bakins

Recipes 

Question for all you BCS-460 users:

Do you have manual switches for your elements?

In my current setup, I have PID's controlling SSR's. I also have a DPST switch so I can switch element off quickly and easily. I may rebuild my rig again - I was a single tier I've decided - and was contemplating doing BCS-460 or something like this:
http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/control-panel-99717/index6.html

I'm thinking if I have switches for the elements outside of the BCS-460 it sorta ruins the whole point of it bcs I will still have to do some possible "manual" stuff. However, the BCS-460 would be pretty cool and "cleaner"...

HomebrewJeff

Recipes 

I don't use the BCS, but I'm using the BrewTroller, and yes I do have separate switches for all elements and pumps.

Here is a mockup of mine:



Rather than defeating the purpose of automation, I see it as complementing it. This gives you the manual control to do whatever you want, without having to setup everything through the system.

slimer

Recipes 

I ran switches to the outlet to be able to use it as a kill switch to kill current to anything that I needed to. Pumps, elements, etc.

I'm planning on doing an all hot panel with outlets that are hot all the time so I can switch wires around if I need to (pumps) for manual control.

Disclaimer: I'm having trouble with my little project box with 1 SSR that I'm using as a test box. I think it's either the relay or my stupidity with the BCS.

Pictures:
Switch

Box

Jumper for kill switch

SoCalBrewer

Recipes 

I use switches so I can use the BCS or go manual without it hooked up and use my Love controllers

__________________
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FERMENTING: Vanilla Bourbon Barrel Chocolate Stout 1.061sg

ON DECK: American Bitter, Honey Wheat, Downtown Brown, Pliny Clone

eccsynd

Recipes 

3-way switches work well. For pumps and/or heating elements

1. On - Manual
2. Off - Disconnected
3. Auto - Connected to SSR controlled via BCS

You can always force an output manually via the BCS-460 interface, but for pumps its really nice to be able to prime it by flipping a switch. Also useful for cleaning.

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HomebrewJeff

Recipes 

One other reason that I just thought of, is that I'm only using a 2000watt element in my kettle. During the sparge, as soon as the element is submerged, I can kick the heat on to get ready for the boil. By the time the sparge is over the wort is at a near boil.

bakins

Recipes 

Not just defeating purpose of automation, but also simplifying the layout of electrical stuff, boxes, etc.

bakins

Recipes 

Hmm, I think I like this idea. Let me think on that...