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**kegtoe** · 05-31-2010, 03:09 AM

I am looking for a reaonably priced digital indicator. I was thinking about multiple channel unit so i could measure a couple of points through the process.

Right now i am just considering an indicator as i am doing the rest manually. However, as i continue to brew i find myself always adding on to my equipment. So i was wondering if i should just splurge and pick up a PID controller/display.

Let me know what you guys think.

**kegtoe** · 05-31-2010, 09:57 PM

anyone? ?

**BrewBeemer** · 05-31-2010, 10:47 PM

Check into a BCS 460 unit, go thru their demo on what it has to offer. JMO.

**SweetSounds** · 05-31-2010, 11:23 PM

You can get the cheapest PID at Auber, and a probe for about $50.00
But, the BCS would be a better investment IMO, just for the expandability and bling factor

**CodeRage** · 05-31-2010, 11:45 PM

kegtoe, You wont find a digital display for much cheaper than the Auber PIDs. If I were in your shoes I would splurge the extra $10 for the PID.

**kegtoe** · 06-01-2010, 12:10 AM

im not real strong with process control. If i go with a PID, do they make mulitple channel varieties or would i need one fore ach point im checking the temp?

Also what do you guys suggest for measement - direct or thermowell??

Sawdustguy · 06-01-2010, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CodeRage

kegtoe, You wont find a digital display for much cheaper than the Auber PIDs. If I were in your shoes I would splurge the extra $10 for the PID.

+1 The BCS-460 is $187 for (4) temperature inputs. Each temperature probe is $16 for a total of $235 plus you need a PC to operate it. On the other hand a Auber PID is $35.95 and submersable platnum RTD's at $15.65 each. Normal switching could be used for multiple RTD's. Heck, the OP could have 4 separate PID's and RTD's for less than a BCS-460 if he wanted to.

**kegtoe** · 06-01-2010, 03:29 AM

im the OP. what would you guys recomend? the BCS or all seperate PIDs? im trying to learn all i can.

Sawdustguy · 06-01-2010, 03:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kegtoe

im the OP. what would you guys recomend? the BCS or all seperate PIDs? im trying to learn all i can.

You really do not need separate PID's. You can switch the RTD's. The BCS-460 is a nice device but if you are just measuring temperature, it's expensive and you need to have a pc comitted for brewing. Let others chime in before you make a decision so you get more than one data point before jumping in with both feet.

**BrewBeemer** · 06-01-2010, 05:12 AM

My friend has his household computer in the family room, uses a 20' cord to plug into the BCS unit on the brewery in the patio to program it. Unplugs it then lets the BCS unit do it's thing. Downloads for future exact copy brews into the computer with the cord. His computer is used by the whole family not just a dedicated computer for the BCS unit only.