Q: Why a PIC18F25K22 instead of XYZ?

A: I’m used to PICs and I have all the fun to design my own boards!

Q: Why PicBASIC?

A: I’ve learned C with TurboC 20 years ago. It’s been now 20 years I’m programming VBA and VB.NET. I’m just too lazy to go back, don’t have enough time to learn other languages and PicBASIC student version is free so…

Q: Why having a second board for the nRF24L01? The PIC18F25K22 can handle it!

A: I reused 99% of the code from the Wireless wood stove monitor’s remote. Also some SPI pins where used as I/O to handle the ESP. It would require to connect the nRF a patch on the mainboard, a breakout board and an 8 wires harness to hook it up. My nRF platform require only 3 wires…

Q: Why no using the stove above -15C?

A: First: my setup is too efficient. I have two 6" fans pushing slowly the air from downstairs to the living room. It doesn’t take long before it gets too warm. Second: it’s not free. In Quebec the rate is ~ 0.10$/kWh. Some days I could have a 3kWh economy while using the stove. A big 0.30$/hour… On the other side the wood cost me about 1$/hour when I maintain the stove’s exhaust gases >200C. See Wireless wood stove monitor log for more infos.