New HeaterMeter Build with video

[Nick T Wellman]

Hello everyone, I have finally decided to go ahead and build my own HeaterMeter. I have used an Ivation thermometer to watch the temp in my BBQ before, but I wanted more! I decided to build the HeaterMeter v4.3 with a Raspberry Pi A+, and so far, everything I have is working! I have ordered a servo and it is in the mail, as is a print of Ralph's Roto Damper RD3. Once those pieces come in, I will finish building the damper mechanism and coupler to attach it to my Chargriller with an offset smoker.

I haven't seen many video's showing the build, talking about their HeaterMeter, or even talking about some of the problems they encountered. I wanted to contribute, so I made a video, hopefully one of three, that shows my almost completed HeaterMeter, as well as me talking about the process and the challenges I had during my build. I want to do a couple more vids; one with the completed HM and RD3 fully assembled and functioning, and final video showing the entire HM/RD3 mounted to my grill and in action. If interested, you can watch the first video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dz-Rk97ayuA. I didn't edit the video at all and I definitely stumbled on my own tongue a few times, but I am okay with that. Let me know what you think, and if there is any information that you think might be helpful in either of the following video's leave a reply here, a comment on the video or send me a PM. Thanks all and I am excited to finally join this community!

 

[Dennis T]

Great video, I think you did a great job with it.

 

[JToona]

Great video!

I finished up my LCD/Button board last night and got it all buttoned up and running. I almost had the MOSFET issue you had but luckily I noticed the writing on them were a bit different. I looked closer and saw the differences so ended up putting them in the correct places. I could have just as well soldered everything up like you did and have to undo and redo.

Just waiting to get my rotodamper as well. Looks like we will have the same setup. I have 4x servos coming from amazon. I want to get some spare ribs or pork butts going this weekend!

 

[Nick T Wellman]

Thanks Dennis T and JToona! I made my mistake at about 2 a.m. because I had just gotten the kit in that day and really wanted to put it together, but I guess I was so tired that I made that simple mistake. At any rate, I was able to fix it, and note everything seems to be functioning correctly! I might get a couple more probes so that I can monitor the temp on different parts of the smoker, but I'll use the two I have for now. Now I just need the Roto Damper so I can get to smokin'!