Thermo Book (120629)

This small project is more about design rather than the (relatively simple) electronics.

This small project is more about design rather than the (relatively simple) electronics.

Published in issue 436, April 2013

Order from Elektor
PCB, bare, 120481-1
PIC18F14K50-I/P, programmed, 120629-41

This seems like an ordinary bookcase, but on closer inspection one book is the odd one out. It's a "book" with a built-in temperature display.

The fake book contains an integrated thermo-/hydrometer. The "book" itself is made from perspex with a cover glued on.

Hidden between the real books it doesn't stand out too much, but I have found out that once people have discovered it they can't take their eyes off it!

If people are interested I will gladly write a description of the electronics (PIC with Sensirion sensor).

Published in issue 436, April 2013

Order from Elektor
PCB, bare, 120481-1
PIC18F14K50-I/P, programmed, 120629-41

Project Elements

img-0102.jpg (JPG, 1.31 MB)

img-0104.jpg (JPG, 1.3 MB)

th-perspex.jpg (JPG, 1.38 MB)

Discussion (2 comments)

Raymond_Vermeulen 11 years ago

I've been handeling this project in the Elektor Lab and I redrew the schematic. And made a component list.

The PCB will be single sided, but is currently in development.

Update 20 Nov 2012:

The PCB is done and a prototype is ordered.

Update 21 Nov 2012:

PCB design added

Update 27 Nov 2012:

V1.00 PCB assembled and functional. Still needs to be put into a book.

V1.10 has been made to fix the orientation of K2.

Clap switch sensitivity isn't that great but can be finetuned with P2.

Display brightness can be adjusted by setting P1.

To use a PICKIT or other in circuit programmer disconnect JP1 and JP2

For normal operation place jumpers on JP1 and JP2.

S1 set to GND sets the 'Clap' mode, S1 set to +5V sets the mode where temperature and humidity get displayed in turns. In 'Clap' mode humidity is only displayed when someone claps.

The board has to be powercycled to pick up on a change in position of S1.

The parts of the PCB where the sensor and the display are attached to can be sawn off, and attached via ribbon cables. See K3&K4 and K5&K6.

As a general recommendation I would add that using sockets for ICs is a good thing.

Update 12 Dec 2012:

Foto added. PCB built into a book.

dscn1585.jpg (596kb)
dscn1587.jpg (695kb)
Firmware (9kb)
120629-1-thermobook-v110-schematic.jpg (1424kb)
Top silk (20kb)
Copperbottom (39kb)
Component list (8kb)
Schematic pdf (18kb)
dscn1781.jpg (1942kb)

9 Attachment(s) 0 Comment(s)

ClemensValens 11 years ago

Hi Branchy,

I suppose you display humidity too? Very useful in a library.

When I look at the photo you posted under schematics it seems there is more than just a Sensirion chip. What is that silver cilinder? A microphone?

Regards,

Clemens

Hedwig Hennekens 12 years ago

Hi Branchy, your projects looks nice for an article , can you post the schematics ? Regards, Hedwig Hennekens Project manager Elektor

Branchy 12 years ago

Hi Clemens, yes, it is possible to measure humidity with the thermobook. There are 3 possibilites in the software for the display to be selected by dipswitch: - display temperature only - display 8 sec. temperature and then 2 sec. humidity - display temperature but on a handclap display 2 sec. humidity. You saw it right: the cylinder is the electret microphone that activates the humidity display if the option is choosen. Regards, Branchy