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I just ran a batch in my basement with minimal condensation issues. Relative humidity when I started was 25%, but was 35% when I finished. I had some condensation but not enough to drip back into my boil. I brew in front of a window, but I didn't need to open it this time. In the summer I...

Not sure yet. I used the Northern Brewer all-grain kit. I didn't hit the target OG and I ended up with a little too much wort into the fermenter (nearly 6 gallons instead of 5 1/4). We'll see how much is lost to trub. This is my first time with the system, so I could have easily...

Started my first brew this evening on my newly completed eBIAB setup (see build thread here). Went with a Simcoe SMASH ale for simplicity and because I want to learn about the characteristics of individual hops. I used BIAB Calculator to determine total water volume and strike temperature...

Starting my first brew today -- a SMASH ale using Simcoe hops. Used BIAB Calculator to determine total water volume and strike temperature. Just guessed as to boil off rate of 1.25 gallons/hour. I'll try to take SG readings pre-and post-boil and take note of volumes to begin to get a handle...

Would this power supply work for this Topsflo pump? Eventually, I assume it would be possible to build a PWM controller, like this, into a project box to control the speed of the pump. But I also assume that the pump could be used without a speed controller, correct? FYI, I'd be using...

DeadHead - check out my build thread here for PJ's diagram and my experiences building a single element 240V setup for 5 gallon brews. The diagram is pretty straightforward. - Woodbrews

After a few missteps, I started the auto-tuning process this afternoon. I’m tuning around a mash temperature of 155 degrees with the lid on, since that’s is how I’ll be mashing. If I end up getting a pump and re-circulating, I likely will need to run auto-tuning again. I’m using 7.5 gallons...

I did finally get it to work. I went back through every setting and either set it to default or to Kal’s recommended settings. I also let the temperature drop nearly 20 degrees below the set point before starting the auto-tune. Of all the things I did, I suspect that’s the one...

I did finally get it to work. I went back through every setting and either set it to default or to Kal’s recommended settings. I also let the temperature drop nearly 20 degrees below the set point before starting the auto-tune. Of all the things I did, I suspect that’s the one that made the...

I finally got it to work, by going back through every setting carefully and following Kal's description step by step. I should be ready to brew by this weekend! Sent from my iPad using Home Brew

I gave that a try, but no luck. I do not seem to be able to get the PID to work in anything other than manual mode. What is the proper setting for AM?

I started the auto-tune process with my water at 145 degrees, with a set temperature of 155. After setting the At parameter to 2 to start auto-tuning, the lower display alternates between At and 155, but the element never comes on and the temperature simply keeps dropping. As I read Kal's...

I've encountered some rust on the element fact after my first wet test (admittedly, the water was in there overnight). I've read that a layer of food-grade silicone over the element face will prevent rust; I've also read about folks using a sacrificial anode. What is the latest thinking? Can...

Thanks, and probably true about being waterproof. I'm really looking for splashproof, not waterproof.

I'd like to place the temp probe of my STC-1000 into a stainless steel thermowell. I purchased a stainless steel sleeve thermowell from Brewhardware and the probe fits nicely inside of it. I plan to shrink wrap the wire in place at the top to make a water tight seal. My question is this...

Major milestone this week -- elements are on and heating water! After checking all the wiring against the schematic, and then again with a continuity tester, we fired up the box. The first time we did it the e-stop was on, so it immediately tripped the GFCI, exactly as it is designed to do...

That is awesome. I'm also space-limited, so this is appealing. I love how you've combined the pump and plate chiller within a portable stand. I've already built my control box, but I can see making something like this for the pump and chiller. I take you fabricated the steel box yourself...

Thanks for the tip -- that is some very useful information. I'll give them a call and see if they can switch them out. Do you have a suggestion for a third hop variety? I'm focused on brewing mostly IPA's (and variations thereof) at this point, given that my wife and brewing partner is a...

Made some progress this weekend but, alas, no pictures. Completed wiring the box, including installing two cable glands for the power cord and element cord. Also soldered together the two resistors and covered them with shrink wrap and zip tied the wires out of the way so that the door closes...

Reviving this thread now that spring is just around the corner! We're planning to grow hops for the first time in our community garden plot in Arlington. I just ordered 2 plants each of Cascade, Centennial, and Magnum from GreatLakesHops. I think 6 plants is the most we can do given the space...