I've seen the many great ATO posts already made, so I am trying to keep this focused on the novelty of my build. Basically, we had a coffee maker (automatic drip) for which the coffee pot broke and ended up buying a whole new machine. Suffice it to say, I took apart the old machine and found the powersource I'll be using to drive a ~120VAC either pump or solenoid plus the 12VDC relay/sensor circuit. Turns out, the way this coffee maker works, it's just what I need for an ATO. Let me just explain my understanding of how the coffee machine works:
Anyways, I'll try to update this with some photos and once I have it finished. The rest of the ATO will just be based on what many people are already doing: level sensors to control the on/off signals etc. If you have any advice or tips or warnings I'll be glad to take them.
And if you are looking for a coffee maker, try a thrift store or Goodwill. They probably have some used or broken ones you can buy really cheap and take apart. Disclaimer: 120VAC can be deadly so I do not recommend anyone do this at all. I am just providing the information for theoretical purpose only.
- a ~120VAC standard wall plug powers the machine
- this 120VAC signal powers the heating element and it powers a 12VDC circuit for the coffee machine's brain
- So when you plug in the coffee maker, the 12VDC circuit powers on (the clock, buttons etc.) waiting for input (from you).
- Press the "brew" button and the brain switches on a 12VDC relay to power the 120VAC heating element.
- The heating element runs at about 7 amps 115VAC which is definitely enough power to run a small pump or a solenoid (this is hundreds of watts).
Anyways, I'll try to update this with some photos and once I have it finished. The rest of the ATO will just be based on what many people are already doing: level sensors to control the on/off signals etc. If you have any advice or tips or warnings I'll be glad to take them.
And if you are looking for a coffee maker, try a thrift store or Goodwill. They probably have some used or broken ones you can buy really cheap and take apart. Disclaimer: 120VAC can be deadly so I do not recommend anyone do this at all. I am just providing the information for theoretical purpose only.
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