Deep Six Brewing System - v2.0
 

I'm just about ready to talk about my latest project - its pretty major. I got a wild hair up my butt awhile back to create a fully automated system which runs from a PC. I had another thread in a private forum about the interface for some time, but the hardware has finally caught up to the software.

Here is my setup before upgrading: http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/my-new-herms-setup-39422/

Most everything has been modified. The stand has been repainted; obviously the control panel has been replaced; and industrial touchscreen monitor was added; the mash tun and hlt have added insulation - including the bottoms; the heating element was upgraded to a 5500w 220v element; and a stir motor and float switch have been added to the HLT.

Here is a few shot of my new rig as it currently stands. I'm running it through a full cycle right now. There are several wiring tasks that still need to be cleaned up, such as the float switch cable which is just sort of hanging there. I will try to explain it all in followup posts...

http://johnbeere.com/rig/DSC00628.jpg


Here is a close-up of the touchscreen and app. I'll post much more about it later.
http://johnbeere.com/rig/DSC00630.jpg


The breakout box behind the touchscreen. The first two sets of plugs are individually controlled through the buttons on the right of the screen. The third plug is wired together and is controlled by the "Aux Pwr" button. The 220v plug on the right is controlled by the app to toggle the heating element. The red button turns the PC on. The antenna on the right is for the wifi. Those red wires on the right are the float switch wire that is just temporarily rigged...
http://johnbeere.com/rig/DSC00629.jpg


Close-up of the HLT stirrer and float switch.
http://johnbeere.com/rig/DSC00625.jpg

Here is the inside of the breakout box. There are six solid state relays and a USB device made by LabJack. That is the PC hanging below it mounted inside an Orbit sprinkler system waterproof box.
http://johnbeere.com/rig/DSC00621.jpg

Here is a shot of the PC mounted inside the sprinkler system box. It is a MiniITX mobo powered by an Intel Atom processor.
http://johnbeere.com/rig/DSC00622.jpg

Here a screenshot of the GUI. It is 1:1 ratio, so its kinda big, sorry.
http://johnbeere.com/rig/gui.gif

You are my hero.

That looks awesome!

How much???


I want it!

That is the next step... will discuss more when the timing is right. I can pretty much guarantee you that the app isn't even near complete and it is already the most advanced app on the market. It automatically handles step mashing; has advanced mash and hex heat differentials; runs from simple config files per "brew"; and full logging of all statistics.

Outstanding, it looks very nice with the touch screen interface, have you developed a budget price for this system yet for those folks that are interested.

Once I get the kinks worked out of the app and am happy with it, we'll start that process. Come hell or highwater, I'm brewing with it next weekend... we'll see how it goes!