New product release! Auber SYL-3615 2nd generation WIFI charcoal smoker controller! See details here.
Update: We have a few HeaterMeter Cases with small aesthetic defects for sale. Click SD-HMCase for details.
HeaterMeter/LinkMeter is an Arduino and Raspberry Pi based open source BBQ controller. It integrates the latest technology to make a powerful BBQ controller. It was first started and developed by Bryan Mayland as a DIY project and it has offered a lot of fun for computer/electronics hobbyists who also love to BBQ. However, for those who don’t have the necessary electronics background and tools, the investment of time and tools can be too much for them to enjoy this project. We now provide assembled HeaterMeter/LinkMeter kits for users who just want to BBQ and enjoy the great functions offered by this controller right away.
Features
1. PID algorithm automatically controls the pit temperature.
2. Adjusting the speed of the blower instead of turning the blower on and off.
3. Accepts 4 probes at the same time: one thermocouple (type K) port and three thermistor (“Maverick”) sensors.
4. Wi-Fi connection capability when LinkMeter (Raspberry Pi Model B) is installed. View the temperature plot and dashboard from your smart phone, tablet, or computer. Third-party mobile apps are available.
5. 3D-printed ABS enclosure.
Assembled HeaterMeter/LinkMeter with green LCD (left) and blue LCD display (right).
Description
HeaterMeter is a standalone BBQ controller with LCD display, sensor inputs, and control output to the blower. It measures the temperature in the pit, feeds the temperature input to the microcontroller, and output a control signal to the blower to reach and maintain the temperature at a specified value. It can read up to 4 temperature probes at once and each can have its own alarm setting, which allows you not only control the pit temperature, but also monitor the food temperatures. It supports automatic mode and manual mode. Under automatic mode, HeaterMeter employs PID control algorithm to decide the fan speed; while under manual mode, fan speed is determined by the user.
The functionality of HeaterMeter can be greatly extended by LinkMeter, which is an addition board internally mounted to HeaterMeter. LinkMeter is essentially a Raspberry Pi (model B) loaded with LinkMeter firmware. It provides wired or Wi-Fi network connection. And it allows user to access its dashboard from a smart phone, a tablet, or a computer. User can also view the temperature plot, define and set alarms, adjust PID parameters, access the temperature data log, and etc.
Instead of using the conventional extruded aluminum or molded plastic for enclosure, the enclosures of HeaterMeter are 3D-printed with black ABS filament.
More information on the operation, hardware, source code, and compatible accessories can be found on the HeaterMeter Wiki page.
Right side view of HeaterMeter showing the ports for sensor input. The HM one the left one has one TC connector and three thermistor connectors; the HM on the right has two TC connectors and one thermistor connector.
Left side view showing (from left to right) ethernet, USB, power input, and output ports.
The ethernet port and USB ports are from Raspberry Pi.
What’s in the box
1. HeaterMeter bare board (v4.2).
2. (if selected) 3D-printed case.
3. (if selected) Cable for connecting the HeaterMeter and the blower (one end installed with network connect RJ-45, and one end installed with female phone jack).
4. (if selected) Metal framed blower with built-in damper (6.5/10/20 CFM).
5. (if selected) 12VDC power adapter.
6. (if selected) Type K thermocouple probe for pit temperature.
7. (if selected) Maverick ET732/733 food/BBQ probe
8. (if selected) Raspberry Pi Model B.
9. (if selected) 4GB SD card loaded with LinkMeter firmware (v13).
10. (if selected) Wireless USB adapter.
11. (if selected) Silicone gasket, blower adapter plate, or ball valve adapter.
Not included in the box
1. Network cable for connecting Raspberry Pi with computer.
Additional accessories (listed elsewhere)
1. High-Speed HDMI Cable.
2. Case for Raspberry Pi Model B.
3. Power Supply (5V, 1A) with Micro USB for Raspberry Pi.
3. Power Splitter Cord to drive two blowers at same time by one heatermeter.
5. Inline Power Switch for Blower to manually turn off the blower when you want to open the smoker's lid.
HeaterMeter board on the left (red) has 4 sensor ports (1 x TC, 3 x thermistor); the board on the right (blue) has 3 sensor ports ( 2 x TC, 1 x thermistor). Red arrows in the picture indicate TC connectors while the blue arrows indicate connectors.
A complete functional kit of HeaterMeter should include (from top left corner clockwise): a HeaterMeter with its case, an output cable, a thermocouple sensor, a power adapter, and a blower.
Specifications
| AC adapter |
100-240V, 50/60Hz input. 12 VDC, 1 amp output. |
| LCD display |
2 x 16 LCD, green background |
| Alarm |
Two set points with buzzer sound |
| Display temp. range |
-4 ~ 932 °F (-20 ~ 500 °C) |
| Sensor |
K type thermocouple with 6 ft (2 meters) cable.
TC-K6A: -300 ~ 900 °F (-200 ~ 482 °C).
TC-K3MM-C: -300 ~ 900 °F (-200 ~ 482 °C).
TC-K8: -300 ~ 900 °F (-200 ~ 482 °C).
PR-001: Maximum 700 °F (370 °C)
PR-002: Maximum 700 °F (370 °C) |
| Control Mode |
PID, Manual |
| Controller dimension |
5.0 x 3.6 x 1.2" (127 x 92 x 30mm) |
| Blower |
6.5 / 10 / 20 CFM |
1. iOS 5.0 or later:
Pit Meter ( By Darren Eisenzimmer)
2. Android 2.2 or later:
PitDroid (By Colin Bonstead)
Credit
HeaterMeter and LinkMeter are developed by Bryan Mayland in an ongoing project called “HeaterMeter”. It was started in 2010, and the latest version is V4.2.4. The hardware design and source code are published under the MIT Open source license. The 3D-printed enclosure is first made and published by Tom Kole on The Visual Weber Bulletin Board (www.tvwbb.com). Please visit the links or forums if you want to know more about this controller and this project.
External links
1. HeaterMeter Wiki page.
2. For HeaterMeter unassembled kits, please visit Smokin’Hardware store.
3. For technical questions, information, and related discussions, please visit forum at www.tvwbb.com.
FAQ
Please visit FAQ page on the HeaterMeter’s Wiki page. The FAQ on our website can be considered as a supplementary.
For Wi-Fi adapters, please see this link for a list of compatible adapters.
Click here to download a guide for HeaterMeter Wireless Connection.
Warranty
Due to the nature of this DIY project, we provide 90 Day warranty for the HeaterMeter and the blower. We only provide 40 Day warranty on the Raspberry Pi and the SD card. Each unit is tested before we ship it out and is guarantee to work. No technical support will be provided on the software for HeaterMeter/LinkMeter. A small amount of esthetic imperfection on the surface of the enclosure should be expected due to the nature of 3D-printing, which shall not be considered as manufacturing defects.
Other reference images
Sensor included in the kit: TC-K6A or TC-K3MM-C. For meat probe, please check TC-K8.
Blower installed on large Big Green Egg.
This product was added to our catalog on Friday 15 May, 2015.
