Arduino Automated Coffee Maker Build

Summary

This video demonstrates how to automate a coffee maker using an Arduino Nano Every. The creator explains the setup, which includes the Arduino, a real-time clock module, and a relay to control the coffee maker's power. Viewers are guided through wiring, including LED indicators, a momentary switch for manual control, and the logic behind the relay connections. The video also covers coding, using the RTC library to schedule coffee brewing at a preset time, and offers tips on powering the system. The project culminates in a neat, reliable setup that allows the coffee maker to operate automatically or manually, ensuring fresh coffee every morning.

Takeaways

• ☕ The project automates a coffee maker using an Arduino Nano Every, a relay, and a real-time clock (RTC) module.
• 🕒 The RTC module keeps accurate time even when the coffee maker is unplugged, thanks to its internal battery.
• 🔌 The relay acts as a switch to control the coffee maker's power, allowing both manual and automated control.
• 🔘 A momentary push button allows manual activation of the coffee maker, with input configured using Arduino's internal pull-up resistor.
• 💡 An LED wired in parallel provides a visual indicator when the system signals the coffee maker to turn on.
• 🛠️ Wiring involves connecting the RTC via I²C (SCL and SDA) and powering components from the Arduino’s 5V and GND outputs.
• ⚡ The relay is wired in normally closed mode, so the coffee maker can default to 'on' if the Arduino loses power, providing a fail-safe.
• 📋 The Arduino code sets a scheduled coffee time, checks the button state, toggles the output, and prints current time to the Serial Monitor for verification.
• 🔧 The coffee maker's heating element wire is cut and wired through the relay to allow control without altering the main switch indicator functionality.
• 📦 Final setup includes neatly housing electronics inside the coffee maker base, retaining both manual and automated control, and optionally preparing for AC-to-DC conversion to power the Arduino.

Q & A

What are the main components used in the automated coffee maker setup?

The main components are an Arduino Nano Every, a real-time clock (RTC) module with a battery, a relay to switch the coffee maker on and off, an LED for visual indication, and a momentary push button for manual control.

How is the relay used in this coffee maker automation?

The relay acts as a switch that connects or disconnects the coffee maker from its power source. It is triggered either by the Arduino based on the preset time from the RTC module or manually via a momentary button.

Why is a resistor used in series with the indicator LED?

The resistor limits the current through the LED to prevent it from shorting or burning out, as LEDs have very low resistance on their own.

How does the momentary push button work with the Arduino?

The push button is connected to digital pin 11 and ground. The Arduino uses input pull-up mode, so pressing the button pulls the input low, triggering a change in the output state to turn the coffee maker on or off.

What is the purpose of the RTC module in this setup?

The RTC module keeps accurate real-time information, allowing the Arduino to automatically turn the coffee maker on at a preset time even if the main power is unplugged.

How is the Arduino powered in this setup, and what future modification is suggested?

Currently, the Arduino is powered via USB. A future improvement suggested is adding an AC-to-DC converter so both the coffee maker and Arduino can run from a single wall outlet.

What happens if the Arduino fails or loses power in this setup?

If the Arduino fails or loses power, the relay defaults to its normally closed state, which will turn the coffee maker on. The creator sees this as an advantage because it ensures coffee is still available in the morning.

How does the wiring of the relay interact with the coffee maker’s internal switch?

The relay is wired in series with the coffee maker's main switch, effectively controlling the power flow. The coffee maker’s indicator light still works, showing readiness, but the Arduino controls whether the heater actually receives power.

How does the Arduino code handle automatic and manual activation of the coffee maker?

The code continuously checks the RTC module for the preset time, prints the current time to the serial monitor for verification, and monitors the push button. If the time matches or the button is pressed, the Arduino toggles the relay to turn the coffee maker on or off.

Why is the coffee maker’s wiring spliced at the red wire instead of the white wire?

The red wire was chosen as the easiest point to insert the relay in series with the heating element, but cutting the white wire would work the same way. The key is to break the series circuit going to the heater so the relay can control power.

What safety considerations are mentioned regarding the manual switch and relay setup?

The coffee maker can only run when the Arduino triggers the relay, and the main switch acts as a safety to arm or disarm the system. If the switch is off, the Arduino cannot supply power to the heater even if it signals the relay.

How does the system handle resetting or setting the RTC time?

The Arduino code includes a 'reset' variable. If set to one and the code is uploaded via a computer, the RTC time is reset to match the computer’s current time. Otherwise, it continues running on the battery backup.