Summary of Reflow Master – Graphical reflow controller
The Reflow Master is a microcontroller-based device designed to visualize and control PCB reflow temperatures in toaster ovens. Initially an experiment using a K-Type probe and MAX31855 module, it evolved into a user-friendly product with a TFT screen for real-time temperature graphing. The creator refined the hardware and code, added a 3D printed case, and successfully launched the device on Tindie, selling out quickly due to its reliability.
Parts used in the Reflow Master:
- Microcontroller
- K-Type probe
- MAX31855 module
- TFT screen
- 3D printed case
Story
Reflow Master really started out as a microcontroller-based graphing experiment… I wanted to visualise the temperature in my toaster oven when I manually reflowed my PCBs.
I had a K-Type probe in my oven connected to my digital multimeter, and though I could see the temperature, unless I also used a stopwatch, I had no real idea of how long I was reflowing for and at what temperature… it was VERY scientific.
So I thought about using a MAX31855 module connected to a micro-controller to read the temp from my probe and simply drawing this as a graph of temperature over time on a small TFT screen also connected to the micro-controller.
Everyone knew I wasn’t going to stop there… Maybe deep down inside I knew that too, but on the surface, that was my only goal.
A DOCUMENTED JOURNEY
I designed and built everything either in videos or in live streams on my youtube channel, with my community constantly nudging me to “make it more” and ” make a product out of it”… with a few putting their hands up saying they’d like one.
http://youtube.com/c/unexpectedmaker
Honestly, I was only building it for myself… I use mine almost daily for my other projects and products I sell. 100% perfect reflows every time!
Every time I used my Reflow Master in a stream building something else, again I’d get people constantly nudging me to release it.
So I spent the last few months refining the hardware, improving the code, making it quite user friendly and simplifying as much of the interface as possible. I also designed a nice 3D printed case for it.
Last Friday (August 10th, 2018 ), I launched my completed Reflow Master “product” on Tindie and sold out of my first 3 in less than 4 hours!
https://www.tindie.com/products/13378/
THAT WAS TOTALLY UNEXPECTED
I have parts on the way for many more (I am impatient, so the wait in frustrating) and I hope to have it back in stock in the next few weeks.
Read more: Reflow Master – Graphical reflow controller
- What was the original purpose of the Reflow Master?
It started as a microcontroller-based graphing experiment to visualize temperature in a toaster oven during manual PCB reflow. - How does the device display temperature data?
It uses a MAX31855 module connected to a micro-controller to draw a graph of temperature over time on a small TFT screen. - Where can I purchase the Reflow Master?
The completed product was launched on Tindie. - Did the creator plan to sell the device initially?
No, the creator was only building it for personal use and did not intend to release it as a product at first. - What feedback led to the final product launch?
Viewers in live streams and videos constantly nudged the creator to make it more functional and turn it into a product. - How well did the product perform upon launch?
Sold out of the first 3 units in less than 4 hours after launching on August 10th, 2018. - What improvements were made before the official launch?
The creator refined the hardware, improved the code, simplified the interface, and designed a 3D printed case. - Is the device suitable for daily professional use?
Yes, the creator uses it almost daily for other projects and reports 100% perfect reflows every time.
