PFC BuildLog

[foodcomputer]

Some sample photos of the progress on the control board and the final design schematic built using the free open source program Fritzing. Full details and source file available here on git hub.

[foodcomputer]

MISLEADING SOCKETS - INCORRECT PROTOBOARD LAYOUT

When I tried to start putting together the control circuit (the protoboard over the arduino mega) I noticed that the documentation was missing from the pack supplied by MIT. My first instinct was to follow a layout similar to the Seeed Studio breakout sheild, as the same sockets are used, but this is wrong DO NOT DO THIS, you are wasting your time. This board supplies power to the 12 Volt systems as well as linking to the mains relays, so it needs to be done for the computer to turn on at all. I could try and work out the layout from the scraps of information I have from various sources including this video but that would take a lot of unnecessary effort if I'm able to get what I need from the MIT group in stead. I will be working on a more accessible layout to post here in the near future.

[foodcomputer]

Our solution to the socket problem described earlier: We simply removed the sockets as they were not particularly secure (the hot glue broke away from the plastic side of the panel after a few bends)

Then we marked and cut small access holes between the two panels as shown to the right of the picture above.

Inside the panels the mains lines are split using standard insulated screw bocks, which safely distribute the power to each transformer.

Authors note: Full wiring diagrams were not included for this part of the project, as mains power is dangerous and should only be handled by competent and knowledgeable people. If you aren't sure of what to do, this is an indication that you should ask someone with more experience for some hands-on help. 

[foodcomputer]

Update 1 - Issues Arising

Construction is under way, I’ll be putting up more updates as we get closer to the exhibition in Science Gallery Dublin starting Friday 11th of March. Issue 1 - The grow lights that we ordered needed adaptation, when we examined them we discovered the electronics, specifically the power socket, weren't properly insulated from the back board of the housing which is made from flammable MDF, so these will need to be better insulated or replaced. Shown above: The low safety standard of the power socket; live and neutral are not distinguished, the connecting wires are not crimed or insulated, and the connections to the ground have been neglected, despite the hole shown on the grounding plate which had most likely been drilled for connection. Issue 2 - The food computer was designed and prototyped in the us, here in Ireland we use BS 1363 power sockets, which are larger than the  NEMA 5-15 used in the US, This means we will have to come up with an alternate solution to the multi-socket adapter used in the US version.

[foodcomputer]

Update 0

Components are arriving, We are coordinating times every week to get to work ASAP.