Recent content by jrcrilly

Looks great!

Homebrewtalk.com, Zymurgy.

Many of us operate using systems with no igniter, leaving the pilot on and directly controlling the solenoid valve. Works fine. So long as your system is failsafe (no primary flame without a hot pilot) it should be OK.

At the current discount price, I am confident that the Z2 is an even better value than my original Zymatic was when I bought it. Given how pleased with my old unit I am after 40 plus brews, I am considering the upgrade.

Very happy with my MM3+ and allamericanaleworks motor.

Bubbles in the liquid would do that...

If you mean between the Pico and the Zymatic (closer to $2000 than to $1000) there are two major differences. Batch size 2.5 gallons rather than one gallon, and the Z permits you to use your own ingredients to make whatever you want whenever you want (which is far less expensive than the Picopacks).

Yes, it should be. That air is coming from somewhere, and is reducing the flow rate. Most common leak sources are the inline filter housing, the input bulkhead connector nylon "nut", and the beer post O ring.

Those do seem to make a difference, but they also "cheat" and reduce the innitial water volume, thus producing a somewhat smaller and thus higher gravity yield for a given grain bill.

Probably an air leak in the water in line. The step filter should always fill to overflow. If it doesn't, the water flow rate was too low.

There are valid reasons to recirculate but temperature control isn't one of them (though temperature consistency throughout the mash volume definitely IS a good one). Temp control and recirc go together because heat losses caused by recirc require some form of makeup heat. That is why...

I do brew in a basket (same process as brew in a bag but more convenient) for 5 gallon batches, conventional 3V for 10 gallons. Both work fine. I could learn to live with either one but prefer the flexibility of choice.

Um. As an attorney, I strongly recommend against relying on wikipedia for legal advice. That article discusses state laws (as you do yourself above) while completely ignoring federal law (as you also do above). Check the federal law - which is valid in ALL states. Personal/family consumption only.

In the US, homebrewing is legal only for personal/family consumption.

My orifices also use a 3/8" flare fitting and my supply hoses, like yours, are 1/2" pipe thread. I am sure that the adaptors I used came from the local Home Depot.