All grain semi-automated build questions

Well this year is the year that I will build my home brewery! I'm starting to put together the plans for how I will construct my brewery and would love any help I can get.

So I think I've wrapped my mind around what sort of brewery I'll put together; now I just have to figure out the how. First off, I know I'm being unique here, but I'm trying to keep it on a low budget!

I'm planning a herms system, using chugger pumps and making my own kettles. I have found some 60qt stainless kettles for just over $100 each shipped to me. I'd like to add an element to the hlt and use some sort of a control to monitor the temperature there for me.

I really like the price of the STC-1000, but am I right in thinking that it will not support enough amperage to work a 4500-5500 watt heating element? Is there anything similarly priced that can do this? I just want something where I can set the temp that I want it at and have it hold it there for me. My plan is to then have another controller that will turn on the pump and recirculate the mash through the herms coil as needed. Again, can I use a STC-1000 here or am I asking too much from those controllers?

Thanks for any info; I am fairly competent in the DIY area, though not so much with electronics. I own a cabinet shop for my day job so I obviously enjoy working with my hands; the base for my brewery will be pretty nice I assure you!

Sam

 

Check out the electric brewing forum. A lot of the information you are requesting is there.

There is also on automation forum. Check that out too.

 

I've spent more hours on both of those than I'd like to admit, but haven't seen whether there is just a cheap plug and play temp sensor/switch that would work for what I want to do. It seems like most are building elaborate control panels to fully automate. While I like the idea of a control panel and just pushing buttons to do everything, I also don't want to spend the hundreds (even thousands) to do so. Am I oversimplifying it?

 

Check this out. I just ordered it because I don't know electricity from my elbow. It is apparently such an easy build that a couple buddies from the club laughed at me when I said I was going to purchase it and not make it myself. You may be able to use an STC, I went with Ranco. I have yet to receive it though. If you search through the electric forum you can find the wiring diagram.