup. Even if it is only pictures.

Thanks.

 

[Yambor44]

Also, from their website:

Recent News:
December 16, 2010 - Due to price and delivery problems with a supplied component we are redesigning the SG probe products with an alternative component. Unfortunately we do not expect to have more product available for sale until 2011. We apologize for the inconvenience, stay tuned !

 

[Hokie]

I will try to make a video or at least some photos next time I brew, hopefully during the holiday break. But, more I think about it, I'm not sure it will show you what you want to see. When you use the probe you only insert it into the wort just after yeast pitch - you don't mess with it again until fermentation is mostly done which of course takes days. Would be hard to video that to provide anything meanaingful. I will try to make some time to set up a little experiment to show how accurate it is. My experience has been very good with the first two batches, nailed OG and FG and I assume the trend in between was right on. This sounds like fun, not sure I can post pics or vids here, might have to email it to one of you senior members or something?

How about a picture of what the setup for the thing looks like?...in an empty carboy hooked up to a computer perhaps?
By the way, how much did you pay?

 

[bricklayer38]

Pretty sure I paid $250 - came with a SG probe and a LabJack and the software. Hoping to ditch the in-laws and get all my gear out to make a batch soon, I will try to remember to post some pics. Sounds like I was pretty lucky to grab one of these when I did!

 

[Desert_Sky]

Have you posted this on ProBrewer yet?

Very intrigued to say the least!

 

[steve039]

jmansfield - Can you please make an e-mail alert, or some other form of notification, to notify us when you will have more in stock? I would hate to miss out on an opportunity to buy this equipment.

 

[russellqwerty]

So is this dead?

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

fermonitor.com says that testing is underway with the new redesigned system and should be available later in 2011.

 

[wyzazz]

jmansfield - Can you please make an e-mail alert, or some other form of notification, to notify us when you will have more in stock? I would hate to miss out on an opportunity to buy this equipment.

I'll second that...

 

[jmansfield]

The Fermonitor is still alive after numerous struggles. We had to redesign with completely different electronics from a totally different supplier. We have been conducting a series of extensive tests and we have completed some early beta testing. We still have more work to do with our new supplier to ensure we have the optimal product. We have decided to again delay our target release date, now expecting product to be available sometime in 2012. We have received thousands of emails from all around the globe showing interest in the Fermonitor. Here are some answers to questions we are commonly asked:

(1) Exactly how does the Fermonitor work? This is a very good question and one we are not yet ready to divulge the answer to. We see no business benefit. Good try though.

(2) Will it work on "xyz" operating systems? Seems like many people are concerned about the software side of the probe. We fully intend to offer software that works with the probe for those who don't plan to roll their own code - we have developed Windows based software at this time. However, the probe is a simple instrument - you provide a supply voltage and it returns an output voltage that is proportional to specific gravity. This means anyone can write software that will work with the probe, all you need is an A/D converter to convert the voltage signal into something the computer can understand. Our software uses the LabJack U3HV A/D converter.

(3) What are the electrical specifics of the Fermonitor? We have been hesitant to provide these details since our product has been evolving due to the supplier changes. In general, the probe requires a stable 5V supply and has about a 5mA draw. It outputs about a 1.5 to 2 V range, dependent upon SG of the fluid in which it is immersed.

(4) I really want one or more of these fermonitors as soon as they are available, is there any way you could put me on a list to notify me? Yes, we have the email address of every person who every showed interest in our products. When product is available we will notify the entire group.

 

[wyzazz]

Glad to see this project is still alive and kicking, hopefully you can get everything squared away in 2012.

 

[KingBrianI]

Can't wait!

 

[mikeru22]

I'd like more information on this! I wanted to make one of my own, hopefully I don't have to. I know of the perfect device to interface this with.

 

[mpcluever]

Dead website...

 

[Hokie]

Shocking, slow turn of events.

 

[mrwilson]

He should put this on kick starter. Raise some money and hire some help.