I discovered a number of bugs if one was using an LCD2004, in setcursor(), which are fixed in the latest updated code releases.
Also, the #ifdef for trying to invoke different constructors based on MYLCDTYPE does not work - so I have had to resort to relying on the user commenting out the appropriate line in the source code instead - messy but the preproc commands are not supported as such by the Arduino IDE, so this is the only way round I can think of,
At finally, I moved the LCD statements together into a block so the output looks better when using an LCD2004, so that all values display together, rather than a delay between lines 0-1 and lines 2-3.
I had been waiting on an LCD2004 to arrive (it came today) so was able to debug that portion of the code, hence the new fixed versions have been uploaded today as a result,
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Uploaded two pictures of the final controller, housed in a slightly large enclosure, nearly finished, just need to mount the fan and the dht21 sensor (when it arrives). This final version has the LCD2004 display. With the larger enclosure, and the fact that the enclosure is pre-vented, probably means the fan is unnecessary. No matter, it looks good. Note in the pictures it is running off 12VDC. I also uploaded (overwritten) new versions of controller_v257_local.ino and controller_v281_winx.ino
I think the code is pretty much finished now, only need to test the DHT21 sensor but cant think of any reason why it wont work. Will know once it arrives.
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Uploaded two build images (99 and 100) of the dew controller pwm waveform on an oscilloscope. first is 20% ON then 100% ON. Note that the other lead to the dew strap is at 12VDC, so when the signal goes low that is when there is voltage across the dew strap and thus the dew strap heats up.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
The DHT21 sensor arrived today. I have replaced the DHT11. Final versions of code have been uploaded. I made small changes to windows code to display values as floats instead of integers. All is good.
DHT21 checks out ok. It is slow to reach ambient temp though, approx 20 minutes moving from garage to inside house. But this should not be an issue when its mounted on the scope. Ans for whatever reason its reading about 1-2 degrees above what it should, but I have adjusted the ATBias offset value on the controller to compensate so all is good.
So its finished. I have uploaded final build images. It looks good, and performs well above expectations. Enjoy.
Robert
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I am rewriting the windows application from Lazarus Free Pascal to C# Visual Studio .NET
This will require a slight change to the Arduino Code which will be posted at the same time.
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I have done some reading on humidity sensors and found that over time, some of them age and the readings become unreliable especially if subject to high levels of moisture. Some can be "refreshed" or "reconditioned" by following a specific procedure.
It is also noteworthy that few sensors available can work reliably after being soaked with dew/condensation. Unless one is willing to spend significant sums of money, and most involve some "moisture filter" being used.
I have come up with a little modification for the sensor that seems to keep the dew off it. Will post details about this cheap modification later.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
I have uploaded a new version of the myDewControllerPro application, this should install correctly, create a start menu item as well as place an icon on the desktop. Not sure if the previous v202 was doing that.
Happy building
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24 Jan 2015
Recent upload of arduino ino code and new Windows Remote application, added a command to get the controller version number, as well as changing temperature probe resolution to 12 bits and adding a refresh comport button - handy when you forgot to connect the controller when starting the windows app, you just now connect the controller and click "refresh"
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06 Feb 2015 Have added data logging capability to the remote application.
Please read the latest pdf document under "docs" for details on how this works.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
08Feb2015
Some important updates today. These are related to data logging as well as implementation of calibrating each of the temperature probes independently. Now each temperature probe can be calibrated/adjusted using an "offset" value which permits calibration of the reported temperature.
09022015 Changes to pdf and Windows Remote Application
1. Have changed data logging functionality somewhat, added directory and filename generation, so there is a new way now of enabling this.
2. Automate bug fixed - when disabled it was not turning off the automate function
PDF now has very detailed instructions on data logging capability. Download and read this first before trying datalogging.
Windows Remote app version is now 208
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
23082015 Immediate release v2228.zip Windows Application. Please upgrade to this version immediately as it has a number of significant bug fixes and better error catching. An error logging capability has been added. Details in the new pdf document also released today.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
27082015 Windows App update. Fixed error in using temperature offsets. Please use control panel to remove previous installations before installing the new version 2238
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
28082015 New Windows Application. Remove prior versions with Control Panel before installing. Improved serial functionality and error detection, lots more logging and other features.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
02 Nov 2015 Updated and uploaded pcb_side_v2c.bmp, which is a slightly modified version of Andres PCB. Wider tracks so they don't need touchup after etching and leaves a little more copper track after drilling, some conponents slightly moved further apart (to enable different headers, and using heatsinks added to TIP120 transistors).
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
I discovered a number of bugs if one was using an LCD2004, in setcursor(), which are fixed in the latest updated code releases.
Also, the #ifdef for trying to invoke different constructors based on MYLCDTYPE does not work - so I have had to resort to relying on the user commenting out the appropriate line in the source code instead - messy but the preproc commands are not supported as such by the Arduino IDE, so this is the only way round I can think of,
At finally, I moved the LCD statements together into a block so the output looks better when using an LCD2004, so that all values display together, rather than a delay between lines 0-1 and lines 2-3.
I had been waiting on an LCD2004 to arrive (it came today) so was able to debug that portion of the code, hence the new fixed versions have been uploaded today as a result,
I have done the code for the Bluetooth version, just awaiting a bluetooth hc-05 adapter to test it...
Uploaded two pictures of the final controller, housed in a slightly large enclosure, nearly finished, just need to mount the fan and the dht21 sensor (when it arrives). This final version has the LCD2004 display. With the larger enclosure, and the fact that the enclosure is pre-vented, probably means the fan is unnecessary. No matter, it looks good. Note in the pictures it is running off 12VDC. I also uploaded (overwritten) new versions of controller_v257_local.ino and controller_v281_winx.ino
I think the code is pretty much finished now, only need to test the DHT21 sensor but cant think of any reason why it wont work. Will know once it arrives.
Uploaded two build images (99 and 100) of the dew controller pwm waveform on an oscilloscope. first is 20% ON then 100% ON. Note that the other lead to the dew strap is at 12VDC, so when the signal goes low that is when there is voltage across the dew strap and thus the dew strap heats up.
The DHT21 sensor arrived today. I have replaced the DHT11. Final versions of code have been uploaded. I made small changes to windows code to display values as floats instead of integers. All is good.
DHT21 checks out ok. It is slow to reach ambient temp though, approx 20 minutes moving from garage to inside house. But this should not be an issue when its mounted on the scope. Ans for whatever reason its reading about 1-2 degrees above what it should, but I have adjusted the ATBias offset value on the controller to compensate so all is good.
So its finished. I have uploaded final build images. It looks good, and performs well above expectations. Enjoy.
Robert
I am rewriting the windows application from Lazarus Free Pascal to C# Visual Studio .NET
This will require a slight change to the Arduino Code which will be posted at the same time.
The focuser project has been started.
https://sourceforge.net/projects/arduinofocuscontrollerpro/
I have done some reading on humidity sensors and found that over time, some of them age and the readings become unreliable especially if subject to high levels of moisture. Some can be "refreshed" or "reconditioned" by following a specific procedure.
It is also noteworthy that few sensors available can work reliably after being soaked with dew/condensation. Unless one is willing to spend significant sums of money, and most involve some "moisture filter" being used.
I have come up with a little modification for the sensor that seems to keep the dew off it. Will post details about this cheap modification later.
I have uploaded a new version of the myDewControllerPro application, this should install correctly, create a start menu item as well as place an icon on the desktop. Not sure if the previous v202 was doing that.
Happy building
24 Jan 2015
Recent upload of arduino ino code and new Windows Remote application, added a command to get the controller version number, as well as changing temperature probe resolution to 12 bits and adding a refresh comport button - handy when you forgot to connect the controller when starting the windows app, you just now connect the controller and click "refresh"
06 Feb 2015 Have added data logging capability to the remote application.
Please read the latest pdf document under "docs" for details on how this works.
08Feb2015
Some important updates today. These are related to data logging as well as implementation of calibrating each of the temperature probes independently. Now each temperature probe can be calibrated/adjusted using an "offset" value which permits calibration of the reported temperature.
The affected files are
controller_v285_winx.ino
myDewControllerPro2070.zip
my_dew_controller_272.pdf
09022015 Changes to pdf and Windows Remote Application
1. Have changed data logging functionality somewhat, added directory and filename generation, so there is a new way now of enabling this.
2. Automate bug fixed - when disabled it was not turning off the automate function
PDF now has very detailed instructions on data logging capability. Download and read this first before trying datalogging.
Windows Remote app version is now 208
Thanks to Hugh for pointing out the schematic errors.
If you build the board using the layout, no problems. The schematic did not match the board layout.
The board layout remains unchanged.
The schematic has been updated to reflect the board layout.
R
10022015
Updates to Windows Application and Arduino code (the windows version AND the local version)
11 May 2015
Update of pdf, Arduino Firmware and Windows Application
Change supports disabling of lcd display via remote operation
06072015 New windows application uploaded
01082015 New Updates. Windows Application. New bluetooth option with HC05, layout, schematic, arduino firmware
23082015 Immediate release v2228.zip Windows Application. Please upgrade to this version immediately as it has a number of significant bug fixes and better error catching. An error logging capability has been added. Details in the new pdf document also released today.
24082015 Immediate release v2229.zip windows application. Upgrade is required. New pdf which outlines new options and features.
27082015 Windows App update. Fixed error in using temperature offsets. Please use control panel to remove previous installations before installing the new version 2238
28082015 New Windows Application. Remove prior versions with Control Panel before installing. Improved serial functionality and error detection, lots more logging and other features.
04092015 New PDF v280, new Arduino firmware for Windows v288 and Bluetooth v288, new Windows application 2246
02 Nov 2015 Updated and uploaded pcb_side_v2c.bmp, which is a slightly modified version of Andres PCB. Wider tracks so they don't need touchup after etching and leaves a little more copper track after drilling, some conponents slightly moved further apart (to enable different headers, and using heatsinks added to TIP120 transistors).
03-Nov-2015 New PDF uploaded. New versions of firmware and Windows App will be released next week.