Microwave prototype presentation - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: lod
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2016, 11:39:58 am
content: Hi All,For a while I've been working on a new microwave concept.I just did a presentation complete with prototype demo at the recenthttp://linux.conf.auand felt it may interest or amuse some people here.It is a microwave with touch screen display, remote network access and a thermal camera which enables temperature based cooking.Or can be downloaded fromhttp://mirror.linux.org.au/linux.conf.au/2016/04_Thursday/D4.303_Costa_Theatre/Linux_driven_microwave.webmMore than happy to answer questions.Edit: Preview didn't auto-embed the youtube link, changes presentation somewhat

author: station240
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 11, 2016, 02:21:47 am
content: Interesting ideas in this project, I have a similar dislike of my electric oven.Are you using an inverter microwave or the original type with the heavy iron transformer.The thermal imaging camera is an interesting idea, got any more details on what sensor it is, and how it's connected ?Could be an interesting idea to use a cheap thermal camera to monitor for hotspots that indicate failing/overheating devices.

author: lod
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2016, 03:25:19 am
content: Hi station240,I'm experimenting with both the inverter and standard type of microwave. I prefer the inverter but the demo was done with a standard type as my inverter was causing me issues. The final decision will be informed by cost as going with the inverter locks you to the Panasonic supply chain.The thermal camera is a Panasonic Grideyehttp://industrial.panasonic.com/ww/products/sensors/built-in-sensors/grid-eyeIt is a nice 64 pixel sensor that you talk to over I2C. It is available through Digikey in the US,http://www.elecomes.com/in Australia (not on their website, send them an email). It is a controlled device so Panasonic will want to know what you want one for, I just had to send an email with a one paragraph explanation.Currently I am using it through a BusPirate which while easy has significant issues because of the way I2C and USB intersect.Digikey sells a breakout board (US only) which has schematics and source code available (no clear licence), I may use it or run up something something very similar myself.https://eewiki.net/display/projects/Panasonic+GridEYE+Breakout+Board+and+GUI

author: Molenaar
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2016, 12:42:56 am
content: Imho, thermal analysis would only be interesting if you would provide means to (automatically) optimize the heating pattern, e.g. through EM simulation of the food and the microwave oven.

author: uncle_bob
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 14, 2016, 12:51:18 am
content: Quote from: Molenaar on February 14, 2016, 12:42:56 amHiI actually saw a demo of a solid state driven (no magnetron) microwave at a show about a year ago. They do both the thermal scanning and (I believe) the beam forming to optimize the cooking.Bob

author: HAL-42b
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2016, 12:55:56 am
content: Saw the thread the other day but didn't have time to watch the video. I'm watching it now and having lots of fun!As a Linux user i think the complications you added to the system reflect Linux very wellLet's see how deep it really goes.

author: lod
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2016, 03:54:20 pm
content: Quote from: uncle_bob on February 14, 2016, 12:51:18 amInteresting Bob, I understood that the beam forming microwaves were in the uncertain future (10 years or so).Do you recall who was doing the demo?

author: uncle_bob
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 16, 2016, 10:55:18 pm
content: Quote from: lod on February 16, 2016, 03:54:20 pmHiMost of the semiconductors (solid state PA etc) were from Freescale. I have no idea who made the over or did the fancy software. Cooked up some tasty snacks.Bob