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Fluidbed roaster build... questions...
elkayem
Top  #26 Print Post
Posted on 05/31/2018 10:08 AM

Quote

Brewin_Bruin wrote:
Be careful with PWM and AC motors, unless you do extra tricks like zero crossing, they don't play nicely together, but with DC motors, it's fine.


Not to worry, I have selected a 12V DC motor.
 
garageroaster
Top  #27 Print Post
Posted on 06/30/2018 1:03 AM

Quote

elkayem wrote:

CharcoalRoaster, thank you for the pictures! I'm trying to discern how you connect the funnel to the heat tube. It looks like some kind of a rubber tube enclosed in a metal tube with a clamp? Looks clever.

Garageroaster, nice design! I was thinking of some kind of a threaded interface like I see in your photo, but couldn't figure out how to spin the RC with the thermocouple wires. I'll have to check out the Ace hardware kit you mentioned. Also, yours must be the only one with a roast chamber supported on the back of a turtle.


Yes the fore mentioned are the two issues I have moving forward. Right now I'm not using probes but will when I get time to work that all out. Eventually I'll build a box with a recirc line and probably secure the RC down then just vacuum out the beans. Then I can have all the wires I want.
 
elkayem
Top  #28 Print Post
Posted on 08/18/2018 3:18 PM
It's been a while since I posted to this thread, so I thought I would take a moment to post an update. My build has been proceeding very slowly, but I'm in the home stretch now. A friend gave me access to his laser cutter, which led to a very nice case. The 12V "Air Pig" pump has more than enough power. I'm getting great bean circulation. Perhaps I'll post a video soon, when I start roasting. The only thing left to add is the heating element. Perhaps I'll make a final push to complete this project, and get it all together this weekend.

Here is a photo:
elkayem attached the following image:
img_2013.jpg
Edited by elkayem on 08/18/2018 3:26 PM
 
blumes
Top  #29 Print Post
Posted on 08/24/2018 9:53 AM

Quote

elkayem wrote:

It's been a while since I posted to this thread, so I thought I would take a moment to post an update. My build has been proceeding very slowly, but I'm in the home stretch now. A friend gave me access to his laser cutter, which led to a very nice case. The 12V "Air Pig" pump has more than enough power. I'm getting great bean circulation. Perhaps I'll post a video soon, when I start roasting. The only thing left to add is the heating element. Perhaps I'll make a final push to complete this project, and get it all together this weekend.

Here is a photo:


Supeeeer :-)
 
elkayem
Top  #30 Print Post
Posted on 08/24/2018 4:15 PM
Thanks!!

I finally got everything together and roasted my first half pound this morning. I am enjoying a very tasty cappuccino as I write this post.

For anyone curious about the details on this build (especially the electronics and code), I've just updated my github page here: https://github.co...feeRoaster.
 
allenb
Top  #31 Print Post
Posted on 08/24/2018 8:53 PM
Very nice that first roast in a new roaster build is giving a nice espresso results! You did well in your planning and implementation! BBQ grill
1/2 lb and 1 lb drum, Siemens Sirocco fluidbed, presspot, chemex, cajun biggin brewer from the backwoods of Louisiana
 
renatoa
Top  #32 Print Post
Posted on 08/25/2018 1:46 AM
Congrats !

I can suggest you or others interested into a "next project" to consider the MCP4324 sensor board instead the MAX, is the chip used in TC4, much cheaper, at least same performance class, and 4 channels.

A 4 channels MCP4324 board from eBay cost less than half of a single channel Max31855 board, which also are massive subject of counterfeits, the fact that such boards are sold less than the price of chip itself should raise you an alarm signal.
 
BenKeith
Top  #33 Print Post
Posted on 08/27/2018 6:17 AM
Got off subject so deleted it.
Edited by BenKeith on 08/27/2018 6:22 AM
 
elkayem
Top  #34 Print Post
Posted on 08/27/2018 10:29 AM
Allen and Renatoa, thanks!

Quote

renatoa wrote:
I can suggest you or others interested into a "next project" to consider the MCP4324 sensor board instead the MAX, is the chip used in TC4, much cheaper, at least same performance class, and 4 channels.

The MAX31855 is a full-fledged thermocouple to digital converter, including on-chip cold junction compensation. On the other hand, the MCP3424 is just an ADC chip, albeit a very capable one. They are not the same thing.

You are correct that the Adafruit boards I used are expensive, at $15 a pop. For a one-off design, I don't mind spending extra for an authentic part from Adafruit rather than a clone off eBay. I like the company and their mission, and support them when I can. Plus, my code uses their libraries extensively.
 
greencardigan
Top  #35 Print Post
Posted on 02/26/2019 8:16 PM
How do you find the MAX31855 in use? I've been experimenting with them attached to a Raspberry Pi and they dont work with grounded thermocouples. Have you had any issues with that? Is your roast chamber grounded?
 
JitterzZ
Top  #36 Print Post
Posted on 03/14/2019 7:16 AM

Quote

garageroaster wrote:

elkayem, my build was based off of OGH's design also but instead of a cocktail shaker I used a sink drain kit and a 7" drain elbow. By doing this I was able to utilize the nut and threads to secure the roast chamber. When my roast is over I vacuum off the chaff and simply unscrew the base to dump out the beans, it actually works pretty good. I'm still in the prototype phase but am going to be building a box to house and stabilize the unit once I get time. The drain kit was $17 at Ace Hardware. Cheers.

NICE! Is that a Bake-A-Round? How is it secured to the sink drain?ThumbsUp
 
elkayem
Top  #37 Print Post
Posted on 04/07/2019 6:24 PM

Quote

greencardigan wrote:

How do you find the MAX31855 in use? I've been experimenting with them attached to a Raspberry Pi and they dont work with grounded thermocouples. Have you had any issues with that? Is your roast chamber grounded?


Greencardigan, sorry for the delay! I haven't checked into this forum for a while and see your note was posted nearly 2 months ago!

In any event, yes you are correct that MAX31855 requires an ungrounded theromocouple. If using a grounded theromcouple, I would imagine it would work if your Pi is floating relative to the thermocouple ground. I use an ungrounded configuration, with an exposed thermocouple bead. Kapton tape does wonders for holding the bead in place.
 
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