I just created the ability to read Tilt (Brewometer) values in the interface. Fairly easily to get into BruControl. Right now this would work with Arduino 101 interfaces but I need to figure out how/if other Bluetooth modules can do it.
Our original project scope included a plan to compile to run on RPI hardware. As we developed we realized some of the underpinnings would not run under Mono.Net so the path to run under Linux was blocked as far as I know. I know Windows has its challenges but I believe in terms or reliability, it's much better suited to automation control than RPI. BC is meant to be a platform which runs all the time, so a Windows install makes sense from that perspective, but we understand less expensive or other hardware is preferential to many. We hope the upcoming web server inclusion will make it accessible to more hardwares like tablets etc.
As far as native Mac I would have to research it. Thanks for the inquiry!
No link. PM me with your email and I will forward the spec sheets I have.
No minimums but shipping is expensive if you only buy a couple. I will be ordering a few more so if interested, we can combine.
I just created the ability to read Tilt (Brewometer) values in the interface. Fairly easily to get into BruControl. Right now this would work with Arduino 101 interfaces but I need to figure out how/if other Bluetooth modules can do it.
Ok, will look to do it in the next week or so.
Are you sure you want a T-port? Motorized valves can only be in two positions, unlike a manual one which can swing all the way around.
What voltage? 12V I assume?
Haha... you would need to buy yours at https://tilthydrometer.com/.
Are you planning to support the 7 segment displays that are supported with BCS and brewtroller?
First, let me say I fundamentally disagree with this idea. One of the benefits of a flexible user interface is to have it however YOU want it. No limitations of hardware and no clones! Size, color, location, number, graphics, etc. are for you to decide. Put as many as your want on one screen. Stack, go side by side, or have 30 PID displays on one screen - whatever you want whenever you want it.
Second, and more importantly, a major benefit to a software based system and user interface is expansion/modification, size, and control panel logistics. You can add and remove controls when you like, without drilling or cutting holes. Control boxes can be smaller and mounted remotely or hidden out of the way. The user interface is a computer monitor screen - so size and mounting are flexible and don't take much space. Micro-controller interfaces like the MEGA provide abundant I/O, so if you want to add more devices like elements, sensors, electric valves, etc., you can do so when your desire and budget allow it, then just add the software elements on the screen.
Note we do currently support this 20x4 LCD (see here: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showpost.php?p=7786009&postcount=230). We built this in primarily for use with remote controllers like fermenter or kegerator controls, but you can use it in your brewery if you want. We just added these to the Order List.
Now, all that said, if you *really* want a 7-segment display (like this one: https://www.adafruit.com/product/1268), I can add it easily enough. I want to build a solution that you want to use and are happy with!
The reason I asked is because some of us already have control panels based off of BCS or brewtroller and would like to convert over to this solution as it offers more features and HW support. Additionally some of us brew outdoors. It's already a big enough pain to haul everything out of the garage and setup in the back yard. I'm not going to be moving my desktop outdoors every time I want to brew as well. LCDs can be a pain in the ass to read on a bright sunny day when the sun doesn't hit the screen right. If you don't want to support the 7 segment displays that some of us already have in their panels, then I at least suggest supporting an OLED character display as those do not have the same issues with reading in sunlight.
Great points here. It would definitely be a PITA to drag a desktop outside! I suppose it would be better to use a laptop, of if another remote computer were doing the control work, you could use a tablet with screen sharing (this is what I do and it works well - a PC inside runs BC and I used an RDP app on my iPad in the garage). In the next iteration we will have a web interface so that it another display avenue.
You could certainly run with dedicated control hardware, though I think it would hold you back from your brewery's potential. To just display two or three numbers would be limited. Are you saying you do not want to have any screen/monitor at all? How many 7-segment displays do you have?
If you would like to discuss live, PM me and I will reply with my cell.
I think the currently supported 4x20 LCD display might be your best bet. Inexpensive, and 4 lines. I will need to take one outside to see how it does in sunlight to be sure. See some of the possible displays to look at are here: https://www.adafruit.com/category/63_96. The one I am mentioning is PRODUCT ID: 198. There is a 2-line OLED which might be best, but you are limited to two lines.
The LCDs are not autonomous though (whereas for example, the PID aglorithm is). So BruControl needs to run on a computer somewhere. Would you then have BruControl communicate to the interface via WiFi?
OK, I understand. You have 4 of the displays that BCS produces already. Issue is I don't have one and I don't see literature available for it as they are likely proprietary, so I don't think we can support it. I2C is a standard bus, but the communication across it is dependent on the device. We could support standard 7 segment displays (like these: https://www.adafruit.com/product/878), but these are not the ones you already have and would require hardware modification to get them to work in the spaces you have, especially because the ones you have are a double-pack.
I thought that it might use a basic I2C driver chip, but after looking at the displays I see they have an atmel micro on them so you are correct that we are dealing with proprietary firmware. I wonder if they would be willing to share the register map in hopes of selling more displays.
First, for a 12V or 24V DC pump, you can control it via PWM through a MOSFET board (like an SSR but switches DC). @augiedoggy does this with the tan "solar" pumps and he has stated it to be a very successful method. He mentioned the 24V Topsflo pump may not handle PWM well as there is a step-down circuit inside - perhaps he can weigh in here.
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