Smart Button

This is a button a little bit smarter. (Microcontrollers and coffee, who doesn't like)

I i'm using it to fill my Coffeemaker  with water. This way its a little bit more fun and i always get the same amount of water.

Its a simple project, and it's a good excuse to play with a PIC10F, one really small micro-controller. Code is written in C, a nice way to start with it.


It interfaces with the user blinking one led. so you can chose how much time the valve will open ( giving a good control on the amount of water). On the current firmware settings ( and with my valve) are for 1-2-3-4 cups of coffee ( i have a big cup, 300ml).


Just keep in mind that this button can be used for other uses.

The design (and problems that where solved) are on the next page, but if you just want to build this thing   go to the building instructions page and download the project files.

Arthur Benemann 2011 Brazil

Step 1 In the beginning...

This started as a weekend project, me and my girlfriend where making a coffee after lunch. Then a i had an idea, what about making a timed water valve so i can always make the same tasteful coffee, simple , a little useful, and easy to build.

As always a good pile of junk it's great for this, a big yellow button and a water valve from a washing machine ( both in the pictures below).

Things need to be as simple as possible so a small micro-controller would be perfect. Luckily i had some spare PIC10F206 on my parts box. A 100mA transformer and a 78L05 would do the power supply, and a relay to control the valve ( mains power).

All parts are set up, now the board.... ( next page)

Comments

[owagner]

"Luckily i had some PIC10F206 on my box. A 100mA transformer and a 78L05"
 _ 

[stackerjack]

I think this project is probably OK if you are an electronics expert.
There are far too many abbreviations for it to be of any use to the average guy. There is also no description of how to program the chip.
If you already ARE an electronics whizz-kid, you don't need it, you can make one yourself.
I certainly wouldn't vote for it.

[arthurb]

Hi if you want to program it easy, buy an PICKIT2 and solder 5 temporary wires.

I din't include the programing because i forgot to take pictures at that time. But there are so many places with a programing tutorial that i didn't think i was worth the trouble.

[Munchys]

Wouldnt picaxe be easier?

[arthurb]

I think it would cost more than $0.58

[Handy_Andy]

Very nice! Anyone else wondering where large, red emergency stop buttons can be purchased? The Staples "Easy" buttons are starting to look tempting, but the button you used is epic...

[powderskier]

all ski lifts use them there available on line

[sjoobbani]

Go on DIGIKEY's website
and look under emergency stop or Estop
They are EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE
Omron is the best though
I have one of those set up for my alarm system.
Panic Button, key reset,
safety cover
128DB alarm
105 CD Strobe light

OMg :D

[arthurb]

I was bought for a big industrial machine, but it was has not been used. Luck for me :)

[guido666]

He's using an industrial "emergency stop" button. Typically they lock down when pushed, and must be twisted to release (as indicated by the arrows on the button's face). You can purchase them online for about $10-20.

Here is one that I have purchased (for its intended use, on a CNC machine): http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Shopping/Catalog/Pushbuttons_-z-_Switches_-z-_Indicators/22mm_Plastic/Emergency_Stop_Pushbuttons_Illuminated_-a-_Non-Illuminated/GCX3131

[arthurb]

Exactly, i just cut the things that hold it down when pressed

[Lenny24]

Hey! Cool 'ible.
On these Circuits, a 'star Grounding' isnt really necessary. On Audio circuits it makes sense, but the Components on the board arent that sensitive.

[arthurb]

I thought the same thing, it's a shame that i don't have an oscilloscope at hand. But it was reseting the PIC on the first version, after i wired them directly to the regulator it work.

[janw]

Great project!!! You have my vote.

[iceng]

Very nice distinctive contrast the red panic button against a yellow enclosure top.

[slithien]

Realised it looks like an atari controller (that realy old gaming system).

[rick6213]

yea, Philips coffee machine!

[kelseymh]

What a great little microcontroller project! And who doesn't need a giant red eject button first thing in the morning? :-D

[Topcat2021]

Good Work;
I like this and for quite a while I have been thinking about a way to automate the water filling of a bunn coffee maker, just flip a switch and coffee in 90 seconds.
Keep up the good work
Dan.

P.S. this was picked up by Hack A Day Good luck to you.