Protection from overfiring

[nola mike]

This actually looks exactly what I'm looking for, but $240 + probe is a bit spendy...

 

[yooper08]

This actually looks exactly what I'm looking for, but $240 + probe is a bit spendy...

Yeah, there's a few of us that talked about developing our own. Maybe we should start that convo back up @illini81

 

[jaredwolff]

The “smart thermometer” definitely sounds interesting. I was thinking it could not only tell you if things were getting to hot (if that’s possible with the stove you have) but somehow send you a message to let you know it’s time to reload. That way your burn stays consistent thoughout the day (probably saving time in the process)

I also thing the 2:1 monitoring, via video, of both the temperature probe and of the actual fire is useful too.

@jaredwolff, you said you're running a cat stove, but didn't mention the make/model.

It's actually a buddy of mine from our fire department. I don't think he has the cat anymore or it just not functional (R.I.P.) due to what happened with his wife. I have no idea what the make and model is, I should ask.

This actually looks exactly what I'm looking for, but $240 + probe is a bit spendy...

Woah that's definitely a little spendy. I'd probably pay maybe $100 a most for something to run the stove.

 

[begreen]

Yeah, there's a few of us that talked about developing our own. Maybe we should start that convo back up @illini81

Member @WES999 has been doing this for awhile. He'd be a good resource.
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/stove-top-temperature-ranges.69575/#post-875557

 

[jaredwolff]

@begreen thanks for sharing. Does look like he's had a decent setup running. He even has the blower hooked up when the temp goes above 670.

 

[begreen]

WES999 has posted many good threads on temp measurement options and eBay sources. He is a great resource.

 

[illini81]

Yeah, there's a few of us that talked about developing our own. Maybe we should start that convo back up @illini81

Yes please! I'm planning on coming up with a design over Christmas break. Unfortunately life is too busy until then. I'd like to be able to log temperature data, as well as control the primary air. Two or three other hearth.com members have set ups which control primary air, although I don't believe I've come across anyone who is both logging temperature data and controlling primary air.

 

[illini81]

Rule number one, don't leave the room on a "hot" restart, and start fiddling with something else. That hot metal smell will remind you in a hurry that your air control is still wide open.

Rule number two, don't surf hearth.com while monitoring your stove after a reload... I've found that I sometimes unconsciously snooze my timer while engrossed in a good thread...

Shoot! I may have just violated Rule #2

 

[begreen]

Why I like a noisy persistent timer.

 

[jaybz]

If you have or are considering one of those DIY home alarm systems, you can probably easily adapt a leak detector to actuate on a contact closure from one of the ebay temp controllers. The whole setup will likely get you close to the cost of the ThermaQ unit, but you'll have a security system on top which might make it a little easier to swallow...

 

[WES999]

Hi all, the thread begreen linked to is an older version temp controller that I had on my previous Regency stove.
Here are some pics of the latest controller I have on my new BK stove.

The new one has 3 controllers contained in one box, flue cat and stove top.
The flue, cat and stove top all have alarms, the stove top also will turn on the blower at 700.
The small box on top of the controller is a Omega wireless temp logger, it will log stove top temp and room
temp verses time.

One change not shown in the pic is I now have the original dial cat thermo in the original
position and the thermocouple probe installed next to it.

I find having the controllers really helpful, on start up with the bypass open the flue temp can often exceed the recommended operating
temp(1000), with the controller if the alarm sounds I just turn the stove thermostat down a bit and the temp will quickly decrease.
Also the automatic blower function is really convenient.

I am still working on finding the optimum setting for the cat alarm the active range on the thermo, seems like around 600-700
on the controller corresponds to active on original thermo.

 

[jaredwolff]

This is great inspiration. Thanks @WES999 for sharing your setup!

 

[jaredwolff]

@WES999 are you just powering your system off the wall?

 

[jaredwolff]

@illini81I just started playing with a Particle Spark. I already have readings from a K-Type Thermocouple and ambient room temp and humidity. I definitely recommend going that route if you're familiar with programming for Arduino.