[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by DiverDude

Just about any micro can control just about anything; it's all a question of how easy it is (relative to other micros). Some are better for some things than others.

If you're looking for code on how to control a 1200W element, you likely won't find it. If however, you look for code/info on controling high-current AC loads, you'll most certainly find things. This is where the electronics knowledge/understanding comes in. You rarely find exactly what you want so you have to know enough to make the necessary changes for your application.

Like I said before, there is a learning curve to this and not only will you need to learn how to program your specific controller (Arduino) but you'll need to grasp some microcontroller and electronics concepts as well. Not to pee on your parade but given where you are today, you can expect this project to take months to complete. When you are done though, you'll be in a position to make other things in a much shorter time-frame.

the electronics is the easy part, I have no problem with that as I used to do a lot of electrical and electronics with work. but the electronic part for me has been designing single purpose circuts with relays, opamps, diods, limit switches ect.. not computer chips. I have found several projects that will do what I consider simular but the issue is the programing. I can pick up on it quite easy but I need to know where to start learning the programming. by the looks of it it won't be to difficult as I use to play with a bit of C++ back in the day but that was a while ago. So I guess I need to relearn code and how to combine codes and load them on the chip.

now another concern I have is can this set up have multiple selectible programs on it. so when it first starts up I can pick a sausage program or a constant temp program.

Steve