Solar powered solar kiln

[caryr]

Hi Jason,

Here are a couple of comments.

Whenever I see .1u and 10u bypass caps spread around a little alarm goes off in my head. Those value are fairly standard for general circuits, but many modern high performance circuits will find them inadequate. Make sure you have good power and ground planes and that you read the manufactures bypassing recommendations. My biggest concern is the bluetooth module. I can provide other help if you need it.

It would also be best if you posted your schematic in a different format (gif, png). Bmp files are not compressed. Though make sure you use a lossless setting.

My planes for kiln automation is to peruse the Omega, Automation Direct, etc. catalogs and build it up with standard modules. Hook them together, write a bit of code and I can check on the kiln with my laptop sitting by the pool  .

Take care,

Cary

[Jason_WI]

Cary,

The bluetooth module that I am using is from A7 Engineering. It is fairly straight forward to use and I have already had it communicating with my PC which is using a USB bluetooth adapter set up as a serial port. I am using it for remote data logging as my PC will be in a different building close to where the kiln is.

Omega modules are a bit pricy and take all the fun out of designing your own controller

The Microchip PIC16F877 doesn't consume much power. I will be building my circuit on a gold plated pad per hole perf board. No gnd or power planes. I have built many circuits like this without problems. The sprinkling of bypass capacitors around the schematic helps. The 6V servo power supply for the shutters will be on a different regulator.

For the regulator I am using a 3A, 5V Power Trends DC-DC converter module. I have experience with switching power supplies and know all the tricks to snub the noise. PI filter

Jason

[caryr]

Sounds good Jason. I didn't know how much of the RF chain was integrated on the module. You are correct that prebuilt modules do take some of the fun out of it, but I have had over twenty years of fun, so sometimes I just want to get it done and get back to the forest.

Perf board is great stuff. I have a couple of circuits that are over 15 years old and still working perfect.

Cary