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jpalarchio · 05-09-2012, 03:58 AM

Just thought I'd get a poll of sorts going on what kind of automation people are using today and what they're working towards.

Past
I started with a very early version of the Brewtroller (2.2) along with solenoid valves (before we knew they were less than ideal). I never really reached a high level of automation; my setup had full manual override switches so my brew days were flipping switches on the control panel instead of turning valve handles. My gear was the traditional 3 vessel setup (cooler/cooler/keg) with propane fired kettle.

Present
I've recently pulled all the solenoid valves and have gone back to manual for now. I have a customized build loaded on the Brewtroller which has the monitoring features that I want. I've added an electric RIMS tube in my setup which the Brewtroller manages. I'm taking a shot at going 2 vessel as well. On the fermentation side, I use an Arduino Uno to manage my fermentation chamber as well as my keg cooler; it also performs temperature logging around the house via 1-wire sensors.

Future
I'll be switching my setup to full electric. I have an Arduino Mega and Ethernet shield that I'm starting to build on the side while the Brewtroller allows me to brew.

Things that I'd like to achieve:
* Logging of entire brew day and fermentation cycle
* Fully managed via web interface
* BeerXML recipe import
* Volume sensing via a method other than the "bubbler method"

**wubears71** · 05-09-2012, 01:49 PM

Right now, I'm in the process of finishing up an electric build using an Automation Direct DL-06 PLC as the brains behind the automation.

Here is the Main Display - the RTDs aren't connected so the PLC sets the value to the Upper Burnout Default.

Each control loop has it's own Detail Display. Right now, all I have on them is the ability to set Alarm limits on the Process Variable and to enable/disable them. Eventually it will have Rate of Change Alarms and tuning parameters on there also.

**Layne** · 05-09-2012, 02:23 PM

Here's mine.
BCS controlled.

Rbeckett · 05-09-2012, 04:43 PM

Mine has a hybrid mix of C-100 PID's, Picaxe 40X2 for logic, SSR's for high volts switching driven by FET's from the Picaxe 40 pin. Ultimately I would like to get to a point of 80% + automatic, but till then I am adding the controls in layers as I learn enough and can save enough coin to do it. This morning was expensive on Ebay and Sparkfun. Gotta behave for a while now or SWMBO may smother me in my sleep.
WCB

**A4J** · 05-09-2012, 06:18 PM

I'm not automated right now. My current system is basically a clone of jkarp's countertop brutus. I'm planning going fully automated by the end of this year and slowly gathering the parts/equipment that I need and putting it together as time and money allow. I'm still flipflopping between BCS vs. brewtroller but currently leaning towards brewtroller.

**kladue** · 05-10-2012, 02:26 AM

Here is a shot of one of the two Opto 22 panels and the gas and liquid hardware panels before installation

ClaudiusB · 05-10-2012, 02:46 AM

My gas fired brewery is controlled by an Automation Direct PLC 06 with Ethernet connection, PIDs as backup and remote temp sensors only.
Keg washer is controlled with an Automation Direct PLC 05
Keg and bottle filler are controlled with Siemens Logo.

Control panel display

Remote display

One of the PIDs. backup and remote temp sensor only

Glycol chiller controller

PIDs and Siemens fermentation controller

Work in progress.
Automation Direct PLC 06 with Ethernet
Automatic grain processing and dispensing system.
Controls grain conveyors, silos and grain mill.

Panel display

Power line Ethernet connection required, controller is outside

ClaudiusB · 05-10-2012, 02:49 AM

5L keg filler with Siemens Logo

Bottle filler with Siemens Logo

Still under construction
Cornie keg washer with Automation Direct PLC 05

**Squeeky** · 05-10-2012, 06:09 AM

Well I just got my BT3.3 today. Bough it off an old user but it was never used and will fit my needs.

Rbeckett · 05-10-2012, 07:47 AM

ClaudiusB,
What connectors are you using on the exterior of your box. It is the first pic in your series and has the mash 1-2 at the top. It looks very neat and well sealed when not in use. If you could recomend the supplier that would be great too. Thanks!!!
WCB