Great question Chavi......I'm in the exact same boat and have been researching the hell out of these things. I converted my keggles and plumbed them all to Kal's specification with the intent on purchasing the unassembled kit and building it myself. Like yourself, I have little electrical circuitry background and decided to spend the cash for an assembled unit. I just can't stomach the $2150 for Kal's, although it is by far the coolest looking one that I have researched and has the most bells and whistles. I have not researched the brewmation system, so I can't speak to that, but have looked an awful lot into the BCS system.
Over the past few days, I have been working with Ryan at
www.ebrewingsupply.com to come up with a plan for a pre-assembled control panel. I really like the BCS based 30 amp. panel for 2 elements that he offers for $1450. Rather than a traditional PID control panel where you manually adjust settings, turn on/off pumps, elements, etc. right on the panel, the BCS works off of a web based platform. I have an Ipad and an IPhone that I can use to monitor and control temps, turn on pumps, etc. Although his panel does not have all of the bells and whistles that Kal's does, he is willing to add to the panel items such as alarms to alert you when each of the brewing processes are complete. He also can add a wifi adapter to the panel, so that it can catch the signal from a wireless router to communicate with the BCS website, which is what you access to control and monitor your brewing session.
Ryan's panel also comes with several extras that aren't included in Kal's such as all of the twist lock plugs for your pumps and elements, the power supply cord for the panel with twist lock plug, 4 temperature probes, etc......all of which cost extra going the other route. I guess it all comes down to how involved you want to be in the brewing process and if you prefer a more hands on brewing experience. I have all of the respect in the world for Kal and his knowledge, and do not feel that his pricing is at all out of line for what you get. His panel is top shelf and absolutley gorgeous, but for me, I have a hard time paying that much more than what I can get from Ryan. In the end, I have to remind myself that this is a hobby and at times it's very easy to get carried away with things.
Whatever you decide, please keep me posted. For me however, I'm ordering the one for $1450 and adding the wifi adapter for $75, which keeps me within budget and allows me to devote the extra funds towards finishing the rest of my brewery. Good luck!
