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**JonW** · 01-05-2011, 10:12 PM

BCS-460 = 4 temp inputs, 4 discrete inputs, 6 discrete outputs (6 pwm)
BCS-462 = 8 temp inputs, 8 discrete inputs, 18 discrete outputs (6 pwm)

If you plan on doing fermentation control and are going to do full ball valve control later, I highly suggest you get the 462. There are limitations with the add-on boards for the 460 that the extra outputs cannot be controlled simultaneously by multiple processes whereas all 18 of the outputs on the 462 can be controlled simultaneously by separate processes.

My BCS-462 is in a cabinet mounted to the wall so it can run my two kegerators and my fermentor 24x7. I then plug my brew rig into it via CAT-5 cables on brew day.

**RiverCityBrewer** · 01-06-2011, 01:41 AM

You can use the 460 for brewing and fermenting... just don't hard mount your probes and you can move them wherever you want.

rtrevino · 01-06-2011, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RiverCityBrewer

You can use the 460 for brewing and fermenting... just don't hard mount your probes and you can move them wherever you want.

Could one also use two sets of probes, 1 in the rig and 1 for fermentation? But when your using the BCS for brewing you fermentation chamber is just not functioning, correct?

Wrecked · 01-06-2011, 12:06 PM

How does the BCS-460 energize the gas/water valve solenoids? Is the 5vdc output enough to energize the solenoid? If not, what do you need in addition to the BCS-460 to make this happen?

Sorry for the newbie electrical questions

I currently control my stand through LOVE controllers and the wiring was as easy as it gets.

Wrecked

**JonW** · 01-06-2011, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wrecked

How does the BCS-460 energize the gas/water valve solenoids? Is the 5vdc output enough to energize the solenoid? If not, what do you need in addition to the BCS-460 to make this happen?

Sorry for the newbie electrical questions

I currently control my stand through LOVE controllers and the wiring was as easy as it gets.

Wrecked

Your Love controllers contain relays built in so it's easy to just wire up your 110V circuits. With controllers like the BCS, they are low voltage switching devices. You need to wire up a relay to the 5V triggers. On my rig, I use both a relay board (8 relays) for my 12V liquid valves and some SSR's (solid state relays) for controlling the 110V gas valves and March pumps.

**RiverCityBrewer** · 01-06-2011, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtrevino

Could one also use two sets of probes, 1 in the rig and 1 for fermentation? But when your using the BCS for brewing you fermentation chamber is just not functioning, correct?

Yep that would work just fine as well... I wire my probes to RJ-45 connectors so I can swap them easily at the control panel.

I only use 3 probes for brewing so 1 is always available to keep my fermenter running, and the BCS can control both processes at the same time.

Brewing Clamper · 01-06-2011, 10:23 PM

Will the BCS take input from pressure sensors?

**JonW** · 01-06-2011, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brewing Clamper

Will the BCS take input from pressure sensors?

Yes, if they are setup for triggering digital I/O. The BCS doesn't have analog inputs.

rtrevino · 01-06-2011, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RiverCityBrewer

Yep that would work just fine as well... I wire my probes to RJ-45 connectors so I can swap them easily at the control panel.

I only use 3 probes for brewing so 1 is always available to keep my fermenter running, and the BCS can control both processes at the same time.

I thought about doing it that way too but I also want to have multiple readings on my rig. I guess if I go the cheap route I end up with a cheap rig that I just modify again later on.

**JonW** · 01-06-2011, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtrevino

I thought about doing it that way too but I also want to have multiple readings on my rig. I guess if I go the cheap route I end up with a cheap rig that I just modify again later on.

Swapping temp probes is a workable solution, but having all the probes setup and defined is a much cleaner way to do it. Additionally, if you are going to do all electric ball valves as you previously stated, you'll want the BCS-462 due to the limitations I pointed out above.