PID questions

[DiverDude]

Weeellll...it's just a different form of addiction. If you ever thought it'd be cool to own an aquarium-related business, let me tell you: if you love it that much, don't do it as a biz ! I was nuts for the electronics thing; started and ran that company for 10 years and in the end wanted nothing to do with it.

I still have a lot of equipment and tools but I still dread it a bit. I'm thinking that I'll eventually warm back to it and a fun project controlling parameters of a tank could be just the project to do that.

[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

[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.

I'll say it again: If you just want to make the smoker work, then desigining your own controller is not for you. It's as much about the journey as the destination !

[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