[Noisebridge-discuss] hack question: computer controlled kiln

[Jonathan Foote]

This is a non-trivial hack, but absolutely hackable. You can get a
ramp-soak controller with a serial interface and a thermocouple
temperature probe for probably $150-200, less if you get it from
China, e.g.
http://www.aliexpress.com/product-gs/543180318-RS485-serial-port-CD100-L4-S-PID-temperature-controller-with-RS485-serial-port-wholesalers.html

Since the kiln's heating elements are switched by the existing
controller/thermostat, you can likely use that, otherwise you will
need a beefy solid-state relay. You can use an Arduino or a PC to
change the temperature setpoints over the serial interface at given
times.




On Wed, Jun 6, 2012 at 6:22 AM, Patrick Lake <pat at patsanimation.com> wrote:
> Hi NB.  My GF has a ceramic studio with 2 kilns.  A firing is an involved process where she has to fill each kiln with a quantity of stuff, pay a notable energy cost, and manually adjust the heat every 2 hours for a day or 2.
> The kilns are made to be computer controlled so you "set it and forget it."  The computer part costs a thousand bucks from the manufacturer.  I was wondering if anyone would consider this hackable, as a project you would do for some pay, or maybe labor trade for studio use, or both?
>
> Please let me know if this sounds worth checking out- if so, I can get you the kiln model numbers and other details.
>
> Best,
> Patrick Lake
> 450 South Van Ness Ave #1
> San Francisco CA 94103
> 716-352-0287
> http://www.linkedin.com/in/plake
>
>
>
>
>
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