DIY: UDS temp controller using Android
Hey all, I'm preparing to build a temperature controller for my UDS using an old Android phone as the computer and I'm hoping to get some advice and ideas from all of you as this project goes along. I've already built a controller using an Arduino but it's not wireless and it doesn't log the temps. I hope that the new controller will be easy enough that many of you can also build one once it's complete. I will keep this thread updated and when it's done I'll create a step-by-step guide over on Instructables.com.
My design goals, in order of importance:
I've decided on using an Android phone largely because I already have an old one I can donate to the project. For iPhone users it should be possible to get an old Android phone somewhere cheap. The phone comes with WiFi and Bluetooth for a couple of different wireless options. It can also run a web server for remote operation. My current plan is to use a IOIO board to connect to the Android phone. A TB6612FNG driver will be used to run a small blower that will be attached to the inlet valve of the UDS. The Android will monitor the temperature and--using a PID algorithm--set the speed of the blower appropriately. In general I think that this is workable. My biggest concern right now is how to fit the blower to the UDS. Most of us have some sort of nipple on the UDS and I can't come up with a good (and easy) way to connect them. I'm hoping to get some ideas from you all. What are some suggestions for snaking the thermometers into the UDS? Right now I'm threading them through the exhaust vents on the lid but this is inelegant and annoying when opening the lid. At $50 the IOIO is the single largest expense so far (other than the phone). I'd love to hear of an alternative. |
Doh. I was getting an error and clicked "Submit" multiple times. Sorry for the spam. If a moderator can delete the extras I'd be thankful.
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Done!
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BBQ guru cyberQ. By far the most ready to run remote Internet acess BBQ cooking there is IMO. I have one on the way as an upgrade to my diqigdx2 which I'm very impressed with
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WAAAYYYYYY looking forward to this!
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Me to. Something like this sounds so far above what I am actually capable of that I can wait to give it a try.
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More seriously, I see this in the description of the CyberQ: Open lid detect senses when the pit’s lid is open to minimize the temperature disturbance and recover quickly to the setpoint, can be turned on /off (default is ON) How useful is this? Is this something that users find important? It also mentions that it runs on 12VDC so it can be used with car adapter. That makes a lot of sense so I'll plan on using 12VDC. |
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I'll be watching out for your Android-based controller - good luck! PS- The easiest way to get probe in the cooker is by cutting a notch in the rim of the drum. Place probes in meat. Place meat in cooker. Place wires in notch. Shut the lid... much easier than running the probes/wires through grommets or the vent holes. |
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You may consider using some if not all of the HeaterMeter code. The IOIO uses the exact same microcontroller and if you can get it to show up as a serial device to the Android OS, you can just use the HeaterMeter serial protocol to do all your work and just focus on making a kick-butt Android app to record/display it. |
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Here is open lid detect in action. |
Looks like a great project! I will be following this thread, for updates.
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I don't know anything about android programming (I actually bricked several phones trying to root before I gave up) or making my own PID, but this sounds awesome!
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On a side note, i wish you luck and am not trying to deter your project. On pelletheads we have seen many people try to make their own PID device/unique contraption, and the success rate is IMO less than 1%. They come and go and end up spending $100+ on something the doesn't work or works but not how they expected. That's just the realist in me talking. Good luck sir, I will be following this thread also
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Thanks, all, for the posts. This is exactly what I'm looking for. Keep it up!
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Android development (as I understand it) uses Java instead of C so I won't be able to copy your code without changes but it should still be a big help. I think I remember your posts on the Virtual Weber board. Thanks for the link! I will copy your example and try to put in an "open lid" timer, although that will come later. Quote:
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Have you read some of the other threads on here re: Arduino based controllers? You may be the first to assemble an Android based one. Of course, the Heatermeter is a superb (and superbly documented) project. [oh btw - how did you manage to quote multiple posts in your reply? I have been on here a couple of years and have not been able to figure it out!!] |
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