Custom digital hygrometer

[WarlockBob]

So, I've got a thread going in Technology about building my own digital hygrometer, and eventually selling them or making stocking stuffers with them... Something along those lines.

There were some foreseen and unforeseen issues with my prototype PCB, but I was able to put one together and check fitment, layout, etc. and since I've got pictures of it, I thought I'd post them in here!

I obviously don't have a case for them yet or anything, but that'll have to wait until I receive rev. 2.0 boards and make sure they work.

I am also looking for some feedback, if anyone would like to give me some!

 

[Ocelot55]

:| Smart peoples......


Nice job there, Bob. That kind of stuff is waaay outside my expertise. :cheers:

 

[juanmedusa]

Very cool, good work. However, if that post hadn't any text I might have guessed it was a guidance chip and reported you. I'm hanging out with Ocelot on this one!

 

[Brewdude]

Do you have any idea of the price point for these yet Bob? Or perhaps too soon to say?



Cheers,

RR

 

[smoker13]

Uhhhh....Where do you put the tobacco in?

 

[nismo270r]

Well hello Mr. Fancy Pants! :lol: Slick work Bobby!

I must ask, what's the micro-USB port for? Charging? Calibration? World domination?

 

[WarlockBob]

Sorry I'm just now getting back to this thread... dang notifications! :scratch:

Brewdude, it looks like I'll be able to sell them in the $30-$40 range as is; I'm still doing some tweaking, so I don't want to turn them loose out on the good folks just yet. My original goal was to make a hygrometer that worked as well or better than the expensive Xikar ones, for a lower price point. It just so happened to work out that I can customize the bajeezus out of them for individuals, if I wanted to.
I also need to figure out a good case for these things too, as I haven't been able to get that one figured out. I don't have the machinery to either mill out wooden or metal cases, and as much as I want one I can't shell out the $500-$750 for a half-decent 3D printer right now, though it would fit the project perfectly.

Chris, it's for all three!!!

on these Arduino boards, I can use the port for code upload, and then later on power. It's cheaper for me to buy micro-USB chargers than it would be for me to buy them, cut them, and solder the hot and ground to the board in the right place, plus it adds variability for the customer. I could do everything from the standoffs, but I'd just choose not to. I'm a bit lazy in the presence of a fully-functioning port.

 

[nismo270r]

I'm a bit lazy in the presence of a fully-functioning port.

As you should be! Smart man right there

I'm definitely anxious to see how these work out. Once you get this pegged down, you going to start working on the wireless functionality and a remote display?

 

[WarlockBob]

Ha! Not sure about the remote display, but I'm thinking it wouldn't be hard to add a WiFi module and get it to send you emails or connect with an app to let you know what's going on, no matter where you are.

That's a big long-term goal though, so let's wait a bit first for that one.

 

[nismo270r]

Ha! Not sure about the remote display, but I'm thinking it wouldn't be hard to add a WiFi module and get it to send you emails or connect with an app to let you know what's going on, no matter where you are.

That's a big long-term goal though, so let's wait a bit first for that one.

Now you're playing with power! As far as the case goes, someone on the forum has to at least know someone with a 3D printer, right? Unfortunately, I don't

 

[WarlockBob]

I would hope so!

Honestly, since it's pretty well square, it wouldn't even be that hard. I think a couple of tabs for the screen to snap in to, and a couple for the board, some slats for the actual sensor and a cutout for the screen and the plug and that's all I would need!

If anyone just so happens to have a 3D printer, I'd be more than happy to send a prototype to you to map and test!