Recent content by GrassBrewer

Thanks for the reference! Some reassuring information here. This is an interesting idea and product. I might give it a try.

Not a huuuuge deal I don't think, but wanted to get people's opinion on this. Over the summer I built up a brand new fermentation chamber out of a fridge. Inside I have a stainless steel fermentor, with a blow off tube into a large mason jar. I am very happy with it and it not just works great...

Pis crash, plain and simple. Like a normal computer, with a normal OS. This is a function of the software. This isn't the end of the world, but can put your system automation in question if something bugs out. A microcontroller, like arduinos and microprocessors, like PLCs are based off hardware.

Plate would be expensive. I'm cheap but I like durability, so I'd use some punched angle or flat stock in a grid or where I needed fastening. You can get zinc plated or aluminum and with the right hardware, that stuff will last many brew days.

Congrats! The feelings of accomplishment related to builds are always the best. Your system is something to be proud of as well. You are brave as well to use that much wood. I am normally see a lot more splashing and dripping during my brews, but I am still on a 100% manual system and I am...

I mean, it can be a piece of wood or something. Trivets were just the best thing I could think of to describe it. You just want some insulation between your metals. For both electrical (shorts, leakage current) and thermal reasons (heat loss, burn...from the table).

It is hard to tell from your pictures, but if you have not already, you might want to put some trivets or some other non-conductive / heat resistant spacer between your element'd kettles and your metal brew stand.

I think automation means different things to different people. Fully automated to me means I drop the grains, hops, yeast and any other additions into their respective holes and push a button. I then end up with beer at a tap handle. It would be a lot of work, but it isn't impossible, just...

Thanks @Inspire... I've used all of them. Arduinos, Pi's, Netduinos, PLCs, etc.... The choice for PLCs in brewing is strictly for safety, nothing more. Raspberry Pis would likely be used in conjunction with a PLC, since you can get a decent UI out of it a lot easier. When it comes to high...

Building is more fun. :) Can't wait to share once I get going. I didn't remember to chronicle my Keezer build at all.

Thanks Brun. Totally understand. It is part of the reason we use not just the right components, but use certified cabinet assembles for our machinery. I have had the unfortunate circumstance of having to sift through UL 508a. Does that make me an expert? no way. I was actually looking at the...

Really enjoying this thread. Has your schematic changed at all since your original post? Thought I saw some additional relays. Also interested in your part list mainly, not sure if you have been tracking a master BOM or anything. I'm trying to brainstorm a little on how to make a similar...

Man, this is like the post I was going to make but didn't so I could research more. I have been designing a fully automated system for a while now after brewing years with a fully manual system and have been going back and forth on how automated I want to be and the hardware/software I want to...

Small update. Seems being over temp for a day didn't ruin anything. I took some gravity readings and had a taste. I predicted gravity was spot on, and there were no taste issues that I could sense. going to start cleaning my lines and flushing the keezer to get ready to rack. :mug:

@doomy well, it is a dry yeast, so it seems it was doing what it was supposed to. It should work out, since my doppel is supposed to be dry. @madscientist, thanks for the tips. I have some spare foam from my keezer build that I plan on using for a fermentation chamber. Its just making it that I...