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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)

It’s starting to come together…

ryan — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 03:35:16 +0000

So I wanted to give a quick update on some progress. I have a micro controller I am working with as well as an LCD screen, buttons, prototyping boards…. all sorts of fun. So far things are going good with no major hiccups. I have some of the code for the startup and shutdown sequence done as well as changing the temperatures for all the alarms and setpoints. Its very exciting! If your interested in the details leave me a comment and I will post more information in the forums.

Also, I have started on a design for the controller and hookups. Here is the front:

and here is the back:

Please let me know what you think. This should give you an idea about where I am headed. Unfortunately to have a bigger screen the controller will not be able to be flush mounted, but I will try to make it as small as I can. It should bolt into the same slot as the current controller. As you can see it has a big bright LCD on the front with 5 buttons to control everything, as well as 3 1/8″ jacks for temp gages. On the back there is 4 connectors to directly plug in the Traeger wiring as well as one 1/8″ jack to accept the temp sensor.

More updates this week on the controller progress…