BeerTools Pro Question

gonzoflick · 11-28-2007, 10:08 PM

Not to hijack but I use beer tools pro and I cant find anywhere that shows you strike temps and things of that nature.. In the section on the bottom called Schedule is it supposed to show a graph or something?

bnutting · 11-29-2007, 03:14 PM

In the middle window of the application in the upper right there is a drop down.
Usually it defaults to Ingredients. Just click on the drop down and select Schedule.

You will need to set-up your MT and stuff first. I believe that if you poke around on the BTP forum there is a Wiki that you can go to that clearly defines all of this.

FatDuc · 12-04-2007, 12:56 AM

I just bought and downloaded BTP for the Mac this evening, and now I'm regretting the purchase. There's no schedule for extract with steeped grains, WTF???

How long have home brewers been doing extract with steeped specialty grains?

I can't change the extract boil times either. This software doesn't allow for late additions for LME/DME?

This blows. I can see now why they don't do demo downloads, they can't rip you off that way.

Is my bitterness showing yet?

Basically it appears that the "tech help" in the forum says to kluge the AG schedule. What kind of crap is that, particularly for something with PRO in the title?I have been around software long enough to know that I ain't getting my $25 back, and that's a shame.

Hopefully I can save a bunch of others from wasting their money, if they intend to use Beer Tools Pro for extract brewing. The help files suck too.

I should have bought Beer Alchemy.

**Bobby_M** · 12-04-2007, 01:39 AM

Pro = Extract? I don't disagree with your concern but the argument that "pro" should mean they support extract seems counterintuitive to me.

They have been promising a major update that should include some much requested features. I felt the same way you did when I first bought it but after using it for a while, I think it's a solid package. I am looking forward to the update though mostly for the inventory feature.

FatDuc · 12-04-2007, 02:02 AM

Directly off their front page:

Quote:

It is simple enough for the beginner yet powerful enough for the professional.

Yet a search of their wiki has no mention of Steeped grain?

http://beertools.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2293&highlight=steep%2A
Actually has a BTP staffer stating "It is hidden right now, but code for the 'Boil' step has been in BTP even before 1.0.1. Wink"

As if it's a Microsoft "feature"?

I guess I'm a ticked because this software is touted here regularly, yet it shouldn't be recommended for anyone not doing AG only!

So basically I've wasted my money. Qbrew is at least free, even if it doesn't do all the late additions, or have all the ingredients.

The appeal of BTP was partially because I'd be able to readily exchange recipes and info with Win users.

Bobby, I really respect your knowledge, and I am very impressed with your videos and willingness to share you information. Many here have been a great help, and everyone seems quite willing to pan products that don't do what they were advertised to do, and so I hope you understand when I say that this software fails to deliver what it promises.

I say noobs and non-AG brewers should steer well clear of BeerTools Pro.

**Bobby_M** · 12-04-2007, 02:17 AM

Actually, all my posts regarding BTP here have mentioned the shortcomings of the software (and that's with all grain, nevermind extract). My impression is that most of the folks here that have BTP agree that it's falling short of expectations. If you're really unhappy, I'd try getting a refund so you can pick up Beersmith instead.

FatDuc · 12-04-2007, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobby_M

Actually, all my posts regarding BTP here have mentioned the shortcomings of the software (and that's with all grain, nevermind extract). My impression is that most of the folks here that have BTP agree that it's falling short of expectations. If you're really unhappy, I'd try getting a refund so you can pick up Beersmith instead.

I'll see about a refund tomorrow, but I can't use Beersmith on the Mac

I downloaded the trial on my work PC, but I don't have the liberty to bring that computer home to brew with

I should have just gone with Beer Alchemy, and not tried to find a "one size fits all" solution. Caveat Emptor, and Mea Culpa.

bobwantbeer · 12-04-2007, 04:10 PM

And I feel your pain. Right from the get go it has not been at all user friendly. I don't know how it's supposed to help organise you mash schedule or strike temp either. When I get home tonight I'm going to post a massive list of problems I had brewing last night, but my inability to use this software is a big concern. I'm hoping in time I can figure it out, but so far I feel equally screwed. We may have to make a few molotov cocktails and go find these bastards.

**Brewing Clamper** · 12-04-2007, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobwantbeer

...We may have to make a few molotov cocktails and go find these bastards.

That would require home distilling... that's illegal!

**Bobby_M** · 12-04-2007, 04:34 PM

I think the problem is, some brewers expect the software to be intuitive for THEIR needs but it's difficult to anticipate what you want. Do you want the software to assume you want 2 batch sparge infusions or just one, should they be equal volume? Do you want a mashout, etc. In this case, BTP is almost too flexible and it didn't ship with enough typical presets. I can't imagine why a few batch sparge schedules weren't included. It's as if the authors or requirment writers have never heard of batch sparging or thought it was some fringe activity.