Anyone have any pictures of the Blichmann "Tower of Power"?

[Markd27]

Yup. I'll be building this system for 20% the cost of buying this and mine will do a whole lot more...

Thanks for proving my point

 

[brewtime]

Yup. I'll be building this system for 20% the cost of buying this and mine will do a whole lot more...

I seriously doubt that you can build some thing on par for 20% of the cost. I have no doubt that you can DIY it.

 

[eastoak]

i'll probably buy the mash tun module, i like that it will bolt right on to my top tier stand.

 

[bumstigedy]

I bet this thing sells like crazy and ends up backordered when released.

I would have to save up for a a while to be able to buy this. I you are limited on time, you coul buy this and spend the time brewing instead of building. It would take me a lot of time to figure out how to build this and to build it.

I don't have the time to build my own and I don't have the money to buy one, so I'll just continue to manually control mash temperature.

 

[mpcluever]

In some cases, there's definitely a cost associated for time spent on certain hobbies.

Very true, however, unless you have a job that will just pay and pay and let you work all night, you can't compare that against the cost of a hobby. It's not like you were going to MAKE money instead of spending it...

You claim it's "better" but I sense that to you, "better" really means cheaper.

To me, better means cheaper AND more functions. This is all manually set meaning you have to walk over and change the temperature each time. Google Arduino and see the projects out there where you can just program it to run a multi-step mash with timed intervals. Yes, to me, being able to start my mash and have it run through steps automatically is better than spending $600 AND having to walk over and set each temperature. Mine will also not set off a siren every time it lights the burner.

ok ok so 20% is a bit low. STILL, at $1100 for a stand and a very basic automation system, it's VERY expensive. I'm glad for the people on here mocking the DIY people that you have that much disposable income to go dropping cash on a sticker that says Blichmann...

Never discouraged anyone from buying this. Rant over. RDWHAHB

 

[eastoak]

To me, better means cheaper AND more functions. This is all manually set meaning you have to walk over and change the temperature each time. Google Arduino and see the projects out there where you can just program it to run a multi-step mash with timed intervals. Yes, to me, being able to start my mash and have it run through steps automatically is better than spending $600 AND having to walk over and set each temperature. Mine will also not set off a siren every time it lights the burner.

ok ok so 20% is a bit low. STILL, at $1100 for a stand and a very basic automation system, it's VERY expensive. I'm glad for the people on here mocking the DIY people that you have that much disposable income to go dropping cash on a sticker that says Blichmann...

Never discouraged anyone from buying this. Rant over. RDWHAHB

on their website they are giving away the software needed to automate the process. you are right about the mocking of DIY folks but i barely have time to brew with two little girls swarming around me wanting to help so i can't imagine trying to build something like this myself. my wife does not work so my days off are her time to take a break from the girls meaning i have to babysit and brew at the same time. i am a DIY type of person, rebuilding a 1975 CB750 from the ground up right now, another black hole for time.

 

[brewtime]

I'm glad for the people on here mocking the DIY people that you have that much disposable income to go dropping cash on a sticker that says Blichmann...

Never discouraged anyone from buying this. Rant over. RDWHAHB

Don't get me wrong I am a DIYer and and built my system. It is the Arrogant DIYers I have issue with that throw out how they are so much better and smarter than the rest of us.

 

[mpcluever]

Sorry again for my rant. I don't have kids yet so I have abundant time to build and brew. I've built almost everything in my brewery and it's not some slapped together, unreliable crap. Since this is really the first commercially available automation system, it's going to sell a sh#t ton, and rightfully so! AUTOMATION IS AWESOME!! I just wish there was other vendor options. The problem is the liability a company assumes by giving any idiot with a credit card the ability to run a flame unattended. Hence, the really loud beeping... I'm sure part of the inflated cost is for Blichmann's liability insurance to defend against all the frivolous lawsuits.

 

[brewtime]

I just got an email response from ASCO, the valve that is used retails for $88 and has a 50+ working day delivery estimate. Maybe that is why Blichmann has been slow to get this to market.

 

[Dillonks1]

Very true, however, unless you have a job that will just pay and pay and let you work all night, you can't compare that against the cost of a hobby. It's not like you were going to MAKE money instead of spending it...


To me, better means cheaper AND more functions. This is all manually set meaning you have to walk over and change the temperature each time. Google Arduino and see the projects out there where you can just program it to run a multi-step mash with timed intervals. Yes, to me, being able to start my mash and have it run through steps automatically is better than spending $600 AND having to walk over and set each temperature. Mine will also not set off a siren every time it lights the burner.

ok ok so 20% is a bit low. STILL, at $1100 for a stand and a very basic automation system, it's VERY expensive. I'm glad for the people on here mocking the DIY people that you have that much disposable income to go dropping cash on a sticker that says Blichmann...

Never discouraged anyone from buying this. Rant over. RDWHAHB

I used arduino for my senior design project, there are better boards and micro-controllers out there. I even planned on using arduino to make my own automaton system, with XBEE chip wireless communication so I could create my own RF remote to control the system wireless but I decided against the idea, some manual operation is exciting. Also, with arduino you have to get into learning arduinos open source language if you don't already, deciding on your power source, your leads, a circuit that is very complicated, and the enclosure you plan on using to fit all these pieces in to protect them from the elements of home brewing; its to complicated for most people. Again, like I said the man hours to accomplish a product like blichmann created is way more then I'd be willing to work on.

 

[Markd27]

New video posted showing the TOP-Link automation software that can be used to control the modules.

No manual setting of each interval needed, pre-configure your mash profiles and let it run.

 

[day_trippr]

Pretty cool. One thing I noticed, though, was when the system was switched from Fahrenheit to Centigrade, the profile settings didn't change. While I realize it's not a hugely practical consideration, it would have been nice if the software converted all those settings...

Cheers!

 

[bhaff]

Looks like prices are up on websites. I may try to built the tower and plumbing myself assuming I can find a good flow meter rated for such temps. I was thinking of having the plumbing running up the tower of the top tier once I relocate the gas line. What are your thoughts on DIY for the plumbing? Any issues I should consider while in the planning phase?

 

[andy777]

I'm interested, but that horn is a nuisance. Anyone have any idea how to turn it off?

If anyone can figure out what brand and model Pid he's using, I suppose you could unlock the settings and turn it off. The Pids on the unit have the blichmann name on them.

 

[mpcluever]

Ya having used it quite a few times now, it's really irritating. I rather doubt it's a function of the PID. The speaker is in the cord storage area so stuffing a rag in there muffles it.

 

[andy777]

Ya having used it quite a few times now, it's really irritating. I rather doubt it's a function of the PID. The speaker is in the cord storage area so stuffing a rag in there muffles it.

Good info.

 

[dcbc]

Sorry to resurrect this old thread, but I figured this might be a helpful bit of information. I bought a couple of tower of power controllers to use with my homemade (by a professional) Brutus-type stand. I used a CRT TV mount bolted to the stand. I screwed the Blichmann TOP controllers to the dual mounting plate and bolted the mounting plate to the CRT mount. The divot/cutout in the middle of the mount allowed me to screw the controllers to the plate and then screw the outside mounting holes to the holes I drilled in the CRT mount using the plate as a template. Works well, was cheap, and is easy to articulate.

 

[gjabball]

Have you found a way to stop the beeping? Is there a way to cut the speaker wire? Just curious. Thanks for the update. I am looking at getting the TOP in the next few months.

 

[dcbc]

I haven't looked into it yet. I have only done a wet test with it so far. I can see how it could be annoying, but I haven't become sufficiently annoyed with it to break it open yet.

 

[lhd7osc]

Sorry to resurrect this old thread, but I figured this might be a helpful bit of information.

Please don't be sorry. I'm glad you've added to this thread. On these boards there are waaayyyy to many triple and quad-dropple posts everywhere.

Anyway, great looking set-up. I'm noticing that you're not putting the temperature probes where you're thermometers are? Did you put them somewhere else in your pot?

Also, do you truly find a need to have TWO controllers. One for Mash I could see but is the second one necessary for the HLT?

 

[dcbc]

Thanks. The temperature probes are in the locations recommended by Blichmann. It is on a welded NPT fitting on the pot on the HLT. For the mashtun, it is on the pump output. I considered putting it right before the return port on the MLT, but was a little concerned about it getting cooked by the heat from the burners and also noticed that the pump output is where Blichmann suggests putting it. Because his controllers are designed to overshoot a bit, I think they may be designed for a slight bit of temp loss on the return.

As for two controllers, no, you don't need them. I probably didn't need either of them. But as for the HLT controller, I have a tendency to let my sparge water burner go too long when I'm doing other things during the mash. Since I was installing one, I figured it would be easier to just install two. Don't have to pull the drill out twice. It wasn't inexpensive, but I got a little bonus at work and went for it. For me, it was better to get it done all at once.

Here's a better picture with the wiring cleaned up.

 

[eastoak]

Thanks. The temperature probes are in the locations recommended by Blichmann. It is on a welded NPT fitting on the pot on the HLT. For the mashtun, it is on the pump output. I considered putting it right before the return port on the MLT, but was a little concerned about it getting cooked by the heat from the burners and also noticed that the pump output is where Blichmann suggests putting it. Because his controllers are designed to overshoot a bit, I think they may be designed for a slight bit of temp loss on the return.

As for two controllers, no, you don't need them. I probably didn't need either of them. But as for the HLT controller, I have a tendency to let my sparge water burner go too long when I'm doing other things during the mash. Since I was installing one, I figured it would be easier to just install two. Don't have to pull the drill out twice. It wasn't inexpensive, but I got a little bonus at work and went for it. For me, it was better to get it done all at once.

Here's a better picture with the wiring cleaned up.

nice, i'm buying a module for my mash tun tomorrow. are you using the optional cable connected to a PC? who did you buy from? i'm ordering from rebel brewer but can't find the cable on their website.

 

[dcbc]

I did not order the cable, but I might at some point. Was thinking about picking up a netbook to use for this and a few other things where the smaller size would come in handy. I bought mine from Williams Brewing. Check to see that the retailer has them in stock. Some of them are drop shipping them and there is an up to a 3 week delay in some cases. Williams had 3 in stock and let me pay with paypal. Billmelater through paypal has 6 months no interest.

 

[eastoak]

I did not order the cable, but I might at some point. Was thinking about picking up a netbook to use for this and a few other things where the smaller size would come in handy. I bought mine from Williams Brewing. Check to see that the retailer has them in stock. Some of them are drop shipping them and there is an up to a 3 week delay in some cases. Williams had 3 in stock and let me pay with paypal. Billmelater through paypal has 6 months no interest.

i can walk to williams brewing from my house but they do not have a retail store so i would have to pay for tax and shipping so i usually order from out of state.

 

[gjabball]

I did not order the cable, but I might at some point. Was thinking about picking up a netbook to use for this and a few other things where the smaller size would come in handy. I bought mine from Williams Brewing. Check to see that the retailer has them in stock. Some of them are drop shipping them and there is an up to a 3 week delay in some cases. Williams had 3 in stock and let me pay with paypal. Billmelater through paypal has 6 months no interest.

Make sure your netbook has a screen resolution of 1280 x 800 or greater. I am looking at buying the TOP and installed the free software on my netbook last week. You can't view all of the boxes for the software with lower resolution. Just figured I would throw that out there.

 

[dcbc]

Thanks for the tip. I'll put that on my list of requirements.

 

[eastoak]

Thanks. The temperature probes are in the locations recommended by Blichmann. It is on a welded NPT fitting on the pot on the HLT. For the mashtun, it is on the pump output. I considered putting it right before the return port on the MLT, but was a little concerned about it getting cooked by the heat from the burners and also noticed that the pump output is where Blichmann suggests putting it. Because his controllers are designed to overshoot a bit, I think they may be designed for a slight bit of temp loss on the return.

As for two controllers, no, you don't need them. I probably didn't need either of them. But as for the HLT controller, I have a tendency to let my sparge water burner go too long when I'm doing other things during the mash. Since I was installing one, I figured it would be easier to just install two. Don't have to pull the drill out twice. It wasn't inexpensive, but I got a little bonus at work and went for it. For me, it was better to get it done all at once.

Here's a better picture with the wiring cleaned up.

so i take it you didn't get the valves and flowmeter that are on the tower of power tower for an extra $580 bucks?

 

[dcbc]

Correct. My pump is already mounted to my stand, I already had a flow control and pruning/sampling port valve, and, at $35, the CRT TV mount was les expensive and takes up less room. For the price of the tower, the second, questionably necessary controller seemed like the better choice. Only hardware I had to buy (other than the mount) was a stainless tee to plumb the mash temperature sensor into the mash pique recirculation loop.

 

[eastoak]

Correct. My pump is already mounted to my stand, I already had a flow control and pruning/sampling port valve, and, at $35, the CRT TV mount was les expensive and takes up less room. For the price of the tower, the second, questionably necessary controller seemed like the better choice. Only hardware I had to buy (other than the mount) was a stainless tee to plumb the mash temperature sensor into the mash pique recirculation loop.

cool, i just ordered one module and the communication cable this morning from rebel brewer. i'm not sure why they want $549 for the tower of power tower since it's just a flowmeter and a couple of valves.

 

[dcbc]

Yeah, I considered it for a split second, but couldn't get comfortable with the price. I already have a pump mount, tubing with QDs, and valves to throttle pump flow, prime, and sample. What I needed was a good way to mount the controllers. Storage wise, something bolted to my stand makes more sense any way. Good luck with your TOP. I'm doing my first brew with mine this Friday.