New line of K type thermocouple controllers

First ready, XE 2.0


_Two K type thermocouple Inputs

_3 temperature readings (T0(ambient); T1 and T2 (Ktypes).

_Configurable Start up ( from T1, T2, from both)

_Configurable Shut down ( from T1, T2, from both)

_10 Sec. delay on power for Asus motherboards.
Readings from +50 to -150c

_Customizable delay between compresor restarts.

_Two ways to calibrate Thermocouples on hardware by end user plus offset.

_Control up to 3 Panaflos H (High performance 120mm fans) plus another smaller fan (1.5Amp total power)

_16x2 Blue or green LCD display

_Windows software, firmware upgradeable.


http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/5...62smallqy2.jpg


Beta software:
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/4383/xe204bk7.jpg


Main PCB
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/6...70smallyb0.jpg

First one mounted, but with a 20x2 lcd
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/3...e2smallha2.jpg

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/2...8mediumxq3.jpg

Looks nice. What interface does it use?

All I can say is 'simply amazing' :D

The use of dual thermal inputs for safety and reading opens these up for such a wide variety of uses, including dual head units and it looks like for those you've already built everything in so that no custom firmware is needed :woot:

Fantastic work guys, hopefully I'll see one of them for the dual evap I've put together and I can test that theory ;) but it just looks completely ideal for the job.

It also looks like it could work well for dual compressor systems via a separate relay even if the controller couldn't do the amperage of both compressors.

You've definitely come a long way with this one, with the configurable safety and K-type inputs you've pushed the technology forward to the 'next level'

Congratulations Ssilencer and Golden Eagle for this achievement :toast:


Gray

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Gray Mole

All I can say is 'simply amazing' :D

The use of dual thermal inputs for safety and reading opens these up for such a wide variety of uses, including dual head units and it looks like for those you've already built everything in so that no custom firmware is needed :woot:

Fantastic work guys, hopefully I'll see one of them for the dual evap I've put together and I can test that theory ;) but it just looks completely ideal for the job.

It also looks like it could work well for dual compressor systems via a separate relay even if the controller couldn't do the amperage of both compressors.

You've definitely come a long way with this one, with the configurable safety and K-type inputs you've pushed the technology forward to the 'next level'

Congratulations Ssilencer and Golden Eagle for this achievement :toast:


Gray

---

Thanks Gray, you know that this (banana?) eated us to the bones, but well, is not dead the one who fight... and if it is dead, well, the hell with the rest

Great Ssilencer, i need them, when you will send them to johann?

thanks

I'm waiting for one too, since beginning of September :(

May be interested in one of these :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LittleDevil

Great Ssilencer, i need them, when you will send them to johann?

thanks

---

Soon, ask johann about.

OK People, I have 6 units coming

2 x XS316
1 x Cold Ice
1 x for me
2 x LittleDevil

Sorry but all sold out, contact me by PM if you want and I will get them ordered asap

two for me :cool:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Big SturL

Looks nice. What interface does it use?

---

I'll quote my question here, since no one cared to answer me.

Hey guys do the K probes come with them I have only one left and will need four for my two!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Big SturL

I'll quote my question here, since no one cared to answer me.

---

Sorry, I lost that one, Serial still port, until the next release (already playing with USB)
But the next release will take some time...

Pazza, controllers don't include K type probes.

Very nice looking. Good job!

Great for 24/7 freon cooled systems :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ssilencer

Sorry, I lost that one, Serial still port, until the next release (already playing with USB)
But the next release will take some time...

Pazza, controllers don't include K type probes.

---

K, nice! Didn't mean to seem "angry" or anything :p: Maybe I'll buy one once you've made them with USB-interface.

Can you supply with probes as it would save me ordering from elsewhere and paying postage twice

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Big SturL

K, nice! Didn't mean to seem "angry" or anything :p: Maybe I'll buy one once you've made them with USB-interface.

---

Great! (?¿):)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Big SturL

K, nice! Didn't mean to seem "angry" or anything :p: Maybe I'll buy one once you've made them with USB-interface.

---

My honest opinion is that there is no need for USB, serial does the job just fine. What can USB do that Serial can not?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by johann

My honest opinion is that there is no need for USB, serial does the job just fine. What can USB do that Serial can not?

---

i have a customer that just bought a Abit 975 mobo that doesnt have a serial port at all:stick:
i think other mobo manufactures will be heading this way also. the other good thing about not having serial is that each mobo internal serial port wiring is different.
Also no need for external serial port plugs.

OK makes sense.

I think 1st priority was to get the controller 100% rather than the interface, Im sure golden is working on USB

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SoddemFX

I think that the main problem for Ssilencer and Golden Eagle with USB isn't the actual USB but more the through hole design of the board.

If they had used a surface mount board and put on a FT232R between USB and SCI they would have had a full USB controller working with almost the existing code on both PC and micro. The problem is the cost of producing surface mount boards which would have increased the price to the end user which im sure Ssilencer and Golden Eagle dont want to do. I guess this is why it is difficult...

Tom

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Gotcha :)

Is not just change the plug, is a complete redesign.
But we got a usb microcontroller sometime ago, we just didn't have enough time to play with it.

very cool guys, this thing is lightyears ahead of where you started.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Revv23

very cool guys, this thing is lightyears ahead of where you started.

---

Thanks Revv, I hope so...

There are two more controllers in the K type line...

Sounds like progress is being made. Now... how are things going for my stuff?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jinu117

Sounds like progress is being made. Now... how are things going for my stuff?

---

Ready to ship by Friday.

when are my controllers shipping to Johann MrS? also I have one defective screen from the last batch of values (all the rest worked great) so could you send me an extra screen?

Thanks

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by pazza316

when are my controllers shipping to Johann MrS? also I have one defective screen from the last batch of values (all the rest worked great) so could you send me an extra screen?

Thanks

---

The controllers are ready, golden is coming tomorrow with them, I'm also waiting to get a sample of wire for K type probes on Monday (along with a custom made cartridge heater for our next proyect...)
No problem with the screen, I'm also looking for a new provider, this one doesn't warrant lcd displays at all, really weird being a really big supplier of the electronic market here.

In reference to the serial issue on mobos with no legacy ports. I was able to solve the problem with a serial to usb adapter. I've tested it with the gfroster software and it works just fine.

I got mine for about $20, i know having to spend more money isnt a solution for everyone but i didnt really see any other options for the moment. Below is a link to a product similar to the one i bought, if you google serial to usb adapter you'll find many others at varying prices.

http://www.keyspan.com/products/usb/USA19HS/

Ssilencer Your new controllers look killer. MrDeeds sounds cool I was going to go a Pcix1 slot serial card but now I mit just have to go adapter. Thanks for the info. Oh Ssilencer any luck with new LCD provider? And do they got any in red Lol

MrDeeds, thanks for the info.
Crazystang01, not much, I tested a red 16x2 big characters, but it looks pink :P , but well, I don't know your personal likes( :D:gay:), but for sure I respect any different than mine :D

:eek: Ok GREEN ROTFLMAO

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Crazystang01

:eek: Ok GREEN ROTFLMAO

---

:ROTF: :wasntme:
(Tambien conocido como roba posts*)

*Babelfish required

Well I have your gay blue :cool: die I'll be shipping tomorrow. If your going to be perverted :slobber: - please do it in English;)

Small LCD screens are produced so cheaply by the manufactures,they don't warranty them because shipping to replace would be more than the cost of the screen itself.

maybe your paying too much for the screens,to many middle men all taking their cut.I do realize you are not in USA where electronics are cheap & readily available.

Look for a manufacturer that will sell to you directly. because you use a relative small number compared to industry,that may be hard to find. or a wholesaler so only 1 middle man is adding his cut to the cost.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by runmc

Well I have your gay blue :cool: die I'll be shipping tomorrow. If your going to be perverted :slobber: - please do it in English;)

---

Lol, yeah sorry about that, I just told that I was stealing posts :P:
Mmmm let me think about different uses for that uv reactive die :slobber:....
Oh maybe Crazystang01 can help hehehe

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wdrzal

Small LCD screens are produced so cheaply by the manufactures,they don't warranty them because shipping to replace would be more than the cost of the screen itself.

maybe your paying too much for the screens,to many middle men all taking their cut.I do realize you are not in USA where electronics are cheap & readily available.

Look for a manufacturer that will sell to you directly. because you use a relative small number compared to industry,that may be hard to find. or a wholesaler so only 1 middle man is adding his cut to the cost.

---

Thanks for the advice Walt, but we already deal with a wholesaler, but customs here are more than 50% so, final prices are about 100% the costs they paid to the manufacturer.
and if I want to get them directly from manufacturer, I have to pay to another guy to do the customs paperwork, so, that's out of the question here :(

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SoddemFX

Do your PIC system run at 3.3v or 5v? If you want any help getting any components from the UK i can help if it would help :)

Tom

---

Thanks very much Tom!
I will ask golden
And yes, it is not easy to make things with what you can get, you have to design for the stuff you know you can get here, or it would be a real pain.

First batch of Xe 2.0 controllers

Some for Johann and some for Runmc

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/8...20batchfi6.jpg


Working on final details for the new X 3.0 and Cascade
This ones (X 3.0 and Cascade) will have his own case, of the size of a 5 1/4 bay. I got a 2x1mt 1mm aluminum sheet, now on the metallurgical shop being cut, then I have to get them and give them to the person how will cut the holes for the display and keyboard (yes, as always on the X line, they have their own keyboard), after that, back to the metallurgical to be bended and after that back to the graphic shop.

Both, X 3.0 and Cascade has also a 20x2 lcd display, 4 k type probes inputs.
The X 3.0 has also an expansion port where it can be plug extra modules for extra features...

X 3.0 Controller:

X3
4 K type thermal probe inputs (probes not included)
Can set start up on any thermal probes
Start up/shut down by temps; temp in tray; control fan speed
Keyboard included to control start up/shut down temps, setting thermal probes, fan speed, etc
Windows soft for control start up/shut down temps, setting thermal probe and fan speed
20x2 lcd display
Comes in a 5 1/4 bay case.
Serial connection, firmware upgradeable (future proof, adding features)
Failure control (continuous reading of 5v line)
Accept future daughter board (extra fan control, etc)


http://img350.imageshack.us/img350/7...cascadeuq7.jpg

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/7...11smallvd0.jpg

http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/4989/parawebid9.jpg

awesome! i'd love to have one!

looks great Mr S I will be ordering one soon!

Very nice Sscilencer and Golden.
Keep up the good work. :)

nice work guys, those cases look sweet hey. :toast:

any1 has the new xe's to work?

when the timer gets to 00:00 on mine it doesnt start the compressor, just the fan, doesnt show any temperature or anything, just halts

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Blaster

any1 has the new xe's to work?

when the timer gets to 00:00 on mine it doesnt start the compressor, just the fan, doesnt show any temperature or anything, just halts

---

You can see yours working here, as I tested it in the lian li v2000 prior to shipping.
So, you are doing something wrong.

Anyway, contact me by pm if you need further help.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMEZsPtArlM

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/8...3large2js9.jpg

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/4...50largekb3.jpg

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/6...3mediumft0.jpg

well we carefully followed the instructions you sent ...

can you tell me what im doing wrong for this crap to happen?


http://helderfonseca.planetaclix.pt/...gfroster07.jpg

Your LCD screen is getting interference from other cables.
You need to re-route the LCD cable as far away from any other cable as possible. As yours is in a case, (a yummy case at that :)) it wont be the LCD cable itself, What is that controller below the G-froster? Move it and try the G-froster again. Still no luck? Pull the G-froster out and test run it out of the computer, or as far away as the cables will allow.
This is common, I have personally seen it happen once on my G-froster, others have also, not too much of a problem if you think about cable routing from the start. If it continues to be a problem you could try something like this.

ok, ill put the unit in 1 room and the controller in another room, maybe that will work

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Blaster

ok, ill put the unit in 1 room and the controller in another room, maybe that will work

---

There you go - problem solved :toast:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Blaster

ok, ill put the unit in 1 room and the controller in another room, maybe that will work

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G-froster is a fiasco? Too bad, i wait more than a half year for this shi.... :mad:

I want to start a support thread for the XE2.0. Maybe we can work out some of the problems if we can all put our heads together. We need to make an installation manuel to go by. I have found that if you connect the probe wire backwards the controller won't work. I know this is a simple common sense mistake, but it can slow down installation. Does anyone has XE2.0 firmware?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Blaster

well we carefully followed the instructions you sent ...
can you tell me what im doing wrong for this crap to happen?
http://helderfonseca.planetaclix.pt/...gfroster07.jpg

---

seems to be the same issue i had with the Xe1.2 and also the value controllers.


Seems when compressor starts the initial current draw sends out EMI and this effects the controller. either getting in on the LCD ribbon cable of interfering with the controller physically.

I was able to work around this by manually starting the compressor first, then starting the gfroster. I was able to get all the controllers working this way. I still get errors though every now and again, also controller tripping and just shutting down.

read this link has more infor on my finidings, might help

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...&postcount=534

Try shielding the controller ,ribbon and any wires in a brass wire "cage" that is grounded, built out of fine copper wire mesh.

I really haven't been following the circuits,so I can't comment. the cage will stop any EMF problems. yes ,compressors produce EMF especially at start up.you may be experiencing Back-EMF also.

you can see this in a oscilloscope if you have one.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Blaster

ok, ill put the unit in 1 room and the controller in another room, maybe that will work

---

Did you insulated the k type probe? it needs to be insulated.

Golden released a new firm update.
Send me your email and I mail it to you.

BTW, keep crossing 220v cables over the controller, solenoids, etc, why don't you also do a permanent short circuit too...
I want to help, I have one xe 2.0 working for more than 2 month without any of that simptons, the only thing was some glitches on screen for some moments, so, Golden installed it and it works, he is not a magician...

Same on the value, I sent 6 to Kayl, he didn't make them work, but he sent one to Blank.God and he got it working fine, so, I think it has to be also with whom is installing it and in wich way.
We installed a value in a new unit last week, first run, flawless, I did several restarts, forced critical shut downs, and it keeps working fine, so, definitely has to do also with the way the controller is installed.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kayl

seems to be the same issue i had with the Xe1.2 and also the value controllers.


Seems when compressor starts the initial current draw sends out EMI and this effects the controller. either getting in on the LCD ribbon cable of interfering with the controller physically.

I was able to work around this by manually starting the compressor first, then starting the gfroster. I was able to get all the controllers working this way. I still get errors though every now and again, also controller tripping and just shutting down.

read this link has more infor on my finidings, might help

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...&postcount=534

---

strange characters happens also to me, with value and xe 1.2..you can solve by let the connection cable between lcd and froster, pass away from compressor..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SoddemFX

Ssilencer - How is Golden driving the LCD? Direct from port pins?

Something simple such as a 74HC14 on the data lines may solve the problem...

Tom

---

yes I think so.
I will tell him, thanks, I will be back to you with an answer.

What he did now is clean the firmware of the cascade from the restart routine he made and use the function included in the display for software shut off, and the cascade is working flawless, after that, he released a new firm update that I sent to one of my local customers to be tested, and that also solved the problem in the XE 2.0, for the last 48hs my customer didn't had a glitch on display, so, looks like he found a fix.

Also RUNMC got the firm update, and he told me that it is working fine.
He had a problem but it was solved as soon as we explained better than just put a line in the installation pdf.

THE K TYPE PROBES HAS TO BE INSULATED ON THE PART THAT MAKES CONTACT WITH THE EVAP OR WHEREVER YOU PUT THE PROBE, A PIECE OF HEAT SHRINK, OR EVEN LIQUID ELECTRICAL TAPE WILL DO THE JOB, DO NOT PUT THE PROBE IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE SURFACE YOU WANT TO SENSE.

SHORT THE K TYPE PROBE INPUTS YOUR ARE NOT USING WITH THE PIECE OF METAL CLIP THAT COMES IN THE K TYPE PLUGS OR ANY PIECE OF METAL CLIP.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ssilencer

yes I think so.
I will tell him, thanks, I will be back to you with an answer.

What he did now is clean the firmware of the cascade from the restart routine he made and use the function included in the display for software shut off, and the cascade is working flawless, after that, he released a new firm update that I sent to one of my local customers to be tested, and that also solved the problem in the XE 2.0, for the last 48hs my customer didn't had a glitch on display, so, looks like he found a fix.

Also RUNMC got the firm update, and he told me that it is working fine.
He had a problem but it was solved as soon as we explained better than just put a line in the installation pdf.

THE K TYPE PROBES HAS TO BE INSULATED ON THE PART THAT MAKES CONTACT WITH THE EVAP OR WHEREVER YOU PUT THE PROBE, A PIECE OF HEAT SHRINK, OR EVEN LIQUID ELECTRICAL TAPE WILL DO THE JOB, DO NOT PUT THE PROBE IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE SURFACE YOU WANT TO SENSE.

SHORT THE K TYPE PROBE INPUTS YOUR ARE NOT USING WITH THE PIECE OF METAL CLIP THAT COMES IN THE K TYPE PLUGS OR ANY PIECE OF METAL CLIP.

---

Don't forget to mention the fact that the positive wire (yellow) and negative (red) of the probe, must be pluged into the socket according to the + and - symbols on the diagram or you will get a bogus reading on the display.

At the moment, my XE2.0 is working good. I haven't installed it in the case yet. It is spread out on my workbench. It does seem that the XE2.0 is headed in the right direction. However I do know of one person who is having problems. Hopefully these problems can be worked out.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by runmc

Don't forget to mention the fact that the positive wire (yellow) and negative (red) of the probe, must be pluged into the socket according to the + and - symbols on the diagram or you will get a bogus reading on the display.

At the moment, my XE2.0 is working good. I haven't installed it in the case yet. It is spread out on my workbench. It does seem that the XE2.0 is headed in the right direction. However I do know of one person who is having problems. Hopefully these problems can be worked out.

---

You're right
Did you loaded the new firmware?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ssilencer

You're right
Did you loaded the new firmware?

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It is loaded and working well - I am testing as we speak and I will continue to test and report back.

Ssilencer we would like to have Golden Froster Value 2.0 with K-Type and USB port :slobber: :slobber:

Best Regards

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LittleDevil

Ssilencer we would like to have Golden Froster Value 2.0 with K-Type and USB port :slobber: :slobber:

Best Regards

---

Lol!
I will take a Runmc advice, stop making new controllers until we get what we have in a mature enough state.
Yes, it would be nice, I was already thinking about only make k type controllers, if so, a value K type will appear, anyway, I was talking ro golden about serial to usb adapters because some guy asked for that, and golden said that any adapter will work almost for sure.

NEW SHIELDED DISPLAY CABLES

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/6049/dscf1922ef5.jpg

Feedback on the cables:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kayl

Now just have to finish installing the Gfroster XE2 and the cascade ready to bench

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/3...6955hc8.th.jpg


http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/3...5316qs9.th.jpg


http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/1...0819im3.th.jpg

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/2...0818ut2.th.jpg

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/773...0817nx4.th.jpg

---

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kayl

Yeah was speaking with sscilencer on MSN and he said to do that, which i did ;)



Will do horri, i think the new atomic writer Moloko will enjoy the unit for a few months after the event before sending it back to me :D
Will have to build another cascade in the mean time for me to bench with.

http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/8...0527ds9.th.jpg

http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/2...7200tv8.th.jpg

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/6...4322rk6.th.jpg

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/5...9543lg5.th.jpg

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kayl

Hey Fhqwhgads6680, this is my second professional cascade, but I have been making getto cascades for the last 2 years. Green is my favourite sleeving also, looks good on my bench cascade ;) I think the controller finishes the cascade though.

You bugger, once I set the pc up on top of the cascade ill have to change the text menus ;) Yeah I was up to 2am last night finishing it all off and putting it all together. I also installed the gfroster XE1.6 into another unit I have here, no issues this time round with bad character display, or tripping on start-up.
The XE 2.0 K type thermocouple controller works perfect in my cascade. The cascade controller didn’t quiet do what I needed (no windows software)
I have set the cascade so that once the first stage compressor reaches -25c 30cm before the compressor the second stage compressor starts. I also have a High pressure cutoff on the second stage. If first stage 30cm before the compressor ever gets warmer than -25c the second stage will shut down.
I also have a switch on the second stage to turn it off if need, will come in handy with benching. With the XE 2.0 windows software ill be able to do some nice window dumps for benching, look good on HWBOT.

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Does the sheilded cable solve the problems with earlier models? I have some leftovers I would like to salvage if possible. I don't have LCDs anymore. I gave them to Reggie to try and help him out. :shrug:

the balck version looks very nice :toast:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Duh

the balck version looks very nice :toast:

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Thanks
The XE 2.0, X3 and Cascade controllers always had black PCBs

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by runmc

Does the sheilded cable solve the problems with earlier models? I have some leftovers I would like to salvage if possible. I don't have LCDs anymore. I gave them to Reggie to try and help him out. :shrug:

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Yes, we are making all the controllers with shielded cables now.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ssilencer

(along with a custom made cartridge heater for our next proyect...)

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Aww no, I was just getting some designs together for that project - Looks like I'm going to be beaten to it. :c Probably for the best anyway, CE certification and all that to get a mains powered product looks nasty.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by yngndrw

Aww no, I was just getting some designs together for that project - Looks like I'm going to be beaten to it. :c Probably for the best anyway, CE certification and all that to get a mains powered product looks nasty.

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We got it on the freezer for a while, so if you want to join forces, you're welcome :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ssilencer

We got it on the freezer for a while, so if you want to join forces, you're welcome :)

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YGPM. ;)

XE 2.0 software compatible with Vista64
http://img483.imageshack.us/img483/1...vista64pu6.jpg