I am looking for a simple way to monitor the temp on the firepot for a commercial BBQ smoker. I simply want to ensure that the firepot is burning, as I cannot see it.
Is there a simple set-up that will allow me to do this? I would envision the temp being 1000f-1500f.
Thanks
Pete
The simplest way is probably a [thermocouple, an amplifier with adjustable threshold and an LED. That’s assuming you don’t actually want a temperature display, just an on/off indicator of whether it’s at temperature or not.
Since the range you care about is wider than ambient temperature swing, I wouldn’t even bother with cold-junction compensation so a dedicated thermocouple amplifier isn’t needed. A regular precision op-amp like an LT1014 will do.](https://www.sparkfun.com/products/251)
Thanks for the quick reply and information. Sorry for the dumb question, but I am a newbie here. What else is needed besides the thermocouple and amplifier to make it work? I like the idea of just having the LED turn on/off if the flame is present, just need to know how to hook it all up. Is there a kit I can use?
Thanks again!
Pete
I don’t really know much about Sparkfun’s offerings. I just searched and saw that they had a thermocouple. There’s no kit that I’m aware of and there would be a steep learning curve to start from scratch.
The simplest thing I can think of that you might find examples of online is to use an Arduino to read the thermocouple and light the LED. It’s way, way overkill, but it will work and people have probably done it before.
While you can’t see the firepot, is there someplace not too hot where you could mount a sensor that could see the firepot ? My alternate idea is to use a non-contact thermometer to look at the IR emanating from the pot and determine it’s temperature. I think this might be easier (if possible) as the signal will be larger and easier to amplify w/o introducing too much noise. Then the op-amp output could go into a simple analog comparator to turn on/off the LED.
The only area that could see the firepots (there are 3 total) would still be in a very warm environment (500*-600*) I would guess.
Mee_n_Mac:
While you can’t see the firepot, is there someplace not too hot where you could mount a sensor that could see the firepot ? My alternate idea is to use a non-contact thermometer to look at the IR emanating from the pot and determine it’s temperature. I think this might be easier (if possible) as the signal will be larger and easier to amplify w/o introducing too much noise. Then the op-amp output could go into a simple analog comparator to turn on/off the LED.
Yeah, that's still way too hot to put circuitry at. Scratch that idea.fireman_pete:
The only area that could see the firepots (there are 3 total) would still be in a very warm environment (500*-600*) I would guess.
The question you should ask is how much building and learning you want to do. [This display costs under $30 and will display a temperature up to 750C. Starting from scratch, you will easily spend that much, or at least close to it, in parts to DIY.
Scratch that. Their pricing is a typo; it’s corrected later on down the page 
Anyway, building it isn’t hard but if you don’t have any experience assembling electronics it will take a while. On the other hand, I think it makes a good first project. If you are still interested, let me know and I can try make up a parts list and schematic.](http://www.coleparmer.com/Product/Cole_Parmer_Remote_Monitoring_Thermocouple_Thermometer_Deg_C/UX-86460-05?referred_id=778&mkwid=Z4tZcT2q&pcrid=29828607039&gclid=CIuzzcOP4L4CFQcSMwodbwUAFA)
I am interested in learning, and have done other electronics stuff in the past (i.e. light controllers, flashers, etc). I know my way around a soldering iron. Would love to see a schematic of what it would take to do something like this.
Thanks!
lyndon:
The question you should ask is how much building and learning you want to do. [This display costs under $30 and will display a temperature up to 750C. Starting from scratch, you will easily spend that much, or at least close to it, in parts to DIY.Scratch that. Their pricing is a typo; it’s corrected later on down the page
Anyway, building it isn’t hard but if you don’t have any experience assembling electronics it will take a while. On the other hand, I think it makes a good first project. If you are still interested, let me know and I can try make up a parts list and schematic.[/quote]](http://www.coleparmer.com/Product/Cole_Parmer_Remote_Monitoring_Thermocouple_Thermometer_Deg_C/UX-86460-05?referred_id=778&mkwid=Z4tZcT2q&pcrid=29828607039&gclid=CIuzzcOP4L4CFQcSMwodbwUAFA)
How were you intending to power this, wallwart or battery or ??
It could be either 12v from a marine battery I have on the trailer, or 110 via wallwart.
Mee_n_Mac:
How were you intending to power this, wallwart or battery or ??