BEERMON

To start this blog, I will begin with my first "real" invention that I have called the "BEERMON". What is BEERMON I hear you ask???

Purpose:

• Brew beer with electronic information available
• Notify the user daily via email with brewing stats
• Display Brewing stats in real time on an LCD display
• Have a webpage available to be able to view brewing stats from anywhere

Parts Used:

• LCD display with an I2C interface built in
• 2 x temperature sensor probes to test the ambient temperature and also the fridge internal temp
• 1 x Heater to place inside the fridge to help regulate temperature
• 2 x 5V / 240V relay switches to turn on the fridge/heater depending on fridge termperature
• Raspberry Pi Model B 512MB
• Female --> Female Jumper Leads
• 2 x Hacked up Power Extension leads for relay input and output
• 1 x ultrasonic sensor to test hydrometer depth
• 1 x WiFi dongle for wireless network connection

Results so far:

• Temp Monitoring is working
• Relays turn on/off as needed for heater / fridge
• Daily email notifications are working
• LCD display is working
• Ultrasonic sensor is working
• Monitoring web page is working as well as WiFi config from webpage

My Prototype is ready to test a brew. I just need to wait until I have enough cash to purchase a bar fridge, heater, brew kit and parts to make a tube for the hydrometer and to mount the ultrasonic sensor.

MORE UPDATES SOON. I WILL POST PICS SOON TOO.