Recent content by IDMaynard

Here is a typical setup for an HLT and Boil Kettle using mechanical relays at power on and SSR's to control the duty cycle from the PID controller. As others mentioned the solid state relay (SSR) are electronically controlled switching devices that use low voltage to open/close the "switch" on...

I used a gas grill and just put a small pan in for pellet/woodchips, especially if the wife is not a big smoke fan, it will give you some smoke right off the bat but will typically run out before the meat is fully cooked, and you'll be able to sear it as betarhoalphadeta mentioned.

Yes it is the "all in one" they have a spunding valve and a poppet valve mounted horizontally (limits the chance of plugging up). https://spikebrewing.com/products/pressure-relief-valve

That's true, I usually start out at 20C and let it build up to the 15 psi limit (Spike's PRV), and start my cold crash. I have been pretty successful getting close to my carbonation level that way, then I just do a short burst carbonation after it is transferred to the keg.

Out of curiosity, where/how did you come with the 0.5 volumes per gravity point? I have seen that before but never a reference on how it was determined.

Yes, I would actually start closer to 4C (that is about as low as I can get me system to go), which should put me closer to about 12 psi (gauge), well within the 15 psi max of my fermenter.

Are there any general calculations(rules of thumb) that I can use to determine when to close off my conical fermenter to use the CO2 being generated to carbonate my beer so that I carbonate to a specific volume? Say 2.5 volumes of CO2 @ 20C.

For anyone interested, here is a calculator that will compensate your refractometer reading during fermentation. I believe you have to have a pre yeast reading though in order for the conversion to work properly. (I know in BeerSmith that is required). Hope it helps...

I have two tilts (not the pro series), I found two issues with them, one is that the signal is very weak and once it is in the conical you can lose it. also once the conical builds up pressure I lose the signal. I built a tilt bridge to try and compensate for the signal issue (it is hit & miss...

BeerSmith uses an algorithm to compensate for pre and post fermenting wort that has been very accurate in my experience, not sure of BrewFather uses the same algo or not.

I went from a 3 vessel to an AIO and I am struggling with efficiency issues and stuck mashes which I never really suffered with on the 3 vessel system. Growing pains I know. I am currently running a Spike solo with 220V. Not a lot of commercial propane AOI's out there that I have seen, but I...

I should mention that I have a CIP that fits the 4" center port on the lid. I remove the chiller coil when cleaning my CF5.

This one will mount pretty much any brand of pump https://www.amazon.com/Exchilerator-Chugger-Mounts-Popular-Kitchen/dp/B09V89ZCC6

Not really, I have had stuff in the sample valve but that is because it stays closed during cleaning I check everything during disassembly so if something is there I wipe it clean and I always sanitize on brew day.

So did anyone have any actual suggestion on what caused the odoriferous issue? I have a Ordinary Bitter that has a poopish(poop adjacent?) aroma, not taste, and if I let it sit in the glass for a few minutes it is gone. I thought about trying to purge CO2 through the dip tub of the keg and...