You know, I will happily take a pull request for the required changes that make the install script more universal.
Also, about missing things in our documentation: the documentation is open source as well and the repo is here:
https://github.com/BrewPi/brewpi-userdocs
That repo is compiled by our build server and posted to the docs page.
It would be cool if missing info is added there, instead of this topic.
You posted on the BrewPi forum that our multi instance docs are out of date. I do not have a multi-instance test setup right now, so I would really appreciate it if you contribute your knowledge in the form of a pull request.
I do not really mind this topic. Getting all the parts for BrewPi can get expensive and not everyone will have that kind of money. The shield includes lots of connectors and those are the most expensive components, much more expensive than semiconductors.
Yes, you can just get an Arduino and add OneWire sensors and then run the web interface from a computer. But users will encounter issues when doing this, so we choose to not support it officially. Fuzzewuzze is helping people out here, so it will not take up much of my time, so I let it go. I am swamped with work already and supporting these custom builds, that do not support the project in any way, is not a wise way to spend my time.
I just want to say that I am working 60 hours a week on BrewPi and make just enough to pay rent. I can't compete with the cheapest prices from China and keep my head above water. But that's okay. I am in this for the long run. I hope that if we make it more plug and play, we can sell through an American distributor. I just think it is too early for that now.
The temp sensors we offer are a bit more expensive than the cheapest on amazon, but they have silicone cables, are guaranteed waterproof and high temperature proof. Fuzze, wbarber, just ask and I'll send you one of our temp sensors. Feel the difference. Same goes for the SSRs, they are much better than Fotek!
The case also adds to the price, but actually my margin on the cases is very small, I just want to be able to offer a nice package.
Another issue for most people I guess is the high shipping costs. Just a shield can ship for 5,25. A full kit for 16 with tracked mail. If you want it in a few days with FedEx it's more.
But if anyone things the price is too high for the shield kit, I can send a RevB PCB for free (just postage) to anyone who requests it. It will require you to solder SMD components though. RevB is a failed batch: the holes for the green terminals are too small for the pins, but you can make it work by pinching the pins a bit. You'll get just the PCB though, not the components. Try putting these in a your shopping basket on DigiKey and see what you end up at.
I am working on a new version that is more plug and play and cheaper to manufacture. Meanwhile, we are building a HERMS and making a lot of custom stainless steel parts. I hope the investment pays off. I want to revolutionize home brewing. I cannot do it by myself, so that's why I made this open source. This thread helps spread the word, and just getting the software in peoples hands is a win. They might contribute in the future.
Feedback is always welcome by the way. I would rather see the people in this thread work with us towards a better system, than think they should keep the cheap BrewPi a secret. We just chose to build it in a way that we can support. So this is me reaching out to you guys: please try to help improve the project and the docs, instead of the starting post of this thread. It will help more people in the end.
Stay tuned, and happy brewing.
And if you didn't see it yet, check the
HERMS plans.
Cheers,
Elco
(Founder of BrewPi)