This is an opening post to introduce a project I have been developing on dark stormy nights fueled by Jameson Irish Whiskey that I plan to make availble to members here at low cost, or build yourself. I will release the firmware etc. when completed. First I would like to share the concept and features and get some input to help finalise the design.
So what is it?
- USB powered data logger
- Up to 4 x temperature sensor inputs on 3.5mm stereo jacks
- Uses the Dallas DS18B20 sensor with up to 12 bit res (0.06 degrees C)
- 1 x LPM head input (1mV per mW)
- Build in backlit LCD
Functionality:
- Works stand-alone when USB powered, detecting connected sensors and adjusting screen automatically
- Works with the free Parralax Data Log tool that integrates with MS Excel
- Sample period adjustable via PC for 5, 10, 30 & 60 seconds
This leaves you free to log to Excel easily and setup what graphing, trending and dashboard you want. I have been dialing in an old DPSS 532nm module, logging the LD TEC temp, heatsink temp and optical power which makes setup of the TEC PID control loop much easier! Make a small adjustment, go away, come back and look at the graphs. Easy.
I plan to add option to select temp in C or F. Its all mounted in a small box the size of a pack of cards.
If you dont want to log, but just the LCD data you can power it from any PC etc USB port or a plug pack USB charger like those available just about every electronics dept.
By choosing the Dallas digital sensors there is no calibration required for temperature measurements, only a single 10 turn trimmer to calibrate the ADC reference for the LPM function, currently limited to 1023mW with a resolution of 1mW but I do plan to provide 3 or 4 hardware switched ranges, ie. 1, 2, 4 & 8W.
Full details, pics, plans etc when its complete, but this will at least show some of the logging I have been doing and the dashboards I have found usefull. (next post)
Edit: target price as a DIY build is $150 USD!!!!