PID questions

[StirCrazy]

hmm I'll check thing out.. I was just in victoria for the last 4 days so I just saw these

Steve

[StirCrazy]

Ok, so I have been looking, and frankly I am not sure about the Arduino because of the programing thing. But if I was to go with the Arduino, what all would I need to buy for hardware.

here is the requirments.

two temp inputs two controled outputs (one 1200 watt element and one 100 watt element)

some sort of display which could show curent temp, set point and meat temp.

now for function it needs to
-maintain the set cabnet temp by use of the 1200 watt element.
-adjust cabnet temp to predetermined set point when specific meat temp is reached.
-allow different types of programing for different cooking styles. say doing a spicif temp for 2 hours then adding 10 degrees per hour till another temp is reached then hold at that temp.

I also need it to be able to turn on the 100 watt element when a specific cabnet temp is reached.


Now I don't know how much it would cost to have but wireless ability so I can monitor/controle from my laptop would be nice. but not nessaray.

so how much would it cost me to get all the stuff I need to do this?

Steve

[DiverDude]

Well, I won't kid you -the whole microcontroller/electronics thing is a hobby unto itself. The real perk though is that whatever you can create with it can be applied to other hobbies or just about anything.

There is a lot of information out there on various applications and ways of doing things like controlling a 1200W element. It would be wise to consult various forums so you don't reinvent the wheel.

In the end though, you need to make a commitment to learn how to program a micro (Arduino or other). Once you've commited to a specific micro, you'll need to invest a little cash in some development tools a few microcontrollers to experiment with etc. You'll also need a soldering iron and a multimeter to be able to do anything useful.

In short, don't look to a microcontroller just for a solution to this specific project but rather as a skill you will acquire that will allow you to make all KINDS of things for your smoker, monitor things in your aquariums -you name it. That said, it is not a quick and simple thing and will take time, much like a reef tank doesn't instantly thrive.

[StirCrazy]

hmm just read over 100 topics on a forum and it seams all they are good for is blinking lights and making robots no one using them for temp control it seams.

Steve

[ScubaSteve]

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

hmm just read over 100 topics on a forum and it seams all they are good for is blinking lights and making robots no one using them for temp control it seams.

Steve

Dude, look at the first link I posted for ya. It has exactly what you are looking for including code! You'd just need to modify it a bit for the second sensor.

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by ScubaSteve

Dude, look at the first link I posted for ya. It has exactly what you are looking for including code! You'd just need to modify it a bit for the second sensor.

yup I was looking at that one actualy. I am a member of that forum and it caught my eye the other day.

I guess the one big question I have is, is there a place I can go online to learn about all this stuff. like a "for dummies write up" pr PDF file I can download that will explain how to assemble code and upload it.. I guess the hardware part is easy enough.. figure out what you need and put it togeather. but it is the programing side that has me hesident.

I see the the programing and such from that smoking meat forum but I have no idea what to do with it.

Steve

[banditpowdercoat]

I'd love to play around with Arduino, but I have so many other things on the go. No darn time LOL But, if there was a PDF for dummies... LOL Hmmm