KegBB

Mike, I'm starting on a kegbot project, and was wondering wich LCD display that is in your kegbot pics. I had noticed it is a Crystalfontz brand, but was questioning which one and how much $. Thanks

Edited Jallen81 (Dec. 6, 2009 07:52:47)

Hi Jallen,

The display I've used is the CrystalFontz CFA-635. The also sell the same display in an external enclosure, the XES-635.

You can find prices on their site. These displays a quite a bit more expensive than your standard HD44780-compatible parallel LCD display (example), which you could use, for example, with the Arduino LiquidCrystal library.

But you get what you pay for with the crystalfontz stuff: a standalone LCD in a nice enclosure, an easy-to-use USB (serial) command set, and some nice buttons..

hope this helps..

mike

Edited mike (Dec. 8, 2009 08:46:36)

Mike, thanks for the Info! Just outta curiosity, has anyone played with the touch screen idea yet? Maybe something like crystalfontz CFAF240320K-T-TS? Also, I was wondering if the output for the flow control valves has been fixed or readded yet? It's a real bummer when your friends show up and drink all your brew without you! Thanks again, Jared

Edited Jallen81 (Dec. 9, 2009 09:18:50)

Mike, thanks for the Info!

no prob!

Just outta curiosity, has anyone played with the touch screen idea yet? Maybe something like crystalfontz CFAF240320K-T- TS?

Those look pretty neat, but I'm not sure anyone has built something like that.

I'm actually considering going a different route with my display... Phones these days are getting quite cheap and powerful. How about a little Android phone (or iPhone/iPod touch, I suppose) mounted next to the Kegbot, running a little display/status app? I'll probably pursue the Android app soon..

Also, I was wondering if the output for the flow control valves has been fixed or readded yet? It's a real bummer when your friends show up and drink all your brew without you!

I haven't fixed this -- it shouldn't be a lot of work, but I just haven't had time for many changes in the past month or two. I should get back to it over the upcoming holiday breaks..

cheers...

mike

Edited mike (Dec. 9, 2009 21:51:19)

Mike, I was thinking of doing something similar to your Android/iPhone idea, but it would consist of a Chumby (Chumby Guts, more likely, in a custom enclosure with the rfid reader) running a nice little touch screen interface that sends commands to the Arduino via my ioBridge's serial module (no computer needed!). Eventually I could add a mobile website that would be similar to the Chumby widget, don't think it would take too much work.

I have to get a new kegerator before I can start working on any of this though. :-( Perhaps I'll get myself one for Christmas. :-D

Edited wifigod (Dec. 10, 2009 00:04:13)