Re: 1 Wire-Thermometer Starter Kit

[steve.cooper@xxxxxxx]

>>I am interested in setting up a 1-wire network for temperature
monitoring.

See my answers in line

>> I know of the 1-wire "DS1921K - Thermochron iButton Starter
Kit", but
have
>> some questions for anyone that has used it:

The basics of the thermochron one wire kit are a 1-wire to RS232
adaptor
and for iButtons a blue dot receiver.  Essentially all you need to
interface to a DS1820 is a RS232 adaptor, this has a RJ11 (small plug
in
the back) you just take a feed off of this then you need to get hold of
the
software which is freely available of their site.

As for the thermochron they are really intended for temperature logging
over a period of time.  You can set the interval and just leave the
iButton
somewhere and come back later and read the data out of it.  Their
commercial use is to attach to temperature control good like so when in
transit you can check they have always been at the right temperature.

>> 1. Can DS1820 sensors be used with this?

Yes, see above.  You will need to crimp a RJ11 plug on to a blank
wire
though.

>> 2. Is there a limit of how many sensors can be used with this
kit?

Not really but you may have to tweak the 1-wire network with a resistor
for
large networks, maxim do have a data sheet on way to make large
networks
more reliable.

>> 3. As it is a "starter kit" does that mean I will have
to purchase other
things as well?

Most things can be obtained free by going the to www.maxim-ic.com and
ordering samples.  They will ship two of up to six items with each
order
but you can get samples as often as you like.  The only thing you need
to
pay for is the adaptor.

>> 4. How would I make data from this kit available to
Homevision?

The easiest way would be to get a small VB apps to read the sensors and
issue DDE statement to HomeVision.  Alternatively if you have a HV
expansion board you can connect DS1820 directly.  The other
alternative is
to get a  temperature sensor board from Quasar it supports 4 sensor
and
output the data to the serial board in a friendly format.

>> 5. Any other useful info you have about this?

There is a 1-wire UKHA list, it tend to be very quiet though.

>> 6. Is there anything better (or maybe a different kit I should
consider)?

As I say worth just buying the adaptor, then ordering a iButton
receptor,
DS1820 and iButtons as samples with free postage.  Be careful on the
maxim
site when buying stuff as if they don't have it all in stock they ship
it
all separately incurs extra postage.

>> Thanks & Happy Christmas

Likewise.

Steve





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