Temperature sensor for MSP430 LaunchPad

Hi,

I'm looking for temperature sensors for my MSP430 Launchpad. I'm a software engineer and i'm not very familiar with the hardware.

My project : I want to add an automatic valve to my pool sun-heater system so it opens only when the water that is coming out of the solar panel is warmer than the pool water. One of the temperature sensor will be places on the solar panels and the other one will be in the pool water.

Do you have any suggestions on what I should buy to do that (temperature sensor model that will fit on the MSP430 Launchpad) ?

thanks you

0 Catwell over 12 years ago

Fred, welcome to element14.

Get a thermistor or thermocouple
House it in something waterproof
Connect it to the Launchpad's 8bit ADC
Software wise, set temperature ranges to activate other devices

Fish tank equipment have done this for decades. I would refrain from using common fishtank thermostats, they often use AC up to a point. You do not want to electrify your pool.

Cabe
http://twitter.com/Cabe_e14
Cancel
Vote Up 0 Vote Down

Sign in to reply

Verify Answer

Cancel
0 DAB over 12 years ago

Hi Fred,

Take a look at the new temperature launch pad board for the MSP430. It came out last month and fits onto your launchpad with a very accurate and stable measurement capability.

You can also monitor the water temperature with an aluminum rod set into the pool with your temperature sensor attached to the rod with lithium grease. The rod temperature will accurately reflect the water temperature and keeps your electronics far from harm.

Just a thought,
DAB
Cancel
Vote Up 0 Vote Down

Sign in to reply

Verify Answer

Cancel
0 Former Member over 12 years ago in reply to DAB

An LM34/LM35 is a linear temperature sensor that is commonly available and cheap ($1.00).
Cancel
Vote Up 0 Vote Down

Sign in to reply

Verify Answer

Cancel