Blending my passion for technology with the art of BBQing for my loved ones, I embarked on creating the PitmasterIOT. While there are numerous admirable custom and commercial solutions available, I aspired to design something that stands out in its simplicity, affordability, and commitment to being fully open-source.
Note: This project is in early preview, and the software is still in development. The UI and PWM fan speed algorithm are works in progress.
An IoT-enabled device designed specifically for BBQ enthusiasts. This device offers:
- Ambient Temperature Monitoring: Ensures the surroundings are optimal for your BBQ session.
- Food Temperature Tracking: Provides accurate readings of your BBQ's internal temperature, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time.
- Network Connectivity: Seamlessly connects to your home network, enabling real-time temperature monitoring.
- Interactive Website Interface: All connected devices can access a dynamic website showcasing detailed temperature trends via line charts.
- Integrated Fan System: A compact fan attachment for your BBQ grill, engineered to inject air when necessary. This promotes oxygen circulation, which in turn can intensify the fire and boost heat.
- Smart Heat Management: Employs a sophisticated algorithm that interprets real-time data from the probes, adjusting the fan activity to maintain the desired temperature.
- A WiFi manager to store network details when setup as an Access Point.
With this device, achieve the perfect BBQ every time by combining traditional grilling methods with modern technology.
The 3D components of PitmasterIOT were meticulously designed in Tinkercad.com and printed with my Bambu Lab X1-Carbon.
Our custom Arduino software powers the PitmasterIOT, which is located in the src folder. Here's an overview of the integrated libraries:
- WiFi: Connect to your WiFi network.
- ESPAsyncWebServer: Enables multi-client connections.
- LittleFS: Manages static file storage.
- Preferences: Stores persistent configuration key-value pairs.
- ArduinoJson: Handles Websocket payloads.
- Arduino_JSON: Manages JSON data structures.
- MAX31856: Integrates with the thermocouple.
- PubSubClient: Enables MQTT Publishing used for Home Assistant.
The PitmasterIOT hosts a webpage, leveraging Websockets. This ensures instantaneous message transmission and synchronization across all connected devices, providing users with real-time data for a seamless BBQ experience.
- Setup includes a Home Assistant Discovery package sent to the configured MQTT. (Home Assistant configuration details coming soon).
- On initial client connection, the server presents HTML/JS/CSS displaying temperature line charts (powered by chart.js).
- Every 5 seconds, the server sends temperature updates to connected clients, refreshing the charts
- Client can publish configuration updates through a dedicated configuration web form
Three discrete components are used, each with a specific purpose:
- Flyback Diode:
- Protects against voltage spikes from inductive loads, specifically to safeguard the PWM fan from sudden interruptions in supply current.
- 10k Ohm Resistor:
- Anchors the MOSFET's gate to a known low voltage, averting accidental activation from stray charges or interference, and confirms the MOSFET initializes in the OFF state.
- MOSFET N-Channel Transistor:
- Offers exact control over the PWM fan speed and the capability to entirely shut it off, optimizing efficiency and power use.
We're continually looking to enhance the PitmasterIOT experience. Planned updates include:
- Websocket event storage
- Expanded sensor support (more thermocouple(s) and/or an Oled display)
- Enhanced web user interface
Thanks to the open-source community and all BBQ enthusiasts for their insights and encouragement throughout the development of this project. A special mention to Random Nerd Tutorials for their invaluable posts that guided and inspired me.
We welcome contributions to the PitmasterIOT project. This project is licensed under the MIT License. See the LICENSE file for more details.