First, download the
release with the latest version of Samovar, unpack it on your computer and look through its contents.
What is in the folders:
Note
Start with the README.md file in the project root: it lists the supported boards, pin restrictions and the installation procedure.
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.github - a software folder.
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3D - models for 3D printing. Fraction collection tables, funnels, etc.
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data_raw — the web interface sources. The
data folder is the ready-made image of the device file system; it is rebuilt entirely by the
python3 tools/build_web_assets.py command, so it is not edited by hand. The program_*.txt files contain the default programs.
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Fritzing scheme - assembly diagrams.
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libraries - a software folder (libraries).
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Lua_script - a description of the Lua scripting language and various very useful scripts.
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Lua_UART - how to make a remote standalone COM port monitor.
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pro_mini_ntc - how to make an add-on for Samovar (the Meter); it can also work as a standalone device, as a measuring device.
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Stab-avr - a version of a power stabilizer built from ready-made components that Samovar can control.
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tools — the configurator (samovar_configurator.py), the web interface build scripts and the automatic project checks.
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doc - descriptions of the firmware subsystems (Markdown files).
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partitions and
ESP32-S3 — flash memory partition tables for ESP32 and ESP32-S3; PlatformIO uses them.
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Stab-avr, Lua_UART, pro_mini_ntc - separate Arduino sketches; they are not part of the Samovar build.
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Test beer recipes - several ready-made beer recipes to load into Samovar.
What is the minimum configuration Samovar can be built in?
For the first start, an ESP32 board and USB power are enough. The firmware can be built either
in the Arduino IDE or in PlatformIO. The hardware settings are in
Samovar_ini.h; user overrides that must be preserved on updates are in
user_config_override.h. Ready-made binary files are not included in the release.
Note:
Sensors and actuators whose presence Samovar does not check, because there is no feedback:
• Contactor / voltage regulator power-on (relay No. 1)
• Additional heater relay / voltage regulator boost (relay No. 4)
• Buzzer
• Water opening valve (relay No. 3)
• Reflux level sensor
• Peristaltic pump stepper motor
• Fraction collection table servo
• Cooling pump
• Atmospheric pressure sensor
• Boiler pressure sensor.
• Stirrer (relay No. 2)
Sensors and actuators whose presence Samovar does check, if:
• Temperature sensors - if the sensor was present at the start of the process. If it is missing, messages will come regularly.
• Water flow sensor – if its use is enabled.
• Heating regulator – if the regulator use check is enabled.
Then
set up the Wi-Fi connection and open the Samovar web interface. On the classic ESP32 DevKit, the "Turn heating on/off" («Включить/Выключить нагрев») command toggles GPIO2, which on many boards is connected to the built-in blue LED. On ESP32-S3, whether such an LED exists depends on the specific board.
An informative article about
ESP32
Explanation.
ESP32 is a chip that is mounted on a board. The board additionally has a voltage converter, a Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth and possibly much more. Here, the term ESP32 means a board with the chip installed.
There are many board variants.
The main board of the project is the ESP32 DevKit V1 30 pin, PlatformIO environment Samovar. LILYGO T-Relay 4 (the same Samovar environment; the board is selected in the configurator) and ESP32-S3 DevKitC-1 (environment Samovar_s3) are also supported. LILYGO and ESP32-S3 have a different pinout (see Samovar_pin.h); the Samovar 1.3.2 printed circuit board for the 30-pin DevKit does not fit them.
ESP32 is a chip
DevKit V1 - the version
30 pin - the number of contacts (legs, pins) on the board
CH340C is a USB bus data transfer adapter chip
Type-C - the USB connector form factor
Where to buy.
AliExpress (Search for: ESP32 smart board, USB flash CH340C WiFi + Bluetooth, ultra-low power consumption («Умная плата ESP32, флэш-накопитель USB CH340C WiFi + Bluetooth, сверхнизкое энергопотребление»))
Ozon (Search for: ESP32 WROOM-32 development board WiFi Bluetooth-compatible development board for IOT («ESP32 WROOM-32 Плата для разработки WiFi Bluetooth-совместимая плата для разработки IOT») )
If you are unsure whether you have chosen the right ESP32 model, ask on the forum.
Now you need to connect Samovar to the equipment.
Then decide on the layout options of the devices. It will be either a single unit or several separate units connected to each other.
And finally, start the build from the
minimum configuration, gradually adding the necessary components until the most ambitious goals are achieved.
Questions and answers. FAQ
* Can the ESP32 DevKit V1 38 pin board with 38 pins be used?
Yes, it can, but it cannot be mounted on the printed circuit board designed for ESP32 30 pin.
