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Just received the False Bottom from Jaybird. Should be installed tomorrow. Nice work!!

The HLT is plumbed with the HERMES coil. The coil is 14" diameter 5/8" copper tubing. I made three straps by hammering a 1/4" tube flat, and soldered them onto the coil. This made the coil quite rigid. I installed a diptube for the drain. Then I installed the coil with flared couplers...

I ordered the mash tun false bottom from JayBird. I cannot wait for it to arrive. NorCal Brewing Solutions can make about anything you need for a false bottom in the Mash Tun. Here is a pic of the design:

The HLT / HERMES plumbing is started. Things are getting crowded.

Yesterday, I attempted to TIG weld a 1/2" coupler to a piece of stainless steel. It was ugly. I actually melted the coupler trying fill a hole in the steel. Then I found the thread on HBT about soldering stainless. So I tried it. It works great. Here is my quick tutorial in pics. Drill hole...

Getting closer to brew day! Redesign the mounts for the pumps. And installed a GFI plug box. This is where the power cord plugs in to the stand. Also routed the gas valve wires. And finished the fresh water supply.

Today was Thermister Day. I finally installed the connectors and thermal protection. I had an open circuit in the panel connector. Luckily all I had to do was remove 4 screws from the panel and resolved a wire. Here are the thermisters. They are ready to be installed into the thermowells...

Finally tested the control panel today. Then I promptly removed it from the brewstand to find all of the problems. When main power was turned on, two of my 24VAC Gas valves opened (click) The switches were off. After searching the circuit, I found continuity through J2 PINS 11 & 13 (NC) on...

Hey Bart, I'd like to show my brother how your system works. Not sure if I can make it in the morning. How did the Black IPA come out? Your brew house is awesome. Thank you for your help.

I like your brewery, and I appreciate your input, and advice. Without the help of HBT, I would be flying solo. Thank you.

I wired the gas valves to the NC (11 & 13). After I get the system tuned and figure out how to use it to brew beer, I might automate the pumps during the chilling process. Thanks for the input HoppyGuy.

I plan on splitting the coil in half. One coil for the HLT and one for the boiler. The two kettles will be mirrors of each other. I will be able to pump boiled wort from boiler through the coil in the HLT and Ice Water from the HLT through the coil in the boiler. (DITCHES) I am going to try and...

Working on the kettles today. I formed 50' of 5/8" copper tubing to a 12" diameter using a forklift propane tank as a form.

Thermowells for RTD thermocouples.

Thanks John! I have not fired the burners yet. Instill need to finish wiring the control panel ( specifically the PIDs)

Made a little progress this week. Installed most of the inboard water filtration plumbing.

I am starting plumb the vessels. I am considering making a HEX coil for the HLT and the Boiler. (DITCHES) Trying to decide on the fittings, and such is overwhelming. I also need to finish wiring the control panel. I have yet to decide on what to automate. PID # 1 will control the burner...

Then the 24 volt BUS BAR Pump #2 has a plug on the bottom RH side as well. I haven't determined how to wire the Auber PID's yet. I have 3 on the panel. PID #1 will control the HLT gas valve. PID #2 will control the ?????????? ( not sure) I want it to control one of the pumps...

Looking at the bottom LH side of the panel, I installed the power plug, and the Pump #1 plug. Next to that are the QDs for the gas control valves, and the "add water" solenoid valve. Here is the back side of the plugs. Then you see the 24 VAC transformer Then the 120 VAC BUS...