Wireless Web-Serving Temperature Probe

Some of you might recall last year about this time I was talking about making a wireless probe for my smoker. Well, I finally did it. The temp probe I've used for a long time to monitor the meats finally died. No choice.

I wanted something to make my life easier. I'm usually fairly busy. And, admittedly, I'm a serious geek (proud of it, too). So, had to involve computers.

I bought an Arduino microcontroller, a type K thermocouple food-grade temperature probe with stainless-sheated leads, a WiFi shield for the Adruino, and a chip to let the microcontroller get info from the thermocouple in a meaningful fashion.

And, I had to write a little software for it because nothing out there existed (or at least, was available).

Cost? About $155. Microcontroller $35. Probe $50. WiFi shield $55. Interface chip $15. My soldering skills came free.

What does it do? It serves up a little web page that tells me the current probe temperature. I love it. From any computer in the house (including my cell phone's web browser), I can check the temperature.

What's next? Multiple probe support (including smoker ambient temperature). Text message (SMS) alerts when target temperature nears or ambient smoker temperature drops too low. Temperature graphs and long-term storage.

Here it is:

dmprantz said:

Pretty cool. You had me until you said soldering.

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Only the thermocouple interface board (the little one) required any soldering. And, you can buy them now pre-built.

dmprantz said:

I definitely like the concept though. Convert your microcontroller to a tini board, add a one-wire controller for the serial bus, and you've got a Stoker Seriously, I know the joy to be had from doing the tech stuff yourself, but know what's out there.

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Yeah, I wanted to be able to make this do exactly what I wanted. So, that meant I had to make it myself.

I need to add a little protection for it. It's a little naked at the moment.

Meat Burner said:

Did you ever think about a cold beer and sitting by the fire. Feeding fuel every now an then and BS'n with buds about Q. Nice post but just a thought.

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Um, no. I don't like beer. Would prefer to sip a good single-malt.

I don't have a stick burner.

And, sadly, people around here don't like to talk about Q. Just eat it. So, I'm alone while cooking. Around here "BBQ" is "grilling meat in a hibachi while fanning the coals to make it really hot".

I come here to this great site to talk about Q. Without you guys, I'd be lost.

Plans ... Hardware

The microcontroller is a Arduino Duemilanove. You can get it at http://www.makershed.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MKSP4 or any number of other sources. I happen to like Make Magazine.

The WiFi shield is the WiShield from AsyncLabs. This is a plug-and-play WiFi interface for the Arduino. Does almost everything for you easily. You can get it from http://asynclabs.com/store?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=17&category_id=6

The interface chip (and board) is from MakerBot Industries. It's their Thermocouple Sensor Kit 1.0. This requires a little soldering. Very, very easy. Currently $16. http://store.makerbot.com/electronics/electronics-kits/thermocouple-sensor-v1-0-kit.html


The probe is more complex to order. I ordered it from Omega.com. I use their probe configurator. it's a Flash interface. Takes a little time to load. Go here: http://www.omega.com/config/probeconfig_TC.html

1. First, select a K-type thermocouple. Press Continue.
2. For Style, select Transition Joint. Then Rugged Junction. Press Continue.
3. For Sheath Material, select Super Omegaclad XL. Press Continue.
4. For Length, select 6". Press Continue. (I'm tempted to see if they'll sell me a 4" probe)
5. For Diameter, select 0.062 (1/16)". Press continue.
6. For Junction, select Ungrounded. This has a slower response time (around 5 seconds) but gives better protection against noise. Press Continue.
7. For Wire Length, select Custom. I chose 60" on my first probe, but picked 120" for my second. Yes, I want a 10-foot lead so I can put my electronics just about anywhere.
8. For Overbraid option, select Stainless Steel.
9. For Termination, select Stripped Leads.
10. Press Get Price.
11. This gave me part number TJ120-CAXL-116U-6-SB. $51.75.
12. Press Buy Now and go through checkout.

tommiegunnz said:

HAHA oops I gues that's what happens when you start a post and grab a drink part way through

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Haha, true. I've done that many times.

Still, you quote Yoda in your sig. So, all is forgiven! :-D

hahahaha ... I'm only six years into Project Offspring. He's got a ways to go.

Mo-Dave said:

Its never to early to start programming er I mean parenting.
Dave

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I've started with the First Directive: Daddy Knows Everything

Nope, James 2.0 ... oops, I mean James Jr.

Thats really cool. On your next cook you should post a link to your website where we can watch the temps!