I am trying to come up with a fairly complicated bbq smoker controller. I was thinking about using PIDs and a labjack but am now thinking that an arduino setup might work better.
First though, a little about me. I am very capable when it comes mechanical things, somewhat ok with electrical, but know absolutely nothing about programming. I am a very quick learner and do have a couple programmer friends that could probably be bribed into helping with that though. With my skill levels how doable would something like this be?
I am looking for something that will monitor the air temperature in the smoker and activate a fan hooked to the air inlet to control the temperature. In its most basic form that it was it is. I also want it to be able to have these features too.
Use k type thermocouples
Run at least 2 pits independently
Monitor food temp as well (just a read out, this would be have no affect on the fan)
Integrate with a computer for tracking, real time info, and making adjustments
Control an actuator that would completely close off airflow
Have a momentary switch that will stop the fan from turning on for a set period of time
2 digital readouts that will show the air temp and food temp for each pit
I would also like it to use PID logic to avoid or minimize overshooting the temp.
So is this feasble or should I continue researching my original plans of the PIDs and labjack?
I remember another project like this: http://arduino.cc/forum/index.php/topic,22277.0.html
Monitoring the temperature and turning the fan on and off is fine for a beginner, just make sure you can follow the tutorials.
If the arduino is directly connected to the computer then communication would be fine for a beginner. Using wireless communication would require a bit of programming, but there are examples of that, it may be intermediate.
controlling the actuator motor Motors 1
learning programming: Arduino Tutorial - Lesson 1 - Let there be blink!
thermocouple hookup: Thermocouple sensor tutorial
If you actually want this device, I might suggest just buying it. I looked into building what you're talking about, but heard that tuning the PIDs can be tricky.
But I realize sometimes these projects are more about the 'doing' than then 'having', and if that's the case, go to town. Here's the proof that it's possible.
I am familiar with the guru but would want something more along the lines of the stoker. The only problem is it would run me $500. Plus there are a few functions that I want that aren't available with the stoker, or guru for that matter.
I had thought I wanted to use thermocouples but now I am reading and thinking that RTD might be better if I do go the arduino route.
Ok, so I just want to get an idea of everything that would be needed.
Main arduino board/kit
wifi board
temperture boards (either rtd or thermocouple)
thermo probes
fan
and other small misc things for attaching and wires/switches etc