Recent content by whitehotdawn

GFCI can not share the loads for which they are monitoring. They compare the exiting and returning current to make they are equal (and trip if the currents do not match). These devices will not properly work and potentially save your life if they are installed incorrectly. The grounds can be...

The National Electrical Code (NEC) defines a continuous load as one that continues for three hours or longer. Most homebrewing applications will not require one to run a heating element continuously for three hours. Restricting yourself to the 80% rule will not inherently make your system safer...

I have a number of carboys filled with 2-3 gallons in primary fermentation (I split up my wort to try different yeast). I have two converted freezers (with love controllers) for fermentation and clearing. I would like to rack for secondary fermentation, but I am concerned about exposure to...

Nope, that's just the plastic cover the snaps on. Just cut the proper hole in the collar material and slide it in. When I installed mine in freezer doors, I cut a hole that was slightly smaller and then ground the steel down until the controller fit perfectly. To start, it is better to make a...

Airport security is not that good. But suspicions would probably be raised by transporting a large cylindrical container... Why don't you just put some of your beer in bottles, perhaps 22oz or 750mL bottles. As others have said, it's hardly a problem to travel with bottles in ones suitcase, I...

All Cole-Parmer products are on sale until the end of the month (10/31). You get 15% off when you enter the promotion code, see the details here. This reduces the price of the Love Controller to 41.65. I'm disappointed that they don't sell the two-state controllers and that I already bought...

I plan on using the DS18S20 digital temperature sensors and may use a one wire controller to conserve digital pins. When you say your controller has "6 outputs for relay control, 4 inputs" does this include the 4 analog inputs? If so, how did you decide upon that number of digital pins? I'm...

I'm curious. What kind of controller are you using? Is a computer interface required (like the LabJack that John Beere is using on his system)? I just recieved my order of solid state relays from sure electronics. They operate an ebay store. If you message them for orders, you can get reduced...

The first thing you need to ask yourself is what application you are going to use this for. If you are going to use it to ferment you need to be sure that the environment it is in (e.g. garage) will not get too cold. You can not regulate a 60-70F fermentation if freezer is in the garage where it...

Thanks for the overview. I think a floating control actuator would work for the steam application. I think the Belimo you have is only rated to 212F. I've been looking at a few pressure sensors. There is a reasonably priced Kulite HK-120G-375 20psi sensor (they are rated for high...

What do you mean by control system capabilities? Also, could you please explain how a floating control actuator works?

Well I won this solenoid, it is rated to 200psi but only 180F. I was planning on using this along with a float switch to help fill up the HLT. I think I might get the High Temp Electric Solenoid Valve (McMaster-Carr: 4807t21). This is the one that Brewman referred to in his thread on steam...

I've been trying to find a solenoid valve to use to control the steam from my boiler to my MT. Do you think this valve would work? Also, I've been trying to find a pressure sensor to regulate the boiler, but have been really unsuccessful on ebay. Maybe something like this? Any other sources...

How do you control the flow of steam in your inline system (do you use a solenoid valve)? To control the temperature of the wort are you adjusting the wort's flow rate as well. More to the point, what variables are being adjusted to reach the desired temperature of the wort? Did you purchase...