10112015 Updates to Windows App - can now display temperature values in C or F, updated firmware files for Arduino, updated pdf documentation, updated new PCB files
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
23Nov2015 Latest Windows application release (260 beta) and PDF uploaded. Hopefully this time I have got the F/C sorted. The graph will always be shown in C. Because of time lags between the state of the application and the state of the controller, this has caused issues with C/F. I have tried various options including protocol and firmware changes. Hopefully this solution works better. v258 ripped it out because it was not working reliably and the two states (app/contrlr) did not match due to serial processing delays (caused by a number of things in the Arduino code).
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
24Nov2015 I have pulled the latest firmware and windows app. I have rewritten the serial code etc and made other changes to overcome inherent serial lags in the previous code. Its in testing at present and should be available in a day or so. It will not be backward compatible.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
25Nov2015 New firmware, New Windows App, New Docs. The serial protocol has had a number of significant additions and changes. The arduino code has had a major overhaul, as has the Windows app. The controller is now very responsive and there are minimal delays. The Arduino code has significant changes and is not backward compatible, neither is the Windows App (meaning do not try this on firmware less than v291). The pdf now reflects all the major changes that have taken place.
NOTE: THESE VERSIONS ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH PREVIOUS VERSIONS.
PREVIOUS VERSIONS (firmware less than v291 and less than Winapp v2263) ARE NO LONGER SUPPORTED.
PS. I have not had time to run final checks on an LCD1602 or the Blue tooth, but do not envisage any issues at this stage. If you find errors/bugs please let me know
Cheers
R
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
25Nov2015 Update. If you have already downloaded v291_BT and the pdf, please download again as I have made some changes as a result of testing.
I have confirmed that Bluetooth works fine (the change just made was because I left in a debug statement which I have now commented out). It works a real treat and one really cannot tell the difference in update speed, it is lightning fast!
One other advantage of Bluetooth I discovered today is
1. Do not use a USB cable
2. Power ON the controller via 12VDC
3. Connect to the controller via Bluetooth
4. Occassionaly the first manual update half works (sometimes it gets sorta half way through)
5. Wait a couple of seconds, click manual update again and hey presto, its up and running!!!!
A very satisfying days work.
To add the BT adapter (HC05 - details in the PDF now), I just soldered 4 wires on top of the pins on the nano (5V, GND, D13, D12). I soldered in series a 100-ohm resistor in each of the D13, D12 leads and then used heat shrink tube to cover the exposed leads. I then wired the 4 leads to header connectors on the outside of the case. This means I can easily plugin or remove the BT adapter at anytime. A photo of this is in the pdf.
Cheers
R
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
26Nov2015 New PDF, New WinApp code, New Arduino code. Brainwave today - have resolved issues of not being able to connect if powers on the controller with 12VDC first, then being unable to connect with USB. No longer an issue. Have removed that stuff from the PDF. It means you can power on with 12V then connect USB and it still works. Only issue is maybe that all the data does not update on connect(), simply fix by using a manual update once connected.
It was important to do this as it has been highlighted as an issue affecting a number of users, well, we can hopefully cross that one off the list.
And unless there is something glaringly obvious, no more changes for a while (fingers crossed)
R
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
23Jan2016 Revised schematic (had Bluetooth Rx and TX on wrong pins), PCB-ALL have added component names and values to the diagram. The layouts and PCB are fine, they were correct, only the schematic did not reflect the latest PCB/Layout or the .INO code
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
02022016 Nearing release. Have added support for HTU21D I2C Humidity/Temperature sensor, details added into pdf. Sparkfun library for HTU21D sensor has been modified. Prototype build tested and nearly finished.v305 of PCB adds extra I2C header for HTU21D sensor
Last edit: brownrb 2016-02-02
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
05022016 There was an error in the schematic re the new CH3 - a resistor - Thanks Clive. Corrected version uploaded. The PCB layout and stripboard is fine.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
08022016 v3 - new pdf document, new protocol, new windows app, beta Arduino v3 firmware for DHTxx sensors.I have overhauled the protocol so none of this works with v2 software/hardware. I have had to remove Bluetooth support. The problem is code space is running low with all the new features and with B;ue tooth code added this causes intermittent crashes of the controller. Two options, rewrite some more in the hope of saving some space or add an external I2C eeprom to save all the text strings.The Bluetooth support is on the back burner for now. The HTUD21 code is still being tested..... but should be available soon.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Hi Robert, A question as you know I built ver 3. but seem to have an issue.
In the windows app everything seems to work but when I force the temp 1 probe down in temp, the strap heats and the LED lights, but the power displayed on update graph and the ch1pwr window stays at 0%, a bit puzzled have I missed something? I also checked the logviewer too. I also installed a new Nano just in case of fail, oh PS using manual slider on ch3 shows both percentage and graph.
cheers Clive..
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Hi Clive
Follow the ch1 sig wire. Can you tell me what Arduino pin it has been wired to?
The code for existing stuff like ch1/ch2 did not change in the rewrite, so it should still be working ok.
I will have a look at the code later today once work is fnished. Cheers
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
12-Feb-2016. Final - v306 Stripboard Layout, v306 PCB layout,v306 schematic uploaded. No further changes in the pipeline. PDF updated. Next release will be the Arduino firmware for the HTU21D sensor support (probably in a couple of weeks).
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
The HTU21D I2C Temperature and Humidity arrived today, so I quickly bread-boarded it with a Nano and ran Test Program 8. Success first time. So I fitted the sensor inside a large case that housed a spare DHT21 sensor. All is good. It is much much quicker than a DHT21 and gave very much similar readings as the DHT21 so am confident the code works.
18-June-2016 MOSFET Upgrade, how to replace TIP-120 with MOSFET, which generates less heat and has greater efficiency, meaning an incerase of voltage to the dewstraps thus more heat from the dewstrap. An no need for heatsinks on the MOSFET's
16 July 2016 ATTENTION:
Found bug in Arduino firmware v2xx related to calculating pwr levels when tracking in ambient mode. Have uploaded firmware fix. I still have to look at the LOCAL file and also v3xx which I suspect also has the issue. Will post firmware updates over the next couple of days.
Robert
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
18 July 2016: v2 UPDATE: Arduino firmware v2xx update for all controllers. Support added for HTU21D I2C sensor. Other bug fixes and additions. New Windows APP v2273. New LogViewerPro v1012 which now reads myDewControllerPro2 data log files. New PDF outlining new commands and replacing DHTxx with HTU21D I2C sensor.
Regards
Robert
PS: Plan is to migrate these code changes and fixes to v3xx in the near future
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
06-Nov-2015 Please update to latest firmware and new windows application
10112015 Updates to Windows App - can now display temperature values in C or F, updated firmware files for Arduino, updated pdf documentation, updated new PCB files
12Nov2015 New windows app available v2254, please update to this version
23Nov2015 Latest Windows application release (260 beta) and PDF uploaded. Hopefully this time I have got the F/C sorted. The graph will always be shown in C. Because of time lags between the state of the application and the state of the controller, this has caused issues with C/F. I have tried various options including protocol and firmware changes. Hopefully this solution works better. v258 ripped it out because it was not working reliably and the two states (app/contrlr) did not match due to serial processing delays (caused by a number of things in the Arduino code).
24Nov2015 I have pulled the latest firmware and windows app. I have rewritten the serial code etc and made other changes to overcome inherent serial lags in the previous code. Its in testing at present and should be available in a day or so. It will not be backward compatible.
25Nov2015 New firmware, New Windows App, New Docs. The serial protocol has had a number of significant additions and changes. The arduino code has had a major overhaul, as has the Windows app. The controller is now very responsive and there are minimal delays. The Arduino code has significant changes and is not backward compatible, neither is the Windows App (meaning do not try this on firmware less than v291). The pdf now reflects all the major changes that have taken place.
NOTE: THESE VERSIONS ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH PREVIOUS VERSIONS.
PREVIOUS VERSIONS (firmware less than v291 and less than Winapp v2263) ARE NO LONGER SUPPORTED.
PS. I have not had time to run final checks on an LCD1602 or the Blue tooth, but do not envisage any issues at this stage. If you find errors/bugs please let me know
Cheers
R
25Nov2015 Update. If you have already downloaded v291_BT and the pdf, please download again as I have made some changes as a result of testing.
I have confirmed that Bluetooth works fine (the change just made was because I left in a debug statement which I have now commented out). It works a real treat and one really cannot tell the difference in update speed, it is lightning fast!
One other advantage of Bluetooth I discovered today is
1. Do not use a USB cable
2. Power ON the controller via 12VDC
3. Connect to the controller via Bluetooth
4. Occassionaly the first manual update half works (sometimes it gets sorta half way through)
5. Wait a couple of seconds, click manual update again and hey presto, its up and running!!!!
A very satisfying days work.
To add the BT adapter (HC05 - details in the PDF now), I just soldered 4 wires on top of the pins on the nano (5V, GND, D13, D12). I soldered in series a 100-ohm resistor in each of the D13, D12 leads and then used heat shrink tube to cover the exposed leads. I then wired the 4 leads to header connectors on the outside of the case. This means I can easily plugin or remove the BT adapter at anytime. A photo of this is in the pdf.
Cheers
R
26Nov2015 New PDF, New WinApp code, New Arduino code. Brainwave today - have resolved issues of not being able to connect if powers on the controller with 12VDC first, then being unable to connect with USB. No longer an issue. Have removed that stuff from the PDF. It means you can power on with 12V then connect USB and it still works. Only issue is maybe that all the data does not update on connect(), simply fix by using a manual update once connected.
It was important to do this as it has been highlighted as an issue affecting a number of users, well, we can hopefully cross that one off the list.
And unless there is something glaringly obvious, no more changes for a while (fingers crossed)
R
11012015 Fixed error in Schematic when the nano part was updated in the Schematic around 2nd Jan 2016
Please bear with me as I rearrange the folder structure and move some files around in preparation for the next release.
14 Jan 2016 Arduino firmware 293 - bug fix for one of the temperature probe channels
23Jan2016 Revised schematic (had Bluetooth Rx and TX on wrong pins), PCB-ALL have added component names and values to the diagram. The layouts and PCB are fine, they were correct, only the schematic did not reflect the latest PCB/Layout or the .INO code
02022016 Nearing release. Have added support for HTU21D I2C Humidity/Temperature sensor, details added into pdf. Sparkfun library for HTU21D sensor has been modified. Prototype build tested and nearly finished.v305 of PCB adds extra I2C header for HTU21D sensor
Last edit: brownrb 2016-02-02
05022016 There was an error in the schematic re the new CH3 - a resistor - Thanks Clive. Corrected version uploaded. The PCB layout and stripboard is fine.
08022016 v3 - new pdf document, new protocol, new windows app, beta Arduino v3 firmware for DHTxx sensors.I have overhauled the protocol so none of this works with v2 software/hardware. I have had to remove Bluetooth support. The problem is code space is running low with all the new features and with B;ue tooth code added this causes intermittent crashes of the controller. Two options, rewrite some more in the hope of saving some space or add an external I2C eeprom to save all the text strings.The Bluetooth support is on the back burner for now. The HTUD21 code is still being tested..... but should be available soon.
Hi Robert, A question as you know I built ver 3. but seem to have an issue.
In the windows app everything seems to work but when I force the temp 1 probe down in temp, the strap heats and the LED lights, but the power displayed on update graph and the ch1pwr window stays at 0%, a bit puzzled have I missed something? I also checked the logviewer too. I also installed a new Nano just in case of fail, oh PS using manual slider on ch3 shows both percentage and graph.
cheers Clive..
Hi Clive
Follow the ch1 sig wire. Can you tell me what Arduino pin it has been wired to?
The code for existing stuff like ch1/ch2 did not change in the rewrite, so it should still be working ok.
I will have a look at the code later today once work is fnished. Cheers
Just to follow this thru, all wiring and connections are good.
As per email communication, your version v311 works a treat !
12-Feb-2016. Final - v306 Stripboard Layout, v306 PCB layout,v306 schematic uploaded. No further changes in the pipeline. PDF updated. Next release will be the Arduino firmware for the HTU21D sensor support (probably in a couple of weeks).
Excellent work there Robert :)
Thanks Clive, was good to recieve pictures of your build.
Cheers
Robert
The HTU21D I2C Temperature and Humidity arrived today, so I quickly bread-boarded it with a Nano and ran Test Program 8. Success first time. So I fitted the sensor inside a large case that housed a spare DHT21 sensor. All is good. It is much much quicker than a DHT21 and gave very much similar readings as the DHT21 so am confident the code works.
PDF posted in the folder with images showing what was done.
https://sourceforge.net/projects/arduinonanodewcontrollerpro/files/Version3%20-%202016/HTU21D%20I2C%20Sensor/
18-June-2016 MOSFET Upgrade, how to replace TIP-120 with MOSFET, which generates less heat and has greater efficiency, meaning an incerase of voltage to the dewstraps thus more heat from the dewstrap. An no need for heatsinks on the MOSFET's
https://sourceforge.net/projects/arduinonanodewcontrollerpro/files/v300/MOSFET%20UPGRADE/
Last edit: brownrb 2016-06-18
16 July 2016 ATTENTION:
Found bug in Arduino firmware v2xx related to calculating pwr levels when tracking in ambient mode. Have uploaded firmware fix. I still have to look at the LOCAL file and also v3xx which I suspect also has the issue. Will post firmware updates over the next couple of days.
Robert
18 July 2016: v2 UPDATE: Arduino firmware v2xx update for all controllers. Support added for HTU21D I2C sensor. Other bug fixes and additions. New Windows APP v2273. New LogViewerPro v1012 which now reads myDewControllerPro2 data log files. New PDF outlining new commands and replacing DHTxx with HTU21D I2C sensor.
Regards
Robert
PS: Plan is to migrate these code changes and fixes to v3xx in the near future