After some unexpected delays, the RPi Smart Still Controller is back on track with a HUGE new addition! Thanks to the efforts of Mathias from Sweden (that’s all I know about him) the system assembly has been super simplified so all you need to do is connect motors and sensors. As you can see by the image above, the entire controller will be available as a Raspberry Pi “Hat” that simply plugs into the GPIO header. All you need is a screwdriver, no soldering required!
As you can see in the photo, two low-current mechanical relays have been added for those who use pumps to circulate cooling water instead of running off of a tap. No availability date has been set as of this time since things are still in the testing phase. However, it will be made available as a Gerber file that you can send to any PCB maker and order a fully assembled board. PCB Way is probably the most popular custom PCB maker and they work globally.
In other news, I have decided to create a LIDAR powered traditional hydrometer reader for those of you who aren’t up to building the load cell hydrometer. This works on the same principal as George Duncan’s “Talking Parrot Head” but is a completely different physical design and only serves to digitally send data to the RPi Smart Still Controller. My design doesn’t require a PVC tube mounted atop your traditional parrot, which makes one top heavy and pretty much butt ugly.
Due to my vision disability, I don’t have it in me to sell custom built load cell hydrometers. However, selling assembled LIDAR hydrometer readers is definitely a possibility. You just attach things to your existing parrot (LIDAR sensor, flow sensor, temperature sensor) and plug it into the power and serial cables from the smart still controller. These are much easier to build and calibrate, and far less expensive. More details on pricing and availability coming soon!
Be sure to subscribe to the Panhandle Ponics YouTube channel to stay current on updates and developments. If you have any questions or suggestions, comment on the videos or shoot me a message from the contact form!