Brew Chamber Controller

This project includes python code for and a walkthrough of the design of a controller for a chest freezer brew chamber. The code is written to be easy to follow for beginners.

Currently the project contains the code to turn on/off two IO ports based on the reading from a thermistor.  I have tested the code using LEDs on a breadboard and it works as predicted.

The following is a list of things the controller may accomplish depending on how far you want to go with the project:

THE BARE BONES REQUIREMENTS

1. Monitor ambient brew chamber air temperature
2. Turn on heating if needed
3. Turn on cooling if needed

SELECTING AND AUTOMATING THE PROCESS

1. Ability to select different fermentation processes depending on what we are making
2. Automate the fermentation process
   • warmer start temperature to quickly optimize yeast colony size
3. • gradual cooling to optimum fermentation temperatures
4. • cold crash cycle when ferment is complete (requires a freezer)
5. • lager cycle if needed for style of beer (requires a freezer)
6. Network access (SSH, WWW and/or VNC for GUI) to the controller
   • Private access for control of the process
   • Public access for monitoring the process
7. Alarm system sends texts/emails/tweets etc.
8. MySQL database to track history/store yeast statistics etc.

OTHER THINGS TO MONITOR

1. Monitor fermentation vessel temperature
   • Chart vessel/chamber temperature differential
2. Web cam for visual monitoring
3. CO2 off gassing
   • Monitor rate of fermentation
   • Determine when fermentation is complete
4. Monitor  power consumption
5. Monitor keg pressures
6. Monitor external/room temperature
7. Monitor humidity (still not sure on this)

LOCAL INPUT GUI DEVICE

1. Local LCD touchscreen GUI (doubles the expense but gives a nice professional finishing touch)