Hello all. I'm a beginner with all the Arduino and electricity stuff.
I have a coffee grinder (data sheet is added at the bottom) that grinds only while a hold switch is held.
I want to add a timer function so that it will grind a preset amount of time each use.
I don't yet know exactly how will it be, but generally asking if the timer idea is doable, and if so, how and if it's doable for a beginner like myself, considering the high voltage.
The machine is connected to a 220v and also has a general on\off switch that allows the hold switch to work.
Are you wanting to put the Arduino board and accessories and power supply inside the grinder housing? Or are you wanting an external box with the new controls, etc. that you plug the grinder into. To get it to run, you will need to start the grinder running pretty soon after starting the timer.
Paul
Given your lack of experience with electricity and general safety I would discourage you from attempting to modify the grinder in any way.
That does not prevent you from doing this, though. Were I you I would do two things:
I'd attach the grinder to a wooden base that will be shared with the machine that you'll build.
I'd make a machine to press the button for a specified amount of time.
For this application you'll need:
Just about any Arduino board, I'd use an Uno
A servo, 90 degrees or 180 degrees, wither will do and both are cheap but get one with metal gears as the button may provide resistance. Also be prepared to upgrade it to a stronger one if the button requires a lot of force.
A real time clock module so you can program different times of day any day of the week easily
You should be able to connect these
A tiny breadboard and at least 8 single wire jumpers
(Optional) a case for the Arduino, or a project box, wait to get this until you get things mostly in order. I'd recommend it because this will be in your kitchen, presumably
Now you need to learn a bit about both and read on how to make the machine components. Your next post should be to ask a specific question or to show off your awesome electronic button pusher.
Try pressing the button without holding onto the coffee grinder. If it comes on without issue then you don't need the wooden base, but if you push the button and the entire unit moves then you need the base to connect the two machines.
You may or may not need it but my experience with button pushers and useless boxes says that you probably will.
Hi, remember me?
So I got things working electricity & code wise, I'm left with mechanical problems now. Maybe you can help;
I still haven't figured out how to mount the servo in place. It needs to sit firmly next the the silver pushbutton in the center.
the servo is a micro, so it's horns are also very small and plasticy so they're bending and are having a problem pressing the button. I need to make some adjustments to the horn. I did check and the servo does have the torque to press it. It's 1kg-cm
These are fingers for a useless box. Does the hole pattern look familiar?
These can mount right to a servo adapter.
You can find a cheap useless box kit to buy them, or you can attempt to make one yourself.
This is what I'd use as the finger to press the button.
