summerofgeorge

Recipes 

Alright...getting closer on some e-build decisions. I'm leaning quite a bit towards a BCS setup. One thing I really like about the non-BCS PID systems is the temperature displays on the control panel. I know, the BCS display shows the temperatures. I'd just like to have it on the panel too.

Is there a cheap option to do this on a BCS system? I've seen the 7 segment displays for $35. You could probably find a cheap-o PID from China for less (although I think you'd also need a different temp probe).

I'm guessing this either isn't simple or is cost prohibitive since I haven't seen any builds with the displays in the panel and only a few with the 7 seg displays.

lzrdkng14

Recipes 

I am also interested in this. My situation is a little different. I am building a electric system in phases, ultimately ending up with a BCS system. But my first step is an electric BK with a PWM to control the element. I want to outfit the BK with a temp sensor that I can use with the BCS later, but for now, just display the temp...

clearwaterbrewer

Recipes 

I wish those $35 displays took a standard DIN size of a PID, would make life a whole lot easier..

lzrdkng14

Recipes 

Does anyone know if there is a sensor that works with Auber PID's and the BCS?

clearwaterbrewer

Recipes 

There is not one, as PID's and the BCS use different sensors...

however, if you use 1/4" or whatever thermowells, you can get inexpensive bead-type sensors that slip inside... or you can use 1/4" compression fittings and 1/4" stainless cylindrical sensors... the thermowell type work good for a container that has liquid, the cylindrical I reserve for measuring temps in hoses,RIMS tube, or whatever where a 6" probe thermowell is not convenient... I use brass 1/4" compression fittings (some with 1/4" NPT male threads, some with 1/8" NPT male threads) and just drill them out to 1/4", remove the brass ferrule and use very short(1/8") section of 1/4" ID hose to provide the compression seal...

lzrdkng14

Recipes 

I am thinking I will just bite the bullet and build a simple one vessel control box with PID for my brew kettle and use a thermowell to house a 6" sensor. I can then sell the system if/when I am ready to go with a BCS...

clearwaterbrewer

Recipes 

If it is just for your Boil Kettle, start with the manual PWM like you state above, brew a few batches before you start cutting more holes... just speaking from experience...

lzrdkng14

Recipes 

just wanted to be able to monitor the temp from the pwm. and for the cost of a PWM + LCD Temp display - might as well just get a PID

summerofgeorge

Recipes 

I'm not planning on building in phases but would like the option to brew in phases. I'd like to build my system once and do it right, including having the BCS. But, I'd also like to be able to manually brew before switching to the BCS. I think it would be better to get comfortable with the new setup by doing more things manually and then incorporate the BCS once I have things down.

clearwaterbrewer

Recipes 

Agreed, I am suggesting brewing a few batches while being conscious about probe placement relative to where the BK is rotated vs. the element, and the height... before drilling any holes...

-mike