An open source brewing controller to control brewing temperatures using an adjustable propane regulator (as on a turkey fryer) controlled by a servo, in turn controlled by an arduino using PID. The goal is to have a fully-functional 2 or 3 pot brewing system that can use a RIMS, HERMS, direct fired, or insulated mash tun. This system should be automated, so that it shouldn't need human intervention. However, this is a propane fueled project, so you should not leave it unattended. **** Propane is highly combustable, poisonous, and can explode, killing you and burning down your house**** **** Do not leave any burner using this code unattended****
description and discussion of the project can be found at homebrewtalk - http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f235/any-interest-starting-new-open-source-automated-brewing-project-propane-380624/
I can be reached at [email protected] good luck and happy homebrewing! -JR
V0.1 This is the first version of the controller. It will control ONE burner. *I'm using two Maxim (Dallas Semiconductor) Ds18b20 digital temperature sensors. *I'm also using one Sail winch servo to turn the regulator knob (this is the exact model http://www.ebay.com/itm/L-S785-Laser-Servo-Drum-Winch-Sail-boat-sailboat-winch-Same-as-Hitec-HS-785HB-/330833209709?pt=US_Radio_Control_Control_Line&hash=item4d0732296d) *I'm using a Brinkmann turkey fryer with an adjustable regulator as my heat source *This code is for Arduino UNO *The sketch code itself is in the PID_temperature_to_servo_control_angle folder *The libraries used are in the libraries folder *Props to those who have gone before. The resources and inspirations I've used are in the resources-inspiration folder. The eventual goal is to get to something like HABS that uses the propane+PID heating system.
Big to-dos: *some safety system. The brinkmann fryer has a gas shutoff built in, so if the flame dies the gas shuts off. If you're not using a system with that, you may need to shutoff the gas manually in case there isn't enough gas to support a flame, but still enough to build up causing your untimely demise. The brinkmann fryer doesn't have electric ignition, so it requires manually re-lighting when the gas is turned back up. the best solution would probably be a standing pilot ignition system.
*The PID settings need to be tuned. I tried running an auto tune with no success. I will have to manually tune when I have some time.
*Adding timers, displays, etc.