3 Vessel eHERMS System with Stilldragon Controller, Possible/Practical???

[thomasjr16]

I've been going back and fourth on the type of controller I want to use for my kettles that have been sitting in the basement for 5 months now. I know I should have pulled the trigger months ago and completed my switch from propane to electric, but this forum is packed with enough info and options that I am constantly discovering another option/add-on/idea.

I was settled (up until this morning) on buying the components to build a single PID based controller that would switch between the HLT and BK during the brew session. I then discovered the Stilldragon controller (linked below) and have spent the last hour or two reading as much as I could on this forum about member's opinions.

http://stilldragon.com/index.php/accessories/controller-parts/diy-controller-kit.html

My question is... Do you think that the Stilldragon controller would be possible/practical to use during the brew session to control my HLT temp in my 3 vessel HERMS set-up during the mash?

From my understanding, I would heating the water up to strike temp, transfer to the MT, bring my HLT water back to mash temp and then monitor my temperature on the HLT using the thermometer on the kettle. The PID controller would be easier as I can set my temp and let the PID do the work for me, while the controller with the potentiometer option mean that I would have to manually turn the element on and off to maintain temp. Is this possible, I assume so, but practical, I'm not sure. I don't how long my HLT (uninsulated for now) will hold temp with 13 gals of hot water in it before having to turn the controller knob back on then off again. The PID controller will allow me to walk away during the mash, but at a 10th of the cost, the Stilldragon controller has made me wonder...

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Brumateur]

Sure you can use that kit to control mashing temperature - you even don't need to turn it on/off - just adjust a power level to keep desired temperature . But as you said you will need to be present near to constantly monitor temperature and an adjustment if needed.
You can buy an inexpensive PID and build a very simple controller - PID + thermoprobe + SSR with heatsink. And it will do job for you

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dual-PID-Te...-SNR-Solid-state-relay-SSR-25-DA/110880595387

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TD4-SNR-Dua...oller-SSR-Output-Manual-Auto-US-/231206166999
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-to-AC-So...-90-480VAC-w-Aluminum-Heat-Sink-/321057004160

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RTD-PT100-T...-Cable-and-Detachable-Connector-/251719706583

 

[Bobby_M]

You're talking about a few dollars here. A PID based controller will not cost you $300. Not only will the PID let you walk away during the mash, you can also get distracted during heating to your strike water and it won't overshoot to boiling. Even when you're heating to boil, you can set the controller to 209F and also set the alarm for the same temp. That way you can be there for the first hot break without a dreaded boil over.

 

[thomasjr16]

Great points... My original plan to build a simple PID controller makes the most sense so the parts are ordered and I can finally put the propane tank under he grill for good. Thanks!