Specifications:

The ARDUINO MKR THERM Shield is an advanced accessory designed for the MKR family of boards, enabling the acquisition of temperature data from high-quality thermocouples and digital one-wire sensors.

• Temperature Range: It can measure extreme temperatures ranging from -200°C to +700°C, making it suitable for various applications such as ovens, freezers, and smokers.
• Thermocouple Support: The shield is designed to work with a thermocouple of type K, as well as a DS18Bxx digital one-wire sensor. Type K thermocouples are capable of measuring temperatures from -270 to +1372 Celsius, offering high accuracy for a wide range of temperatures.
• Chip and Connectors: It features the MAX31855 chip, which is a thermocouple-to-digital converter, enabling accurate temperature readings. For connections, it provides a K-type female connector for easy connection of K-type male connectors and screw terminals for secure connections of bare wires from a thermocouple.
• DS18xx Support: There’s direct support for DS18xx temperature sensors, which can be soldered directly onto the board. This offers additional flexibility for temperature measurement projects.
• Arduino MKRTHERM Library: For ease of use, the shield has a dedicated Arduino_MKRTHERM library, managing the MAX31855 chip to measure both the ambient and junction temperatures accurately. The library simplifies the process of obtaining precise temperature readings referenced to the temperature of the shield.

Learning Resources:

MKR Therm Shield Documentation

MKR THERM Shield Basics

Getting Started with the MKR THERM Shield

Applications and Projects:

The ARDUINO MKR THERM Shield, with its ability to measure extreme temperatures ranging from -200°C to +700°C, is a versatile tool for various applications across different domains. Here are some innovative use cases and project examples that highlight the potential of this shield:

• Temperature Monitoring for Industrial Equipment: Utilize the MKR THERM Shield for real-time temperature monitoring of critical components in industrial settings, such as machinery in manufacturing plants or boilers in power stations. This can help in predictive maintenance and avoiding overheating issues.
• Environmental Data Collection: Deploy the shield in environmental research projects to gather temperature data across a wide range of conditions. This could be useful for studying climate change effects in extreme environments like deserts or polar regions.
• Home Brewing and Cooking Applications: For homebrewers and cooking enthusiasts, the MKR THERM Shield can provide precise temperature control and monitoring for processes like fermentation or sous-vide cooking, ensuring optimal conditions for product quality.
• 3D Printing: Incorporate the shield into 3D printers to monitor and control the temperature of the extruder, improving print quality by ensuring the plastic filament is at the perfect melting point for extrusion.
• Automated Weather Stations: Build your own weather station that can operate in extreme conditions, using the MKR THERM Shield to record high-precision temperature data. This data can be used for local climate studies or integrated into broader meteorological networks.
• High-Temperature Test Rigs: Engineers and researchers can use the shield in the development of materials and components that must withstand extreme temperatures, such as in aerospace or automotive applications, by integrating it into test rigs for durability testing.