Hi Jerry
Great to hear you've hit 150!! Thanks for the kind words.
I've attached a PDF of both of the supported configurations of Phidgets hardware for Roastmaster's Data Logging, as well as a picture of my Phidgets setup. I purchased the SBC2, 4 port Temperature Sensor, WiFi Adapter, and the Acrylic enclosures for both of the boards. I mounted them to a piece of scrap wood, put a hook for wall hanging, connected the cables, and was done.
There are instructions in the help files inside the app, and diagrams in the Data Logging purchase screen, but they are very basic, and lack pictures. I'm still working on a pictorial instruction sheet to post here on the site, but the attached PDF will give you an overview of how it works.
Here's the basics. There is no formal USB in iOS, so all connectivity has to happen over an Ethernet network (via a WiFi router). That's where Phidgets excel.
- You connect a K Type Thermocouple to the Phidget Temperature Sensor, which takes the readings from your roaster.
- The Phidget Temperature Sensor is then attached to a host (via a USB cable), which broadcasts those readings over the network so that Roastmaster can use them. The host simply provides network connectivity to your WiFi network, and can be either the Phidget SBC2, or a laptop.
- Roastmaster, then, communicates with the host to grab the readings from the Temperature Sensor connected to it.
Phidgets are administered from a Mac Preference Pane, or Windows Control Panel. These are very easy to install from the installers available on Phidgets.com. You do not have to know a bit of Linux - all settings are made via the software. It only takes about 5 minutes to configure via a desktop computer - most of that time is waiting for the Preference Pane or Control Panel to install.
If you don't have a laptop that can be placed next to the Roaster, I'd recommend using the Temperature Sensor with an SBC2 as a host. It costs more, but provides a portable solution. The SBC2 comes with a power supply.
Like I say, I will be putting formal instructions up soon - but this will give you an idea. Please let me know of any more questions you have. I love the Phidgets platform, though I'm sure a lot of folks would prefer a pre-packaged solution. Unfortunately, there really aren't any viable contenders that I'm aware of for iOS yet. But, don't let the do-it-yourself nature of Phidgets scare you, they are amazing little devices, and perform beautifully.
Cheers
Danny