[plug] sensors

[Brad Campbell]

Mike Holland wrote:
> Adam Hewitt wrote:
>> I have a project on the table for work that requires a temperature sensor 
> 
> places like Jaycar will sell you a cheap multimeter with RS-232 cable
> and temp probe. IIRC, the auto-off is disabled when rs-232 is on. You'd 
> need to rig 3V power though.
> 
> Could you rely on the built-in temp sensors in motherboard, HDD etc?
> (hddtemp lm-sensors mbmon)

Measuring temperature in a PC environment is one of those things where the cat does not have enough 
skins to go around. Everyone seems to do it differently.

I started using the MB sensor in the PC and graphing that with MRTG, and progressed to a 
microcontroller talking to 3 DS18S20 sensors, controlling the compressor in my A/C and talking to 
the PC using USB (would have been easier if I'd used a micro with a USB engine in it though).

 From incredibly simple to rather complex.. having said that, having software control over the A/C 
rather than a mechanical thermostat has dropped my power bill significantly. You can really have fun 
with A/C control algorithms if you want to go nuts!

Which ever way you go, you'll end up having a ball and wanting to do more :)

Brad
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