Multi-channel kitchen timer - starting again from scratch

Projects General Guidance
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Hi. I’m still struggling with my project, and it’s looks like I have start from the beginning, with new approach. The goal is to build multi channels kitchen timer. In my case it supposed to be three channels. I like to use; Arduino uno or better Mega, 3x4digits 7 segments I2C displays, 3x2digits lcd segments with 74HC595, 1xkeypad 4x4, 1xDS3231.

For displaying hours and minutes 4 digits display is used, for seconds 2 digits display with different color and smaller, keypad for entering data and operation (I like to enter data by keypad), and DS3231 to have option to display current time.

Perhaps all are familiar with chip 4 channel kitchen timer. For example, timer A is running, but I can select timer B and set it up – when A is still running. By running I mean timer/display is still counting. I can select any timer and adjust time/setup – while rest are running.

I was asking already in this forum about delay, mills and interrupt. I learn a lot, but still do not know how to approach this kind of project.

I’m looking for easy to understand direction, with tips.

Of course, I can use multi boards such as Arduino Nano – but it is not what I’m looking for.

Of course, I can buy it very cheap – but it is not mine.

I already have completed one channel – with interrupt every second from DS3231, but now I’m stack now. Perhaps I will have to start it again from the very beginning, with you help.

I hope you will be able to kick me in right direction.

Thx in advance

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Please read the topic " How to get the best from this forum."
You post no schematics, no code.... How can You expect help out of that?
You are stuck on what?

3

I don't see the need for interrupts - you can do all your timing with millis. My kitchen timers don't care what clock time is either, they just know how long they're to run before beeping, so the DS3231 seems unnecessary too.

Use the keypad to set the alarm length and store it as a number of seconds. When the timer is started, grab the current value of millis and store it. Check millis on every iteration of loop to see whether each timer is done.

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I'm stack - because i do not know how to add next channel. I put in my description clearly - timer A is running and i like to set up next timer - but timer A is still running ( displaying changing seconds etc)

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As i mention before - it is like multi timers running at the same time. And still i can adjust one of them simultaneously. I really do not know how to describe more clearly. Like ordinary multi channel kitchen timer for 5$

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I’m pretty sure I understand what you are trying to make. I have multiple timers each set for a different time that can be started independently. You want to do something similar with a single device.

I can change the time each will take (though I don’t) and you want to do the same with the keypad.

Is that it?

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Yes - exactly - here is link to similar
[Amazon.ca]

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Please post your entire sketch, in a new message. Do not neglect to use code tags.

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Don't use delay.

Use millis.

Can't see a need to use interrupts based on your description of what you want to do.

Does that help?

10

Describe what you have not described at all, which is what you have attempted so far, what happened, and how that was different to what you wanted.

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If for your DS3231 you are using the "RTClib.h" library in addition to its normal use to create as many virtual clocks as you want in the following way:

RTC_Millis rtc1; //virtual clock 1
RTC_Millis rtc2; //virtual clock 2
RTC_Millis rtc3; //virtual clock 3
RTC_Millis rtc4; //virtual clock 4

You will be able to operate with them with the same orders as with the real rtc and they are not affected by delays or anything, they go at their own pace. Your problem translates to just worrying about making good menus.

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Thx a lot. Yes, I use RTCLib. I already check keywords for this library, and indeed - there is RTC_Mills. I will have to find some examples for study. I do not know what RTC_Millis do, but I will learn and try.
Do you suggest that I will have 4 independent clocks? Sounds exciting.

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Exactly, that you can put each one at the time you want, reset independently... etc.
If you know or learn to do your project with a single clock, (the real RTC), you have already done it, it is to repeat the same thing for the 4 virtual ones, they are the same commands and comparisons.

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