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.
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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…
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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
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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.
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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
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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!!
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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!
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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!
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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!
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Just did test #3 last night. I was not planning on it, but really wanted to cook potatoes and burgers and did not want to swap back to my 180-LV. I did not change many settings at all because I did not have time. Just a simple test turned on and set to 400°. Towards the end I was opening the lid alot for the burgers… turning, cheese, you get the idea. I kept the controller powered after I shutdown to show how much heat the Traeger holds after everything is off.
I was a little disappointed that it could not get up to temp too fast. It took about 20mins to get to 350, I would like to change that. Also the graph got a bit messed up, the white numbers are correct, and the same goes for the last graph. Well… I’m off to go make some code changes and improvements!
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