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  1. GParkins

    My mostly automated brucontrol setup

    F**k yeah! Well done! No more need for a BT hack! Any chance of a quick sketch of a schematic for the jumper and pinouts?
  2. GParkins

    240 wiring question

    In your situation, with the #4AWG cable installed, I would install a 60A breaker (w/ GFCI). In addition to being able to run two batches through the system efficiently, you have the added benefit of having plenty of auxiliary power for pumps, fans, lights, etc.
  3. GParkins

    contactor coil voltage

    I'd be willing to bet the DIY kits aren't supplying 2-pole SSRs. You might consider running L2 directly from the contactor to the element, and running L1 from the contactor to one of the switched terminals on the SSR, and then from the other switched terminal to the element. Amazon has SSRs...
  4. GParkins

    1500w HLT, Brew panel on 15A circuit?

    You have 1800w available. You are using 1500W plus roughly 0.5A for the pumps (yes, it's closer to 0.3A, but the 12VDC power supply won't be 100% efficient. I rounded.) The only thing I might do is bump up to 12AWG, but you should be good to go. Make sure you use GFCI protection and have...
  5. GParkins

    Frodus's 10-gal electric HERMS with HMI/SCADA

    Looks like you're on a build timeline similar to mine. I'm trying to take my time and get it right the first time, but the closer I get, the stronger the temptation to start slapping things together "temporarily." Must. Resist.
  6. GParkins

    Electric/Automated Brewery Dilemma

    In a low-current application such as for a Chugger pump, use of an SSR looks to be guided by the frequency the circuit is tuned on/off. If you are attempting to reduce product flow by applying a Duty Cycle-type control on the pump, there would be thousands of cycles during a 60-minute continuous...
  7. GParkins

    Electric/Automated Brewery Dilemma

    You might be able to get away with a smaller element for a RIMS tube (@BrunDog will know exactly), but for the BK in a 10-gallon batch, 5500W is an acceptable size. Might take a while to get the boil rolling, but it will maintain a boil just fine. I wouldn't recommend anything smaller. I'm...
  8. GParkins

    Electric/Automated Brewery Dilemma

    I think the "multiples in an array" in the @BrunDog examples are low-current dry contact relays, while the "single SSR" is for high-speed, high-volume switching of a higher current load. Typically, SSRs are used for heating elements, and are mounted on aluminum heat sinks, as they generate a...
  9. GParkins

    Electric/Automated Brewery Dilemma

    @mirthfuldragon and @shayes2791, I was recently at the same point on the BruControl learning curve that you seem to be right now. I'm just now putting the finishing touches on my system, and so far, everything seems as anticipated. My background is a little more electrical in nature, so I...
  10. GParkins

    Electric/Automated Brewery Dilemma

    I started by planning a Kal clone. It wasn't too long before I went with option 1. I'm almost done building it, and I haven't been looking over the fence and seeing greener grass. In other words, I'm happy I made the choice I did.
  11. GParkins

    New BruControl Build

    Haha! The greenery did not convey.
  12. GParkins

    New BruControl Build

    Quick update: The big hole in the enclosure has been cut, and the heatsink and SSRs are mounted. I'm still waiting on the Deutsch connectors to arrive sometime next week. Just to keep me humble, the beer gods broke a tap in the last hole. Rrrrr. I also received my order of glycol, so I fired...
  13. GParkins

    BruControl: Brewery control & automation software

    I used This propylene glycol at about a 50/50 mix.
  14. GParkins

    BruControl: Brewery control & automation software

    Here is a link to the el cheapo pump I bought two of. For an extra $4, I added on a 4-year extended warranty.
  15. GParkins

    BruControl: Brewery control & automation software

    I've got an old countertop soda dispenser that was donated. It uses a 1/2 HP compressor to chill a 10-gallon reservoir. I've filled the reservoir with a glycol solution, but instead of one pump into a manifold for distributing chilled glycol, I bought a couple of submersible pumps that I just...
  16. GParkins

    New BruControl Build

    @BigDog007 I concur with @BrunDog above. My schematics got a whole lot simpler when I switched from a straight Kal clone to a BruControl system. The complexity I added has more to do with adding 7 electrically-operated valves and PT100 temp sensors (vice 2-wire) than it does with controlling...
  17. GParkins

    New BruControl Build

    Another update from the weekend...Kept chugging along on wiring the panel. This is a phase of the build that I'm refusing to rush through. I really don't want to see a couple hundred bucks disappear in a flash of light and a puff of smoke when I flip the switch. I got the control side of the...
  18. GParkins

    New BruControl Build

    @TexasWine , it's plodding along like a herd of turtles, but I made some progress today (finally). Washed out the kettles with TSP to get any residual oil and metal shavings from cutting holes. Assembled everything and put 20 gallons in each kettle to check for leaks. I'm stunned to report...
  19. GParkins

    Using a 3-wire Dryer Outlet?

    Dunno about breweries, but I've been on some that had 400A, 600VAC 3-phase buses. Kinda makes you careful about where you stick your screwdriver.
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