External Temperature Sensors

[ChrisB22]

Hi all,

I was looking to extend the wiring on my temperature sensor as I would like to measure temperature away from the heat source, after reading the manual, I can add additional sensors to the controller. 

After a quick search of DS18B20, I have found them available at suppliers over here in the UK. The manual states to connect in parallel so I assume they are addressed uniquely? Is it as straightforward as it sounds?

I must admit when I was initially trying to connect my AB to the internet I thought it was complicated, nope it was me overcomplicating it  

Thanks

[afterburner]

Correct, you simply wire (up to 3) sensors in parallel.

You MUST reboot the Afterburner.
Then use the System Settings - DS18B20 Sensor Order menu to assign a priority to the new sensors.
   
If they have a -?- against them, they will not be usable by the AB (ala not assigned yet).
This effectively names them Sensor1, 2, or 3.

THEN make sure you visit the nearby Thermostat Sensor menu to nominate which of all sensors should be used for the thermostat role.
   

The very latest BETA firmware also allows you to enter names for each sensor via the keypad, to replace the default Sensor1, etc.
Otherwise you can use the Android App or Web Page to do this (less convoluted!)

[ChrisB22]

Just had some temp sensors turn up so I thought I'd give it a quick test before running the wiring and having an issue. Within 5 minutes I had multiple temperatures showing on the display. Now to decide where and how exactly to locate them.

Am I correct in saying that it is a 3-pin JST connector onto the PCB? I was thinking about making a little intermediate lead with multiple ends so that I could make everything neat and easily replaceable.

Thanks again

Chris

[afterburner]

Strange you should mention that.

I'm presently, shock horror, working on a online purchase page (via Square), and have added a "Sensors" category.
It did occur to me last night that a breakout module is sorely needed to make the process of adding extra sensors easier.

Nothing special is required. It's simply a chain of 3 JST PH (2mm pitch) headers to accept the sensors, with a tail to plug into the AB.

Originally, on the prototype hardware, I was using JST XH, which are 2.5mm pitch.
I changed to the PH to differentiate between the heater connection, and avoid nuisance "why doesn't it work?" queries

In hindsight, if it were still XH plugs, Veroboard would be a very easy way to make up the simple breakout required. But alas, 2mm pitch headers do not drop in. 

[ChrisB22]

I just thought it would make things easier in the future if need be, and I like the "O.E" look rather than it all being lashed together.

I should have some JST connectors hopefully the correct pitch and I will attempt something over the weekend.

Off topic, have you ever created a holder/mount for the controller? (something similar to the original clip in one for the screen) I'd like to mount mine up but unable to without making a hole at the bottom and I really don't want to.