Recent content by cswank

I tried a pressure sensor like this, but I had to go to something else because the pressure reading was fluctuating so much during the mash that I couldn't trust it. I have a three tier system, and the hlt on top has a float switch. When the hlt is full, I know how much water is in it. I use...

Thanks for the suggestion. My probe is ~1" above the bottom when it is in place. The bottom of the pot does have some layers of other metals that could hold a bunch of heat from when the hot water pours in. That could very well be the reason. Good idea.

I have heating pads on the outside that kick automatically in when the temperature falls too low. The temperature difference happens right away before the hearing pads turn on.

I guess what I really want to know is if an 8 degree F temperature differential between the top and bottom of the mash is common.

Hello, I'm just wondering if anyone else has noticed a large temperature inversion in the mash. I have a temperature probe that comes in from the top of my mash vessel (a large stainless pot), and I can move it around. I'm brewing right now and the temperature at the bottom of the mash is...

Good god, why didn't I think of that? Thanks!

I have an automatic brewery that I've been using for 7 batches now. It is all enclosed in a attempt to retain heat during the mash, and to not get my basement all steamy when I brew (all electric). I have a duct fan that vents out the window. This time I started with 6.5 gallons before the...

Hello DeafSmith, did you get it working? I am striving for the same thing but am having problems (see my post at https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/electric-stove-burners-tripping-gfci-169210/). To sum up, my electric burners had an electrical leak that caused a ground fault, tripping my GFI. I...

I like the PEX. I already have the water line running to my brewery. One step closer...

Thanks to the PEX suggestions. I must amend my original 'I think that's the way to go, for sure.'

Thanks. I searched for 'food grade tubing' on google and found a bunch of stuff. I don't know why I didn't think of that. I think that's the way to go, for sure.

Hello, I need to connect a water supply line to my brewery. I was planning on connecting a copper flex tube to the supply line of the sink in my basement, then run it about 40 feet to where I am building my brewery. I'm wondering if anyone has an idea for an alternative to the copper flex...

I had more of the same elements, so I tested on for a electrical leak between the heating surface and the input terminals. There was none. I hooked it up and it ran for about 30 seconds then it tripped the GFI. I tested it for a leak and sure enough, there was a one. I then went to Ace...

I think I need a new multi-meter. When I test the resistance of the elements, I get a reading of 200 (x 1K). When I touch the two probes directly, I get the same exact reading.

Yeah, Hermit, I felt the urge to connect them to a regular breaker, but I think I'll try to make it work with the GFCI. I'm not confident in my electrical abilities to not have it there.