Yet another DIY JBC controller

[nikifena]

Hi everyone. I have been using this DIY controller for almost a year, so I think it's good to share this project here.
It's a JBC controller that can work with all JBC irons like T245, T210, etc and it also works with the JBC tweezers too! There are two independent controls for each tweezers tip.

I found it over Github: https://github.com/PaulusSmallus/JBC-Soldering-Controller
Forked from here: https://github.com/timothyjager/JBC-Soldering-Controller

I like it because it was open source and the code could be easily modified. So I decided to make my own PCB design and to test it. I did the first PCB design and it works. Then I asked a friend to help me with the code since I'm not able to do that. I'm not a code writer   After some mods over the code, the whole unit works much better now. Here are some files showing how it looks + a modified schematics and the current code.

Sine, I think this project could be modified making it better, I'm asking for your help. Here are some disadvantages to the current hardware/software:
1. You can't connect both irons. Only one iron must be connected at the same time. It's better to improve this making the controller to be able to switch between 2 or 3 irons. I think two irons with a single tip and one tweezer will be the best DIY controller ever! This modification requires two more PWM controllers + temperature ADCs + 3 sleep outputs. Maybe a bigger micro?
2. When tweezers are used, the heaters must be heated sequentially to prevent high peak currents from the supply. Now, this function works, but it heats one of the heaters quicker than the other one. Check Tweezers PWM.png
3. The controller shows the set temperature but I think it must switch quickly between the set and the current temperature like most iron controllers.
4. When the controller is sleeping - it's in the stand, modifying the temperature doesn't affect on the iron when it's taken off the stand. I need to take off the iron from the stand first and then to modify the temperature.
5. Maybe a bigger screen?
6. EEPROM for storing the last temperature set.

If there are enthusiasts with good code experience who want to help with this project I will be thankful. I can do a good PCB design and eventually a sheet metal housing for the entire project.
I have a couple spare PCBs. If someone has an interest in this project, they can drop me a message.

JBC 3D.PDF is a 3d PDF file. You can open it with acrobat reader only I believe.

Best Regards,
Niki

 

[jemangedeslolos]

Hello,

very interesting. I was also considering using high side switches to make a DIY JBC iron controller....But I was wondering if this kind of "slow" switches are not a problem.
There is no noise because of the low frequency PWM ?

I planned to use spare component I have in stock so it will be overkill 

[nikifena]

Thanks for your comment, but I think the problem comes from the firmware...

[jemangedeslolos]

Hello,

I don't think so, this kind of high side switch are slow and unable to handle high speed PWM.
It is not a bad choice for relay replacement or low speed switching but thats all.
So my fear is that we hear the PWM frequency sound.......which can be very annoying !

So you confirm that there is noise coming from the controller ?

[nikifena]

Thank you for your answer!
I will check what's going to the switches with the scope these days and I will tell you.

[Ozan Bayram oglu]

Hi
I want to develop this project and make the 4 handle version, but I have a few questions. Can T210, T245 and NT115 be used with ADS1118? Can ADS1115 be used instead of ADS1118?

[nikifena]

Hi there.
That's good. 4 handle version is a good choice. Think about one input for tweezers.

ADS1115 hasn't an internal compensation temperature sensor. That's the mains difference.  The internal sensor gives better thermal reading.

And more. I think the switching element could be changed with just a low Rdson MOSFET. It's cheaper and faster.

[Ozan Bayram oglu]

Is opamp used instead of ADS1118? JBC used opamp, lm358 and op07.

[nikifena]

A good candidate could be this one: mcp3424

There could be 2 irons and one tweezers ( total of 4 TC inputs)

[sdouze]

Hello,
I am interested in this project. What do you think now worth building it?
I want to use this controller with C245 and/or C210.
Do you have any pcb left?

Thank you in advance.

Hi everyone. I have been using this DIY controller for almost a year, so I think it's good to share this project here.
It's a JBC controller that can work with all JBC irons like T245, T210, etc and it also works with the JBC tweezers too! There are two independent controls for each tweezers tip.

I found it over Github: https://github.com/PaulusSmallus/JBC-Soldering-Controller
Forked from here: https://github.com/timothyjager/JBC-Soldering-Controller

I like it because it was open source and the code could be easily modified. So I decided to make my own PCB design and to test it. I did the first PCB design and it works. Then I asked a friend to help me with the code since I'm not able to do that. I'm not a code writer   After some mods over the code, the whole unit works much better now. Here are some files showing how it looks + a modified schematics and the current code.

Sine, I think this project could be modified making it better, I'm asking for your help. Here are some disadvantages to the current hardware/software:
1. You can't connect both irons. Only one iron must be connected at the same time. It's better to improve this making the controller to be able to switch between 2 or 3 irons. I think two irons with a single tip and one tweezer will be the best DIY controller ever! This modification requires two more PWM controllers + temperature ADCs + 3 sleep outputs. Maybe a bigger micro?
2. When tweezers are used, the heaters must be heated sequentially to prevent high peak currents from the supply. Now, this function works, but it heats one of the heaters quicker than the other one. Check Tweezers PWM.png
3. The controller shows the set temperature but I think it must switch quickly between the set and the current temperature like most iron controllers.
4. When the controller is sleeping - it's in the stand, modifying the temperature doesn't affect on the iron when it's taken off the stand. I need to take off the iron from the stand first and then to modify the temperature.
5. Maybe a bigger screen?
6. EEPROM for storing the last temperature set.

If there are enthusiasts with good code experience who want to help with this project I will be thankful. I can do a good PCB design and eventually a sheet metal housing for the entire project.
I have a couple spare PCBs. If someone has an interest in this project, they can drop me a message.

JBC 3D.PDF is a 3d PDF file. You can open it with acrobat reader only I believe.

Best Regards,
Niki