Ranko for heating element

Brewslikeaking · Apr 26, 2015

Has anyone used a Johnson temp controller (also called ranko) for controlling a mash in the heating element. I know these units are usually used to control fermentation temperatures but since I know nothing about electronics and wiring I want to buy one of these to keep my recirculating mash at a steady temp

heckabrew · Apr 27, 2015

Yes people have done it. Should it be done? Probably not. You'll constantly overshoot your mash temp using a simple on/off controller. You need a PID controller to keep accurate temps. There are plenty of threads covering builds for these but if you're adverse to wiring electronics you may want to look at a pre built controller. Here's one example: http://www.highgravitybrew.com/store/pc/EBC-LT-120V-with-Infinite-Power-Control-269p4653.htm

Brewslikeaking · Apr 27, 2015

Thanks that's good advice. I'll go for a pid then. I think I'm gonna a need two 120v heating elements because I don't have a 240v outlet in my apt. Is it possible to get controllers that take two heat elements? Or is it possible to wire one up?

heckabrew · Apr 27, 2015

You may not need 2 elements to hold the mash temps. I'm running only 120v on my rims setup

acidrain · Apr 27, 2015

You don't have a 220 v range/stove?

Brewslikeaking · Apr 27, 2015

heckabrew said:
You may not need 2 elements to hold the mash temps. I'm running only 120v on my rims setup

And how big is your system. I'm building a 15gallon system but will primarily be using it for 5 gallons and the occasional barley wine or imperial beer

Brewslikeaking · Apr 27, 2015

heckabrew said:
You may not need 2 elements to hold the mash temps. I'm running only 120v on my rims setup

And how big is your system. I'm building a 15gallon system but will primarily be using it for 5 gallons and the occasional barley wine or imperial beer

Brewslikeaking · Apr 27, 2015

heckabrew said:
You may not need 2 elements to hold the mash temps. I'm running only 120v on my rims setup

How big is your system. I'm trying to build a 15gallon rims system and although I'll mostly be using it for 5 gallon batches there may be times I want to brew 10 gallon and barleywines.

Brewslikeaking · Apr 28, 2015

Sorry for the repost :l

heckabrew · Apr 29, 2015

I have 15 gallon system. Put together a mash tun from a 82 qt SS pot with reflectix insulation on it to keep temps. MLT is right under the control panel in the pic here. You can sorta see the rims tube which is mounted to the shelf that the tun is on. View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1430341125.209449.jpg

douglasbarbin · Apr 29, 2015

I use a Ranco ETC-111000 for my HERMS setup and haven't had any issues with overshooting mash temp.

Ranko for heating element

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