GrillControl.com | Blog

Test 2&3

ryan — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:37:27 +0000

I have done some testing the past few weekends. Even was able to cook a butt today using the new controller. I think I have most of the hardware bugs worked out. I am going to work on the final hardware design this week. The software still has a bit to go. I need to work on the control system. Right now temps are too unstable… about 10deg swings. Although this is with NO tuning, just simple on/off first try. Hopefully another test next weekend will be better.

Testing has started

ryan — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:02:16 +0000

I just did round one of testing on the new prototype. Things went ok, I was able to get the cooker up and running. There hot rod is temperature controlled instead of time. This makes the hot rod last longer because it is on less. It also makes sure the cooker will start if it is empty or cold, no priming required! I have debugged some of the start sequence, the next area is the run sequence. I was having a few crashes I need to fix.

The controller is setup as a drop-in replacement for the standard controller. Some eye candy…

Still Around

ryan — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 01:44:37 +0000

Hi All, Just a quick update to say this project is still alive! I have been struggling with some health issues and full time job issues that have been slowing me down, but I am still working on the project. I have a prototype controller built that has full automated control over the pit and is a drop-in replacement for the current Treager controller. It has control over the web via WiFi.

Current ToDo List:

integrate a LCD for non-web control and status at the pit
finish the web interface and controllability via the web
implement remote firmware updates
debug alarms for temperature and time
design v2 of the hardware prototype integrating an LCD and local buttons for control and other changes
test on my 075 and post results
manufacture 5 prototypes for field testing

Still working

ryan — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:29:32 +0000

Hi All! I know I have not updated for awhile. I have been dealing with a few health issues and family issues that have kept me too busy to work on this project. But things are getting better and I am beginning to make some progress on the controller again.

I have started to do some improvements to the control algorthims as well as the web-based controls. I was having issues in the software with the first prototype where the controller was locking up in the middle of the cook. I am also working on getting the software to be “user” configurable and not only configurable through the source code. This mean I can be closer to something I can send out and not expect you all to have a CS or EE degree to figure the thing out.

I am trying to find something simple and cheap for a display on the controller itself and buttons. If anyone has any expirence with small LCD’s please let me know, I could use the help.

Thanks for you patience! I did not forget about all of you.

First Prototype Test

ryan — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:30:03 +0000

Sorry for the lack of posting, but I have been busy! Last weekend I got in all the components for the boards, about 40 different items! I spend most of the weekend populating the 3 PCB’s that make up the controller. One is for temperature interface, one for the AC/DC power supply and outputs to the fan/auger, and one for the main processor.

I had to work out a few bugs to get the controller working, but no major show stopping issues. I ended up putting it in my Traeger 075 today to try out. First try, everything worked! Now I am going to work on the software to get out some big bugs and get a few things working better. I will also be building in network-based updates. After I get all this working, I will be contacting a few people to possibly try one or two units. I will get in touch with you soon!

The specs on the prototype so far include:

4 outputs for fan, auger, hot rod, and aux
4 thermocouple inputs ( 1 control, 3 meat probes)
web based interface
WiFi network connection
charting of all temperatures
web control over all parameters and settings
temperature based alarms
plug-in replacement for current controller (no special wiring)
and more…

So here is a bit of eye candy to drool over… (click for bigger pictures)

Alot of parts

ryan — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 03:47:44 +0000

Just ordered 33 different components to make sure I can get the prototype going next weekend.

Happy 4th everyone! I did a butt and 2 racks to celebrate this weekend. Mmmmm

PCB’s Galore

ryan — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:35:58 +0000

Just got in the first shipment of test PCB’s! I should get all the components to test it out by the end of next week.

Things are getting exciting!!

I’m alive!

ryan — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:23:41 +0000

Hi everyone. I am alive, even though I have not been posting. I have spent the past couple weeks designing the first prototype. It is nothing too great, but I did get all the circuit boards ordered last week. I am finishing up all the parts list and hope to have a unit together in about a week or two!

Progress

ryan — Mon, 04 May 2009 13:04:44 +0000

Made some headway this weekend, but still a lot of work before I can get the prototypes out. Here is a bit of a teaser!

PCB’s Ahhh!

ryan — Sat, 02 May 2009 23:03:00 +0000

Well I am still working on things. The PCB designing is a killer! Lots of getting specs on components, quoting them out, making sure they work on the pcb layout, designing the cad, routing signals, and making everything fit in the same footprint as the current controllers!

This is no easy task. I will let you know when I get some prototypes ordered up!