Contemplating E-HERMS w/ BCS

I am wanting to do an E-HERMS system and have been thoroughly reading over the information and step at theelectricbrewery.com, but I think for the control piece I am going with the BCS to save money on that front.

One thing I've notice from PJ's wiring diagrams for 2 burners is there are still massive control boxes/panels that need to be created with Control Switches and such. I was under the impression that all control could be done through the web interface of the BCS, telling the elements & pumps to turn on/off. Is this not the case?

Also is there a gold standard build thread that I should follow on the BCS for a 3 keggle/kettle HERMS setup?

I like having a manual control switch on the box w/o having to use th EPO. Because no matter how fast you are on the web interface it takes just a few seconds longer to apply and update before the change takes effect.

tator2k said:

I like having a manual control switch on the box w/o having to use th EPO. Because no matter how fast you are on the web interface it takes just a few seconds longer to apply and update before the change takes effect.

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So what's the point of the BCS? Are you changing temperature manually with a PID?

Seems to me if you are using PIDs then the BCS is purely for logging.

I have seen several designs with 3way switches for manual/off/auto(bcs) mode for elements and pumps. In theory you don't need this and everything can be run through bcs but it is nice to have a manual mode backup.

Bcs can provide pid functionality and additional automation. For every bcs output (5v?) you still need an ssr to control high voltage

jCOSbrew said:

Bcs can provide pid functionality and additional automation. For every bcs output (5v?) you still need an ssr to control high voltage

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And if you are concerned about the SSR leakage current and the potential for it to fail closed (on), then you also need a mechanical contactor and and a means to switch it, for each SSR.

I do run run in manual/off/auto (bcs) mode with my switches. I think you're missing the pieces recommended for safety with using the SSRs and Contactors while working with high voltage.