pot_step.py

import RPi.GPIO as GPIO
import time, math

C = 0.33 # uF
R1 = 1000 # Ohms

GPIO.setmode(GPIO.BCM)

# Pin a charges the capacitor through a fixed 1k resistor and the thermistor in series
# pin b discharges the capacitor through a fixed 1k resistor 
a_pin = 18
b_pin = 23

# empty the capacitor ready to start filling it up
def discharge():
    GPIO.setup(a_pin, GPIO.IN)
    GPIO.setup(b_pin, GPIO.OUT)
    GPIO.output(b_pin, False)
    time.sleep(0.1)

# return the time taken (uS) for the voltage on the capacitor to count as a digital input HIGH
# than means around 1.65V
def charge_time():
    GPIO.setup(b_pin, GPIO.IN)
    GPIO.setup(a_pin, GPIO.OUT)
    GPIO.output(a_pin, True)
    t1 = time.time()
    while not GPIO.input(b_pin):
        pass
    t2 = time.time()
    return (t2 - t1) * 1000000

# Take an analog reading as the time taken to charge after first discharging the capacitor
def analog_read():
    discharge()
    t = charge_time()
    discharge()
    return t

# Convert the time taken to charge the cpacitor into a value of resistance
# To reduce errors, do it 100 times and take the average.
def read_resistance():
    n = 10
    total = 0;
    for i in range(1, n):
        total = total + analog_read()
    t = total / float(n)
    T = t * 0.632 * 3.3
    r = (T / C) - R1
    return r
try:
    while True:
        print(read_resistance())
        time.sleep(0.5)
finally:
    GPIO.cleanup()