As someone that is brand new to RasberryPi, BrewPi, Sparks and all that kind of jazz I thought that I would be good to have a list of the things that you need to get started. I realize that the store has the little blurb at the top with a shopping list, but as I was putting my cart together I still had questions. Since I am ordering from the US, while shipping is reasonable it is not something that I want to pay twice.
I appreciate any confirmation from the group that I am not forgetting anything and anything that I should consider. I have not placed my order from BrewPi yet, but would like to today or tomorrow. I have a wireless keyboard and mouse already to use for config of the RasPi. I am mainly concerned about needing any additional cables or power supplies…
If course you need the chamber itself which is not included in the list below. This is intended to be a controller side post only, and only one of the many options that you have.
Non-BrewPi purchases RasberryPi - CanaKit Raspberry Pi 2 Complete Starter Kit with WiFi (Latest Version Raspberry Pi 2 + WiFi + Original Preloaded 8GB SD Card + Case + Power Supply + HDMI Cable) - $69.99 USD w/Prime
BrewPi Purchases
BREWPI SPARK V2 BREWING TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER - w/ enclosure & Photon - $144.07 USD
WATERPROOF ONEWIRE TEMPERATURE SENSOR (RJ11, DS18B20) QTY 3 (Two to use, one as a spare) - $7.82 USD each
SOLID STATE RELAY (SSR), 10A - $7.82 USD each (QTY 2 - No backup since these are available easily through amazon)
Im not very savvy with these things, and am in a pretty similar situation as you - but I’m maybe a little further down the road than you.
One thing that I do not think is clear anywhere, is you need a cable to connect your RasPi and BPi. I think just any old USB to minor USB works here.
Do you need a power supply for your BPi? Or in a ferm control implementation, can you power the RasPi, and the BPi from the USB cable? i.e. one power supply? If not, then you need a BPi supply on your list. I’m using mine mainly for brew/mash control so I definitely need 2 supplies.
Not very helpful I know, but you should know you’re not the only one who is unsure about some of this.
So the RasPi Kit that I referenced comes with “CanaKit 2.5A USB Power Supply with Micro USB Cable and Noise Filter - Specially designed for the Raspberry Pi 2 (UL Listed)”
My understanding is that takes care of the power for the RasPi and then as you mentioned I just put a usb cable between the spark and the RasPi. I have enough of those that should not be an issue.
I have just setup my Spark a few days ago. I my opinion your list includes everything needed.
Yes, the Spark is powered from the usb connection to the raspberry.
If you plan to control multiple fridges in the future (the software is not able to do this yet) I would get one of the expansion bords (and maybe some sensors) too. At least I did
Your power supply seems good. You’ll save lots of frustration by using the highest quality power supply within reason, and a USB to Micro-USB cable of equal quality. Plenty of people in this forum, me included, have experienced weird behavior which seemed unrelated but which disappeared after swapping out their power (into the Pi, into the Spark, or both). In fact if you get weird behavior I recommend you start your diagnosing in the power / cabling arena!
