Open Ardbir - Open source platform for brewing process control and automation

[Sorcerers Apprentice]

The unit ships without any connection diagram or instructions that I could find within the packaging. However I found the following link on line which includes the wiring diagram. The USB connection and connection for the membrane keypad are reversible so it's important to connect them the right way up. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/96o6i39o50llama/AAD3cgNyiUxKXF73_qjhm_uia?dl=0

Ps here's where I found the link
https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/forum/index.php?topic=23783.0

[pob]

Would anyone who has built or is planning to build be interested in doing a how to guide similar
To LordEoins stc1000 guide. It would be great to outline the additional parts that are required

It would be a great benefit to all interested.

A lot of the info/pics are above or in the links.

As it's not a fully off the shelf product, the way you set it up is dependent on your setup/requirements, eg you may want to use 2 SSRs or no pump, or 1 SSR & a pump.

Therefore the parts you need relate to these components; what connectors you want to use, what enclosure, even down to what buttons.

I've built 2 so far; one for a 2 element (no pump yet) BIAB keggle & a Grainfather one (one element & a pump). Both used quite different plugs and box size.

Even working out how/where to use a heat sink for the SSR impacts on enclosure size/shape.


Edit: Beaten by Sorcerers Apprentice

[darren996]

Thanks folks.. i will be doing one for a braumeister type setup in the new year i.e biab, pump and heating element I will throw a how to up for that when I get around to it

[molc]

All docs etc start here: https://github.com/ArdBir

I'm going to be doing up a build with a control box and a electrics box, that I've been chatting about with Pob recently. Plan is to have a network cable connecting between both, so there is a small and light ArdBir on the table, with the SSR's, heatsinks etc all hidden away in a box safely. It also means that I can reuse the same electric circuit for a different control system if I build one in the future, such as the BrewPi.

I've attached a circuit diagram. Note the electrics haven't been mapped yet, as I'm still waiting on all the devices so I know the connections I'm going to be making. Going to put everything up on here and also on the BrewPi thread I have running for my build.

[Sorcerers Apprentice]

I've been living under a rock for the past few years and know absolutely nothing about Arduino or any of its spin offs. I saw the Ardbir as an alternative to a PID controller thanks to pob and have taken the plunge. So I will be watching this thread as I am sure it will evolve into one of the usual encyclopedia. I'm currently trying to order my stainless fittings from Aliexpress (10% off today btw) when they eventually arrive and I stick the rig together is when I will sit down and study the thing, but on the surface it looks quite straightforward (I hope)

[Will_D]

Yes just solder two wires to the relay coil driver pads. These pads are where there is a U shaped cut out in the pcb to isolate one of the mains terminals. Make sure the relay is on and use a multimeter to check polarity and voltage. (do this first before soldering on the red and black wires)

Also tape over the mains side of the board where the big transformer is when test the low voltage side

[molc]

Ultra simple build for the brew day tomorrow. Ssr connected to a plug socket which is turn connected to the ard bir on the desk. I can mark out the connection if people really need, but this is the most straightforward wiring, outside of all in a single box.

P.s., lunchboxes are great for testing circuits

[armedcor]

I love the idea of this, wish I'd know about it before shipping over an auber pid etc. 😢

[auralabuse]

Are these something that can be programmed easily enough?, I'm ok with wiring an stc etc but wouldn't have any coding experience.

[McMelloW]

Are these something that can be programmed easily enough?, I'm ok with wiring an stc etc but wouldn't have any coding experience.

You don't need any coding experience to load the firmware to the all-in-one-board. On the internet are loads of tutorials on coding an arduino. So if you wish to learn it it can be done also.

[molc]

All in one board comes with the latest firmware already loaded, so you literally just need to connect everything up as the pictures in the online manual indicate.

[darren996]

They are out os stock at the momemt...balls

[McMelloW]

All in one board comes with the latest firmware already loaded, so you literally just need to connect everything up as the pictures in the online manual indicate.

You're right, I forgot it.  I have reloaded the software already a number of times, because I am changing bits and pieces of it.

[Oh Crap]

Lads you are making me jealous....
I almost pulled the trigger on an auberins pid soak and ramp...thanks to CH I looked here. But do I need it? I'm rebuilding my rig to herms etc but only planning controlling hlt,pumps and mash tun at the min...hlt is electric and bk is gas. Few pints in so forgive me if I'm not clear

[darren996]

Lads you are making me jealous....
I almost pulled the trigger on an auberins pid soak and ramp...thanks to CH I looked here. But do I need it? I'm rebuilding my rig to herms etc but only planning controlling hlt,pumps and mash tun at the min...hlt is electric and bk is gas. Few pints in so forgive me if I'm not clear

Yes..yes you need it