I am thinking again to develop WiFi thermometer to beat igrill
 

Inspired by success of igrill, I was thinking to develop a WIFI thermometer.
I gave up later as I heared too many goods about igrill.
But today I read different stories, I am thinking again to develop WIFI thermometer.

#1
No Bluetooth Range!
Written by Ron B from Kansas City
Oct 31, 2012
The Igrill works great if you are in a travel trailer and grilling outside your unit, but if your grilling in your garage and want to walk to the other end of your home and watch Telelvision, forget it, it won't happen, I could not be more than 40-50 feet away from my smoker using the Igrill, it has no blue tooth range. Sure, it works great if you have fresh batteries and no obstuctions, but if you put a wall between you and your grill the range is very limited. In summary the igrill eats batteries and it has very little range.

#2
Goog idea - doesn't work
Written by Kim R from Cairns
Jul 28, 2012
I really liked the idea of this product, but found it really hard to connect to either my iPhone or. iPad. Used it twice before it brokdown -will be askiing for my money back!
Not recommended for real cooks.

#3
Doesn't work as advertised
Written by Farrell B from Colorado Springs
Jul 16, 2012
The Bluetooth range is about 20 ft, not 200.
Even 10 ft away Bluetooth only works for a while, then you have to take the batteries out to reset to get it to start working again.
The display turns off after a very short time, making it not very useful as a non-Bluetooth device.
Great idea, terrible implementation.

#4
So doesn't meet the Apple standard for quality
Written by Bradley J from Minneapolis
May 30, 2012
When this contraption and app work everything is great. It's when it doesn't work that it really fails, which unfortunately is all too often.


I am thinking these points:
WiFi will have LONG range.
WIFI can be viewed by more devices, not only Apple series
I will use 2 pieces of A5 Li-ion batteries inside, plus recharging circuit and AC/DC adapter.
temp.-time graphing to be stored in your computer, and you can write a memo for each graphing.
High/Low temperature alarm
armored three wires probe other than 2 wires, more accurate and sturdy
Retail price of $60, free air mail

Your suggestions are appreciated before I walk the first step forward.

You have my vote. Count me in for one.

I have the igrill and havent experienced any of those problems. However I will be watching this thread with anticipation. I am always up for a new and improved version of a toy that i enjoy.:wink:

aslo the user can set sampling frequency, say 1 second, 10 second,30 second, 1 minute, just to save energy(battery). Or the user can turn off wifi to save energy (battery)

Rugged (probes do not go bad when you close the lid on them or wash them)
low-power (long battery life)
easy-to-use (for us dummies)
does not disconnect
Decent range (I'd be happy with 10' and through one wall)

For some reason, I don't see all of these "features" in any package. I've read of these problems with every system out there and others will say the system is flawless. Seemingly, QC issues abound.

I think a lot of those problems are user related, especially when it comes to dealing with WIFI. If you are a total noobie and know nothing about WIFI it can be a very difficult task to overcome even when its a simple problem to fix.

That is what I am worrying about
 

I have good lessons fron the LION

I could comment here but won't. :tsk::tsk::tsk:

Latest version is a little bit easier
 

You simply check all WIFI signals in your computer, and double click Golden-Lion.
Then in your browse just type 168.192.1.15, you will minitor and control your smoker from your computer, iPhone, iPad.
Not any setting is needed in your computer.
Simply Plug and Play.

But to access the LION to Internet via Router, you must have IT knowledge.
Service man/Tuitor is needed to teach common cutomers to access the LION to Internet.
We will pay commission of $30 for each LION accessing to internet.

One more question:
One says that igrill is battery eater. WIFI will be more a battery eater.
I am thinking to use 2 pieces of A5 battery, and with an AC/DC socket.
I can also design a BUILT-IN recharge circuit for Li-ion battery.
Usually if you buy Li-ion battery, you also buy a charging adapter.
Do you pay for a built-in recharge circuit or not, extra cost is $5.

Basically "YES"
 

Answer to Gore;2328161

Rugged (probes do not go bad when you close the lid on them or wash them),
A: yes! wires are protected by stainless steel braided and silion. If iGrill probe cost is $2 in China, my probe will be $10 in China. iGrill is made in China too.

low-power (long battery life),
A:Higher-Power, but I will supply an AC/DC adapter, optional an built-in recharge circuit

easy-to-use (for us dummies)
A:Not any setting on computer is needed

does not disconnect
A:depand on distance

Decent range (I'd be happy with 10' and through one wall)
A: at least WIFI is better than iGrill bluetooth

For some reason, I don't see all of these "features" in any package. I've read of these problems with every system out there and others will say the system is flawless. Seemingly, QC issues abound.
A:hopefully my WIFI will be better than iGrill, and it is my goal, otherwise I will quit.

This one is a lead pipe cinch and has been done before with cheap Arduino, wifi shield and one wire temp sensor.

Is there a commercial model available
 

If not, why.
If yes, link and brand name, and price ?
It seems that I want to reinvent wheels.
By the way I will use 3 wires probe with braided stainless steel and silicon and is better and stronger than iGrill's probe

Sounds like a good plan to me, you can count me in.

We have decided to go ahead with this WIFI thermometer
 

This morning our team made official desicion to go ahead with this WIFI thermometer.
1.With WIFI instead of Bluethooth
2.two probes
3.three wires probe armoured with braided stainless steel and silicon. sturdy and strong, and can be washed by water. Real cost of our probe in China is more than $6, price of iGrill probe is $1
4.graphing temp.vs time
5.High/Low temperature alarm
6.Accumulated time or time countdown
7.built-in recharging circuit
8.AC/DC adapter
9. li-ion battery (you need to buy Li-ion battery locally. Battery is not allowed to send via post office). Common non-rechargable battery does not work.
10. retail price $78, free mail cost door to door.

Expect to be ready middle of March as all China will have long holiday around Feb.10 for chinese new year.
You can book now at $58 and free mail.
Offer of $58 will be ended after March 15th, 2013