USCDiver
Well-Known Member
I'm thinking about getting a BCS system. I assume it would be best to mount the BCS control box near my fermentation chamber since it will always need to be plugged in. But how should I connect the BCS to my outdoor propane RIMS rig? Distance is probably 20-30' but I could possibly move things around if distance becomes a problem. I'm not planning to automate valves or propane yet, but probably will in the next year or two. For now I just need to control two (maybe three) pumps and one RIMS heating element with input from one or two temp probes.
Best I can figure out i have two good options.
1)Put all the SSRs in the box with the BCS, output would be to large gauge wires and a receptacle box that I can pull out to the rig on brew day where I'd plug in the pumps and heating element. Temp probe wires could be run along as well.
Pros: Most everything is in one box, out of the elements; no need for separate 120V power in brewing area.
Cons: no control of pumps etc except by laptop/tablet when standing in front of the brew rig. No E-stop on brew rig. possible interference on temp probe wires
2) build a separate control box on the brew rig with 120V input and a bank of SSRs. The DC Control signals from BCS would be carried by small gauge (CAT5?) cables. Likewise temp probe wires.
Pros: Easy to pull CAT5, switches and e-stop could be wired on rig
Cons: must build and wire two separate control boxes, requires 120V GFCI at both BCS and Rig box
Seems to me Option 1 would be easier initially and Option 2 sort of loses some of the advantages of the BCS in this limited automation set up. Might as well control brewing with Auber PID and control fermentation separately with a Johnson or STC.
HOWEVER, option two becomes much more attractive as I start adding propane and plumbing valves. I might end up having to pull a bundle of wires the size of my thigh at that point if I use Option 1.
Thoughts?
Best I can figure out i have two good options.
1)Put all the SSRs in the box with the BCS, output would be to large gauge wires and a receptacle box that I can pull out to the rig on brew day where I'd plug in the pumps and heating element. Temp probe wires could be run along as well.
Pros: Most everything is in one box, out of the elements; no need for separate 120V power in brewing area.
Cons: no control of pumps etc except by laptop/tablet when standing in front of the brew rig. No E-stop on brew rig. possible interference on temp probe wires
2) build a separate control box on the brew rig with 120V input and a bank of SSRs. The DC Control signals from BCS would be carried by small gauge (CAT5?) cables. Likewise temp probe wires.
Pros: Easy to pull CAT5, switches and e-stop could be wired on rig
Cons: must build and wire two separate control boxes, requires 120V GFCI at both BCS and Rig box
Seems to me Option 1 would be easier initially and Option 2 sort of loses some of the advantages of the BCS in this limited automation set up. Might as well control brewing with Auber PID and control fermentation separately with a Johnson or STC.
HOWEVER, option two becomes much more attractive as I start adding propane and plumbing valves. I might end up having to pull a bundle of wires the size of my thigh at that point if I use Option 1.
Thoughts?