Heated Build Platform Controller V0.2

cults3d

I really wanted a fully integrated solution for controlling a heated build platform, as well as for communicating with the motherboard. I also wanted to be able to use the heated build platform as a controlled hot plate in order to do surface mount reflow work. I created this board to have the ability to do both tasks seamlessly. It took me several months ago to gather all of the parts needed to build it and test it finally. The board is designed to control mains voltage (i.e. 120/240 VAC), and therefore uses an optically-isolated triac that is protected by a fuse for safety purposes. Temperature feedback comes through a Type-K thermocouple being read by a MAX6675 chip. The whole system is controlled by an ATMega328 based Arduino in a TQFP package, which provides ease of use and compatibility with other boards. Feedback to the user is provided through a 16x2 LCD display and three buttons for navigation. The board offers several key features: * Controls up to 1000W of AC mains power * I2C Communications back to the motherboard for seamless interaction * Measurable temperature range of 0 to 1024 degrees C with 2 degree accuracy * A 16x2 character LCD screen for easy viewing and navigation * Up, Down, and Select buttons for intuitive control * Programmed with a USB-TTL cable or ISCP programmer for flexibility * Arduino-based for easy coding and compatibility with other boards * AC Power is optically isolated and fused for added safety * Breakout of extra I/O pin for future expansion possibilities So far, I've been able to test the temperature sensor, the LCD display, the buttons, and programming successfully. However, I have not yet had a chance to test the AC power functionality. I should be testing that soon, but until then, please use at your own risk. The ZIP file includes all of the necessary files for building and using this board: EAGLE design files, Gerber production files, pictures of the board, and a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet containing all of the parts, suppliers, costs, and board designators. I am considering selling this board as a kit if I receive enough interest from users. Please let me know what you think about this idea! UPDATE: After several months of using this design, it has proven to be reliable and effective. In fact, it won me the prestigious PLTW Innova Award for Imagination! You can learn more about this award at http://www.pltw.org/innovaawards