Here are some pics of assembled shields

By Elco Jacobs | January 7, 2013 |

Hi guys,

The first BrewPi shields are ready for testing. I will try to update the code for the new shields this week and in the meantime I am also looking for the best place to buy the parts. Unfortunately I can already tell you that connectors are expensive, especially when you want high quality ones. Suggestions are welcome.

I cannot comment on the price of the kit until I have found the right suppliers. I still hope to start selling these in January.

For those interested on how I do the SMD assembly: check out this gallery on imgur.

Finally, I have started an IRC channel for BrewPi on Freenode. I am always logged in, so if you want to chat with me directly, this is the easiest way. Please come and chat about beer and electronics!

Here are the boards in 3 stages: Just SMD assembled, all components assembled and ready for testing: LCD connected, temperature sensors connected and all breakout boards connected.

The LCD breakout board connects to the main board with a 10 pin IDC cable. The rotary encoder breakout board connects to the LCD board.
On the LCD board is a small potmeter to adjust the brightness and a beeper for alarms.

If anyone knows where to buy a nice affordable knob to go with this rotary encoder, please let me know.
I have used this knob so far, but it is really expensive.

All through hole components placed, except for the rotary encoder

Underside of an assembled board. The stacking headers I used here have really thin leads, which bend to easily. I am looking for higher quality ones and ordered some samples from Samtec.

You can also order the board with only the SMT components assembled.

Posted in Major updates

11 Comments

Ceejay on January 8, 2013 at 02:46
Try this for knobs in uk
http://www.suntekstore.co.uk/product-14004049-5pcs_plastic_potentiometer_control_knob_-_blue_and_grey.html
- Elco on January 8, 2013 at 02:50
  Thanks Ceejay.
  I think those knobs are not really made for the type of shaft a rotary encoder has. The rotary encoder shaft has one flat side, so the kind of knob I am looking for has a small screw to fasten it. I could be wrong though, if these work there are plenty of options.
  - Michael Walsh on January 8, 2013 at 05:41
    The knobs you used do work because of the set screw, but I think you are actually supposed to use a know that has the D shaped hole. I am not sure of the dimension of the D shaft on the encoder you are using, but something like this may work well: http://www.ebay.com/itm/40pc13mmx10mm-D-Shaft-6mm-Stereo-Audio-Rotary-Switch-Potentiometer-Aluminum-Knob-/290692265261?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item43ae9bf52d
    - Elco on January 8, 2013 at 19:32
      Nice! those look good.
Kevin Pepperman on January 8, 2013 at 05:50
Ebay carries some nice clone nobs, I use them for guitar pedals.
http://bit.ly/USof0O
J on January 10, 2013 at 00:05
Hi, just wondering, are you planning to sell the boards? Or an entire set including / excluding the arduino? Because I am considering ordering some stuff at the moment?
- Elco on January 10, 2013 at 15:44
  Both options will be available, but for now the Arduino will be excluded. Board + temp sensors + relays + display.
  - GravyBrew on January 15, 2013 at 06:30
    Look forward to seeing the final product compiled!! I know your still sourcing parts and such.. but any idea of ballpark price??
    - Elco on January 15, 2013 at 20:59
      I don’t want to make promises I can’t keep, so I will only announce the price when I am done sourcing parts.
Kade on January 30, 2013 at 00:58
If you are planning on buying anything electronic in bulk I would only shop at digikey.com, they have the best prices and basically have everything, including your original knob (and many others just like it) at better prices.
- Elco on January 31, 2013 at 18:02
  Last time I checked prices were better at mouser. I have bought most of the more expensive parts from China.