I have completed my first project!

I brew my own beer and need to control temperature during fermentation. I already have a temp controller but it does not do everything I want. I can only hold the set temp and I have to manually adjust it if I want to change over time. The problem is that I brew at our family vacation house 100 miles from where I live.

I have posted the code here. I am new to C programming and I realize that it is not the best code but it works.

Using the thermometer as a starting point I was able to have output pins trigger at specific temps. I have one pin for heating and one for cooling. I still need to work out the wiring for the relays.

Using the realtime clock I can program a temperature schedule. In the code I have it increase 4 degrees in ½ degree increments over 7 days.

I would like to add logging to a computer. I have data streaming to the serial port but it is dumping too much data to put it in all in a log file. My choices are to either have a script on the computer only log data at given intervals or program the NerdKit to only send data at fewer intervals. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Don

Don - you've amalgamated 2 of my favorite things... technology and beer! Sir, I salute you!

I'm loving the idea, and jealous that I don't brew my own (although here in the uk, there are plenty of microbreweries, so real beers always near.)

I'm just thinking out loud here, but regarding your data logging. I've just quickly looked at your code (and now appreciate how useful comments are :) ) You could strip your main function down a little into smaller functions (like one for heat, cool etc) this will initially make the main function a little clearer. Then within each function you could pass the details that you want to log (time...heat on...temp), then remove the other output to the serial port. This then will only give you the 'main events'. If you want more detail, maybe set a count variable, or use 'the_time' and an 'if' statement, so that you can get more information, but only every minute - or whatever you require. This would then reduce the amount of data you'd be logging.

The other method, as you've mentioned is just to have your computer control how often the data is logged.

From a computer point of view, a script or two could then be used (I'd use SED but I'm useless) to then just get the data that you need to know from the logs. You could also set up a little script to email you for main events (or, god forbid, errors). Although if an error occurs, you still have 100 miles to navigate to try and save anything.

Another thought, could you set up your computer to send an emergency shutoff if the worst should happen?

I hope you get everything sorted to your satisfaction. Best of luck to you.

I highly recommend you try brewing it is easy and fun. You should check out how to brew.

I think your idea of putting the serial log in a function for each switch is a good idea. I think I will also add a state switch variable so I can display on the LCD how many times it changed state.

Thanks,

Don

We have Fermentation!

Phase 1 is a go. I brewed a Belgian Blond on the weekend and it is fermenting away. I have programed the NerdKit (Code) to raise the fermentation temp by .5 degrees a day for a week. I have a relay set up to turn on a heater that is wrapped around the carboy. The basement is cool enough that I do not need to set up any cooling.

I will be back out there the weekend after this and I will let you all know how it went.

Thanks again for everyone who helped.

Don

Don - looking good! And a belgian blond - one of my favorites. Hope it tastes good.

But this will open the debate...duct tape vs electrical tape. I really think you should go with duct tape.

Nothing screams 'GOOD ENGINEERING' like duct-tape - it's just the professional thing to do!

Electrical tape should be used for what it was made for... sticking over cuts on your fingers! (DISCLAIMER : you probably shouldn't do that!)

Nothing screams [GOOD ENGINEERING] like duct-tape

Oh, I thought you said "ducked ape". 'Cause I had one in my project, but it didn't scream "GOOD ENGINEERING". It screamed something incomprehensible.

(quietly leaves the room)

For this project I prefer electrical tape because I have to remove it easily.

And forget about duct tape. Real men use gaffers tape.

Agree - duct tape is the poor mans gaffer tape

As an Aussie - I can appreciate good beer - I only wish I could be there drinking it with you. Fantastic project!!

As for Duct Tape vs Electrical - Remember the catch cry "Spare the Duct Tape, spoil the project!!" Only girlies use gaffer tape - for waxing their legs!!

Beer is done fermenting. The NerdKit worked like a charm.

I hit my final gravity reading of 1.010. It started at 1.068 so that makes it about 7.6% ABV exactly where I wanted it. It stayed in the temp range I wanted. In the future I plan on having it hooked up to a laptop so I can get some live logging of it.

I have keged it and it is carbonating/conditioning now. I will a have a tasting this weekend.

The picture is upside down because I soldered my own board and I added a header so the LCD can plug directly in the board. Worked great but unfortunately it is upside down. It is ok for now, I am planning on putting the whole thing in an enclosure now that it works.

Don

Don - looking good. The beer sounds quite strong for my tastes, but it's still making me want to nip to the pub. I wonder if there's a way to invert the text so it's the right way up.

Well done!

Well I screwed up something in my recipe/process and I am getting an off flavor. I am sending it out to some experts for an analysis.

The good news is that NerdKit performed flawlessly. I am very happy with how it worked.

I should be brewing again in a week or so. I will keep you all up to date.

Don