Upgrade to automated system....

I have been home brewing for over eight years now and can't get enough. I started in a 5 gallon pot on the stove and currently brew on a home made 15 gallon keggle system. My system it completely manual, gravity fed mash and boiler and the trusty old racking cane. I am looking into a more automated system but am completely uneducated about the process. I have done research on pumps and temperature regulators however I was wondering if someone could break it down Barney style for me. Or if someone had a reference for the theory behind it? How do love controllers work? Can they operate the pumps or just the temp? Additionally what type is beat suited for my size operation? Also what are the benefits of a RIMs system and how do they work? If anyone is currently using systems that utilize these things I would be very interested in hearing how they improve/change the brewing process. Thank you all for your time.

Post script. I'm not sure it matters but for all interested I brew in Sacramento California.
Thanks again
Ryan Davis.

Oh, Sacramento? Forget about it then.



Being as we have this entire wonderful Automated Brewing Forum on the site, my first thought would be to head over there and get some education.

But that's me...

Cheers!

Thanks. I'm new to the site so still trying to figure out the best place to ask questions. I'll check it out.
Ryan davis.