Category: Maker

Logging temperature meter (ltm) v1 – a preview

Logging temperature meter (ltm) is a ESP8266 based temperature measurement and logging device.

The project is based on port of an existing ESP8266 Arduino project, and consideration was given to migration to the ESP32 hardware platform, but there are large differences to the WiFi related libraries… so for now, ESP8266 looks ok. There remain development options for multi channel logging if needed.

Design criteria

The design criteria are:

  • small, portable, battery powered;
  • direct reading temperature scale;
  • flexibility for a range of sensors;
  • local display including bar graph, time, and temperature;
  • log measurements to a serial port of some kind;
  • offer remote access for recent measurement log.

Algorithms

The initial algorithm implemented is for a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor using the single ADC port on the ESP8266. The code uses the Steinhart-Hart model to solve for temperature.

Above is a plot of the Steinhart-Hart model (red) and the so-called B equation (green) for the NTC used in my car. They are quite similar in this case, but the Steinhart-Hart model is more accurate. Continue reading Logging temperature meter (ltm) v1 – a preview

Last update: 15th April, 2021, 1:12 PM

A handy 230VAC 10A inline power meter based on an inexpensive module from eBay

This article describes a simple and inexpensive inline power meter for use as a test instrument.

CNC routing

The box cutouts were done on a CNC router, but they could be done with hand tools.

Above, calcs of feeds and speeds for the CNC router. The box is actually ABS, but cutting speed for Polycarbonate is the same.

Above is the tool path for one side of the box. The cutouts suit the 7P-2 strain reliefs. The gcode is generated from a custom Python file using a custom library of common shapes that I use. Continue reading A handy 230VAC 10A inline power meter based on an inexpensive module from eBay

Last update: 20th April, 2021, 6:16 PM

A DIY thermostat based on the MS1230A controller

This article documents the build of a DIY thermostat based on an inexpensive ($12) Chinese temperature controller.

Controller module

The controller used is a 220VAC MH1230A.

Above is an internal view of the controller. Importantly it has a relay rated at 240V 30A, and 15A at PF=0.4. The datasheet rates the relay for a 2HP (1.5kW) motor. It uses a ‘conventional’ power supply, the brown component is the power transformer. Most similar products use inadequate relays and have low grade switched mode power supplies that create RF noise. Continue reading A DIY thermostat based on the MS1230A controller

Last update: 3rd April, 2021, 10:40 AM

A thermostatically controlled pot for waxing leg hold traps

We periodically have problems with rabbits from an adjoining reserve, and this summer has been bad enough to do something about the crepuscular critters.

Leghold traps from the factory are usually covered in some type of rust resisting oil combined with the residues of the manufacturing processes, all of which needs to be removed to de-scent the traps.

Practice varies, I spray them with ordinary degreaser and then after 5 min jet them clean with water.

There are a range of practices to colour and wax the traps, for rabbits I simply wax them and with supply shortages, I experimented with ordinary soy wax for container candles. This wax does not try hard, so it is not inclined to crack off, and it reduces rusting whilst lubricating moving parts.

Above is a pair of Victor Softcatch #1 traps that have been cleaned, lightly rusted (for colour), cleaned again and waxed. I also use Bridger #1.65 traps which do not rust as easily, so they are used without colouring at all and they seem every bit as successful when covered in sieved soil.

OTS

Above, the 7.6l stainless stock pot from Big W (~$11), a 1100W coil type electric cooker (~$20). Continue reading A thermostatically controlled pot for waxing leg hold traps

Last update: 25th February, 2021, 12:05 AM

Fox flasher MkII update 2/2021

Fox Flasher MkII and several follow on articles described an animal deterrent based on a Chinese 8051 architecture microcontroller, the STC15F104E.

This is an update after several years operation outside, and some in-service modifications to improve performance.

Above is the current version after 18 months in the weather. Continue reading Fox flasher MkII update 2/2021

Last update: 18th February, 2021, 5:20 PM

MH1210A, MH1230A operating instructions

Operation instructions

Press “set” button for 3s get into the procedure menu code mode, display the code “HC”. Press up or down for cyclical selection of parameter code of “HC-CP-LA-HA-PU-CA”.
To enter a code, press the “Set” button, press the up button or the down button to change to the desired data and press “Set” to save and exit;
Control the temperature set: press “Set” button, display blink and it is the default setting. Press up or down to change the data and save automatically. (press on up or down for 2s or more to increase the adjusting speed ) heating control: when the temperature control mode ( code is HC) was H, e.g. the setting control temperature is 28 C , slewing range of temperature is 2 C , when the environment temperature >= setting temperature (28’C), the relay will switch off and stop the output load; when the environment temperature <=setting temperature (28C ) – slewing range of temperature (2 C ) and set “delayed start” before, the reply will switch on and output load again, (if the delayed start function doesn’t need, set the delayed start (code PU) to 0)
refrigeration control: when the temperature control mode (code is HC) was C, e.g. the setting control temperature is 28’C, slewing range of temperature is 2 C, when the environment temperature <=after setting “delayed start” time, the relay will switch on and sart output load.(suggest “delayed start” time to the default setting time to protecting the compressor, please set the (code PU) to) if it doesn’t need). Continue reading MH1210A, MH1230A operating instructions

Last update: 24th February, 2021, 3:40 PM

ESP32 WROOM32 – A possible fix for failure of auto-program facility

Espressif’s esptool has a facility to automatically put the ESP32 into bootloader mode using the DTR and RTS signals of the serial interface.

For whatever reason, it is very unreliable. There are many schematics of knockoffs of Espressif’s original DevKits.

Above is the schematic of one of the larger makers of ESP32 modules, AI-Thinker. The auto-program facility is implemented in the logic gate arrangement at right top of the left top block. Continue reading ESP32 WROOM32 – A possible fix for failure of auto-program facility

Last update: 17th November, 2020, 2:10 PM

Review of iFIX RT300M v2 LED tester

In other posts on LED luminaires, I identified the need for a test device for LED strings of up to 200+V at currents up to 280mA.

There are quite a number of competitive devices in the market, the article is a review of the iFIX RT300M v2 (which is also sold under other brand names, they may or may not be sourced from the same factory… the Chinese are copyists).

 

I purchased one of these devices, and it was faulty on delivery. The output voltage never rises above 0.3V, determined to be a hardware fault. With eBay’s intervention, a full refund was obtained without returning the faulty unit which turned out to be a small blessing later.

The v2 RT300M has a button on the top edge of the device. Continue reading Review of iFIX RT300M v2 LED tester

Last update: 20th October, 2023, 8:32 AM

Adjustable plank refurbishment

I have an adjustable aluminium plank (2.4-3.9m) which after years in the weather, has needed replacement of the plated steel 1/4″ pop rivets used in its construction.

These are strictly for DIY use as long plank spans have not been allowed on work sites for a very long time.

On assurances from the retailer I purchased for $99 a Kincrome CL960 Heavy Duty Hand Riveter Long Arm 525mm (21″) designed for 1/4″ stainless steel poprivets. It failed with less than a dozen rivets with what seems to be a serious design fault (rivet mandrels jam in the inner tube) so it was returned at my cost for a refund. Whilst I have bought lots of Kinchrome product over time, it is when there is a problem one learns a wider lesson.

On assurances from another seller, I then purchased a similar tool on eBay for $36, a tool claimed to work up to 5/16″ stainless steel rivets… so some reserve there?

It failed on the fifth rivet, one of the collets cracked in two and the inside of the chuck sleeve (top right) was grooved suggesting it was not hardened properly. Again, refunded but his time without paying return shipping. Continue reading Adjustable plank refurbishment

Last update: 6th August, 2020, 8:25 AM

STC-1000 firmware change – STC-1000B

STC-1000 firmware change documented a chip and firmware update to a popular Chinese thermostat.

There has been enhanced firmware for a STC-1000 controller based on a PIC chip, but in my experience, most seem to be made with an STM8S003F3 chip. More recently, what appears to be a port of the PIC software to STM8 has been published at https://github.com/Emile666/stc1000_stm8.

The enhanced firmware is directed at home brewing for control of long running fermentation processes etc, incorporating storage for a number of multi-step programs (profiles). It is not really suited to more general applications like a fridge controller as for example it is more difficult for the common operation to set the set point.


This article describes a similar update to a later model STC-1000. Continue reading STC-1000 firmware change – STC-1000B

Last update: 11th July, 2020, 1:48 PM