Recent content by BeagleBrewing

A quick glance at Brucontrol sounds like a reasonable "middle ground" between roll your own programming and buying purpose build commercial devices. I had not heard of Brucontrol so thanks for the suggestion. I'm always interested in other approaches. As a retired process control engineer I...

For PID I use an Arduino Mega (~$15) and a couple $5 SSRs. Add a $7 display, a $2 rotary encoder and you have something that will run multiple simultaneous PIDs for much less $. There is a catch of course. You have to develop your own software as I am unaware of any canned software for this...

Why not? I can always use another fermenter, especially one this nice!

If you decide to use a single PID controller for two different applications (inputs) be prepared to change the tuning constants each time you change inputs. Having multiple inputs each with a dedicated PID controller all connected to the same output (element) through some sort of switch is...

Not a great idea to switch the input to a PID controller between two different applications. It is unlikely a single set of PID tuning constants will be ideal for both applications. That said, I have a PID (via an Arduino Mega) on my BK and never use it the auto mode. Using the Arduino I do...

Bear with me as I give a little background before my question... My first brew with my new HERMS setup did not go as well as I had hoped. I chose to control the temperature at the exit of the HLT HERMS coil (Mash.pv in the diagram). I also have a temperature probe in the bottom of my mash...

The choice of material for a control box is only a one part of the total design. Wiring methods, circuit protection, equipment layout, SSR cycle time, etc. among many others all have an impact on the end result. I chose wood for my enclosure because I have the tools to build any size box I...