Kiln controls recommendation

[woodhaven]

Ok,
That version is more readable to me. I'm stuck in the old ways to some degree. It's an old age thing.

[woodhaven]

I just downloaded the PBASIC instruction set. Man, you got it made.

[Den Socling]

hey it's coming back! I added a line to the program I wrote last night  8)

[Jason_WI]

Petty sneaky Den,

How about this:

'{$STAMP BS2p}

'-------------variables-----------------
Loopcontroller      VAR      WORD

'------------Main Program------------

IF Loopcontroller > 300 then buildyourown

END



buildyourown:

Debug "Use Jason's schematics and code and save the rest for beer",CR

END

[Den Socling]

touche

but I have time to drink my beer

[Kevin_H.]

Ok Jeff,
I think the FF site is having problems again, my screen is filled with weird lines and words that make no sense.

Maybe I got some kind of virus, How do ya tell if your computer is running a temp? ;D

[woodhaven]

It's just stray current from all this DDC talk.

[solidwoods]

Kiln Control using software (kiln specific or homemade)
Using a dedicated PC as a kiln controller? (no prob Frankenstiening a PC!)    Could the outputs of the Disk drives be used as the output for the programs work?
 Program uses the .exe for each drive (or another way to say it: "drive active" solenoid "on"  drive off solenoid off) , make the PC drive output steeped up as necessary to the solenoid (or solenoid that will take the output voltage).  

Anyone know of a program that I could use to controll a kiln? Using the above idea.  I have never seen a kiln conrol program but was thinking of using/replaceing its solinoid command  with the PC's drive on/off file.  Two  solinoid minimun (temp and exhaust)so replacing 2 drives with the solinoid should be do'able. I don't know much about software or PC hardware for that much eventhough I build my own computers (cheap ass). Input from temp and humid?  If it's a windows program, paralell/serial port should be do'able.
Please let me know if you have any good input.
Thanks for any good ideas
JIM

[Jeff]

Ok Jeff,
I think the FF site is having problems again, my screen is filled with weird lines and words that make no sense.

Maybe I got some kind of virus, How do ya tell if your computer is running a temp? ;D

Restart your computer. Thats not generally a forestry forum problem that I can take care of.

[Jason_WI]

Solidwoods,

Could the outputs of the Disk drives be used as the output for the programs work?

Doubtful, you are talking about low level bit banging there. Not much power to drive the even the smallest reed relay. You need isolation and a drive circuit to switch a contactor.

If you really want to use a PC, I personally would advise against it, then take a look at National Instruments.

They have DAC cards with I/O. You then need to use LabView to use them. Be prepaired to spend lots of $$$$$.

There are also cards available from Jameco that will allow you to control IO with C++ or Visual BASIC. Most of those would be ISA bus cards.

I suppose a parallel port could be used and I have seen schematics on the net for analog input and digital output parallel port interface cards. Seems kinds cheezee and you are totally relying on billy gates crashware to control a sertpoint.

Go with a stand alone microcontroller or a PLC if you got $$$.
Use the PC to log data and to upload new setpoints from remote locations.

Jason