Experimental Incubator/ei prototype designing

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Here you can find info about the development of the current version 4.0 "Just" which we are now working on. There are several improvements compared to the previous version 3.0 Fermento, the third generation of the experimental incubator.

One of the most visible improvements are the professionally produced PCBs which we had ready at 33c3. Already for second time we have made complete kits, this time we had kits with all parts and also only bare PCBs for the more experienced ones.

How to get involved

Get your kit. That is the most easy way how to get in and participating. Contact Algoldor, Justa or send email to the experimental incubator mailing list. The total cost is around €35-40. The cost of the components in the kit is around €13, to the ones who can afford we ask for €25 (+ postage). Another €8 is for the solid state relay (SSR) and heat sink if you do not have your one already. Shipping should be around €5. total around €40 or so.

Soldering and connection

For the people who has the 4.0 just version kit (equals v2.1b) we have detailed instructions how to solder, connect and use this version under the soldering guide shared as a pdf file at TechInc wiki's. Also if you like you can get in touch with us:

  • at our experimental incubator mailing list
  • directly with Algoldor by sending email to algoldor (you know the sign) foodhackingbase.org
  • directly with Justa

Schematics

This design was made in KiCad.

SVG versions of the schematic and the PCB are provided at the right side.

800px-Experimental-Incubator-v3.1-schm.png
800px-Experimental-Incubator-v3.1-brd.png

For svg version of files click here (schm and brd).

You can find a tar.gz file of the combined files here.

For reference, the values for the resistors are:

  • R1: 2K - 2k2
  • R2: 330 - 360
  • R3: 620 - 680
  • R4: 1K - 1k
  • R5: 3.3K - 3k3 (3k6)
  • R6: 10K - 10k
  • R7: 470
  • R8: 470

Layout of the resistors: 



        R7
        R8

      R1            R4
                          R5
      R2     R3      R6

Software

The software was written by Bigmac and Lars, the code is uploaded on Github here.

Temperature probes

The DS18B20 temperature probes used have PVC shielding; that makes them unsuitable for long time use at temperatures of 100°C or above, although the sensor works up to 125°C. Some sensors are shielded with PTFE cable (more commonly known as Teflon) which is considered food safe to 160°C, so these sensors can be used up to 125°C (max sensor range). Here are some ordering options:

Bugs&Issues

  • Displayed Time Error - Reported on 12/3/2017 by Algoldor. If the incubator is in the off function displaying only time, after several days the display stops showing "time" but starts to show variety of symbols without meaning. It seems like after the amount of the time displayed is too much for the display it crashes.
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