Search results

Homebrew Talk - Beer, Wine, Mead, & Cider Brewing Discussion Forum

Help Support Homebrew Talk - Beer, Wine, Mead, & Cider Brewing Discussion Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
  1. dmcman73

    iSpindle - DIY Electronic Hydrometer

    I stopped using Ubidots, I didn't like the fact that I had to refill credits or even using a cloud service, I setup fermentrack on a RPi and it works fantastic. I also like the fact that I can program the fermentrack to control a temp controller (I don't have it configured yet) to either raise...
  2. dmcman73

    iSpindle - DIY Electronic Hydrometer

    Check your circuit and connections. It looks like it can't find your temp sensor thus causing the system to crash. You shouldn't see the error "ERROR: OW DISCONNECTED". Do you have the thermo sensor installed properly? And, you really can't try configuring the boards until you've made all...
  3. dmcman73

    iSpindle - DIY Electronic Hydrometer

    If you can't set can't set your SSID and password, you may have a problem with the file system on the WEMOS. Connect the WEMOS USB port to your PC and connect to it using Putty (follow the instructions here that I wrote up to on how...
  4. dmcman73

    iSpindle - DIY Electronic Hydrometer

    I figured it out. Not sure how the other boards are programmed, but, if you get the same Wemos D1 mini Lite version 1.0.0 board, here are the configurations you need to set to get it programmed: Baudrate: 115200 Flash size: 1MByte Flash speed: 40MHz SPI Mode: DOUT <-- Make sure to change...
  5. dmcman73

    iSpindle - DIY Electronic Hydrometer

    I'm having the same issue even after following this process. I am using a Wemos D1 mini Lite Version 1.0.0.0 with the diode between the RST and D0 pins like this: RST --->|--- D0 After I cleared the flash as per these instructions and then flash the Wemos with the latest BIN file, I still...
  6. dmcman73

    Help me decide between Spike CF10 and SSBrewtech Unitank

    Not an issue, if you're fermenting a 5 gallon batch, krausen never reaches the seal so a quick wash with a soft sponge. With 10 gallon batches, chances are Krausen will hit the lid, BUT, you want to pop that lid open after a CIP just to give it a once over. I leave the lid on throughout...
  7. dmcman73

    Help me decide between Spike CF10 and SSBrewtech Unitank

    I was concerned about the ring band, but, during my beta testing of the pre-production unit, I came to conclusion that I don't have to remove the band since the 4 inch TC at the top is perfectly fine for additions without disturbing the ring clamp. Also, with the CIP, I can still clean the Spike...
  8. dmcman73

    iSpindle - DIY Electronic Hydrometer

    I don't know what the schematics of that board are, but, the RST is the last pin to the right of that picture and the D0 is the third pin in from the right. If the traces from the diode correspond to the pins, then, yes, your diode looks to be in backwards.
  9. dmcman73

    iSpindle - DIY Electronic Hydrometer

    Diodes only allow current to flow one way, current flows from Anode to Cathode (the cathode is the side with the band on the cylinder). The cathode of the diode (band side) should be in D0 of the wemo, the anode side (without the band) should be in the RST of the wemo.
  10. dmcman73

    New Conical Selection, Ferment in Hot Garage - Is Jacketed Necessary?

    I have the Spike CF10 with the cooling coils and neoprene jacket and I am using a "hacked" aquarium chiller that chills a cooler fool of water. The area my conical is reaches 85 - 90 degrees at a time and I've been able to keep my temps within +/-1 degree (my controller kicks in when it senses a...
  11. dmcman73

    Unitank/ CIP cleaning issue

    As czmkid states, you still need to take the valves off and I would CIP clean without the coil inserted, it’s just blocking the stream of water from the ball from efficiently hitting the conical walls. What I do with my Spike CF10: 1. Do a one pass clean with everything assembled to knock most...
  12. dmcman73

    Help me decide between Spike CF10 and SSBrewtech Unitank

    This is what I received from SSBrew when I inquired about batch sizes in the Unitanks: “Thanks for reaching out. You can absolutely ferment whatever partial volume you want in the unitanks, but you are right about the restricted chilling capabilities. Our Unitanks can be used to ferment a...
  13. dmcman73

    iSpindle - DIY Electronic Hydrometer

    Just wanted to follow up that I received those jumbo “toy” test tubes I linked to a few posts back. They are 152.55mm in length without the cap, 154.12mm with the cap and the inner diameter of the tube is 35.45mm. The outer diameter is 38.48mm where the cap itself is 45.92mm od. I still haven’t...
  14. dmcman73

    iSpindle - DIY Electronic Hydrometer

    I won't have all the parts in (nor will I have the sled ready) when it comes in, I can take measurements of the tubes and post them here. My initial plan will be to measure the tubes and compare the dimensions to the sled CAD before I 3D print it. Then, filling the tube with paper towels along...
  15. dmcman73

    iSpindle - DIY Electronic Hydrometer

    I just ordered all the parts to start this build. For the tubes, I was about to order the tubes in the link provided in this thread on eBay until I noticed these tubes on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JASJWA6/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20 I just ordered them, hopefully have them in a few...
  16. dmcman73

    Help me decide between Spike CF10 and SSBrewtech Unitank

    I’m one of the earlier testers of the Spike CF10. I also own two Chronicals (7 and 14) that I use all the time and love (minus the weldless fittings) The Spike unit (even though it was a test unit) functioned flawlessly. Two comments I will make on the Spike one: 1. The lid has its pros and...
  17. dmcman73

    For those that are on the fence buying the new Spike Conical

    But when you have smaller batches, less coil and surface area comes into contact with the wort especially since there is such a large gap between each oil. In large batches, it becomes irrelevant as there is probably enough surface area in the length of the coil to match as your stating. I...
  18. dmcman73

    For those that are on the fence buying the new Spike Conical

    I agree, but, I'm not too crazy about the SS cooling coil. There are very large gaps in the coil which means a lot less surface area contact with the wort if you decide to brew a smaller batch. The Spike ones have more coils and a lot more surface area regardless of what size batch you make...
  19. dmcman73

    For those that are on the fence buying the new Spike Conical

    There are small gaps between the fitting, gasket and wall on the weldless. If you don't have beer in it at all times, and your fermenter sits a bit, you have to take it apart to clean and sanitize it properly before use. Not a huge downside, but adds time to the brewday / clean up.
  20. dmcman73

    For those that are on the fence buying the new Spike Conical

    A little background: I own two Spike kettles and two SS Brewtech Chronicals (a 7 gallon and a 14 gallon) which I've been pretty happy with....I say pretty happy and you'll see why below. Sometime ago, the guys over at Spike contacted me to see if i was interested in beta testing their new...
Back
Top