BCS-460 Beta Test
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caskconditioned
Well-Known Member
I recirculate continuously to maintain temps. I use a converted sanke keg as a MT so it tends to loose heat much faster than say, a gott cooler. The HERMS really works well in maintaining the temps as well as doing small temp adjustments. For example: I try to mash-in a few degrees below my target temp. I then set the PID to the target temp, turn the pump on etc. The mash reaches the target temp in 3-4 min. and then the constant recirculation/HERMS keeps it there until I am ready to sparge (I don't do a mash-out). Oh, I should mention that I currently don't use the BCS-460 (I have a PID) but I am planning on "upgrading" my system this summer and incorporating the BCS. Hope that helps.
In the process of converting 3 sanke kegs to brewing vessels, the automation provided by the BCS-460 is exactly what I've been looking for - very nice work.
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Hey guys I'm looking to purchase a OS for my Brutus 10 build and I'm leaning towards the BCS but was wanting your opinions on what you use or prefer. Also why would I buy the BCS-462 over the BCS-460? Is there that big of a difference? Thanks for the help!
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microbusbrewery
Senior Member
The primary differences between the 460 and 462 are the number of inputs/outputs.
The BCS-462 interactive temperature controller:
8 temperature inputs
8 discrete inputs
18 discrete outputs (6 PWM)
BCS-460 interactive temperature controller:
4 temperature inputs
4 discrete inputs
6 discrete outputs (6 PWM)
I have the BCS-460. I got mine shortly after it was released, so the 462 wasn't available yet. I use mine primarily for the mash on my eHERMS. I'm using two of the four temp inputs (one for HEX and one for HLT) and three outputs to control three solid state relays (HEX, HLT, and pump). It's the only controller I've ever used so I can't really comment on other controllers (e.g. Ranco, Brew Troller, etc.) but I love it. Ranco temp controllers seem to work great but they don't allow quite as much automation as a BCS system. Brew Troller is pretty sweet and even more flexible than the BCS from what I've seen but you also have to be pretty comfortable with electronics in order to set them up. If you haven't already done so, think about everything you want to control on your brew rig. You can also use it for controlling a kegerator and/or fermentation chamber, so keep those in mind too. Total up the number of temp inputs you need and that should help you decide between the 460 and 462.
The BCS-462 interactive temperature controller:
8 temperature inputs
8 discrete inputs
18 discrete outputs (6 PWM)
BCS-460 interactive temperature controller:
4 temperature inputs
4 discrete inputs
6 discrete outputs (6 PWM)
I have the BCS-460. I got mine shortly after it was released, so the 462 wasn't available yet. I use mine primarily for the mash on my eHERMS. I'm using two of the four temp inputs (one for HEX and one for HLT) and three outputs to control three solid state relays (HEX, HLT, and pump). It's the only controller I've ever used so I can't really comment on other controllers (e.g. Ranco, Brew Troller, etc.) but I love it. Ranco temp controllers seem to work great but they don't allow quite as much automation as a BCS system. Brew Troller is pretty sweet and even more flexible than the BCS from what I've seen but you also have to be pretty comfortable with electronics in order to set them up. If you haven't already done so, think about everything you want to control on your brew rig. You can also use it for controlling a kegerator and/or fermentation chamber, so keep those in mind too. Total up the number of temp inputs you need and that should help you decide between the 460 and 462.
lotwookie -
I'm building my control box around a 460, since I think I'll only need 4 temperature inputs (1 HLT, 1 KT, 1 HERMS, 1 fermenting chamber). If you think you'll need more temp monitoring go with the 462.
Another option to consider is that you can add an additional 12 discrete outputs and 4 discrete inputs by adding a digi16 for $34. Nice expandability. I think you can even piggy back these to get upwards of 36 additional outputs and 12 additional inputs. These are great if you find yourself wanting to fully automate your system beyond simple pumps and temps.
PLOVE
I'm building my control box around a 460, since I think I'll only need 4 temperature inputs (1 HLT, 1 KT, 1 HERMS, 1 fermenting chamber). If you think you'll need more temp monitoring go with the 462.
Another option to consider is that you can add an additional 12 discrete outputs and 4 discrete inputs by adding a digi16 for $34. Nice expandability. I think you can even piggy back these to get upwards of 36 additional outputs and 12 additional inputs. These are great if you find yourself wanting to fully automate your system beyond simple pumps and temps.
PLOVE
Post snatch alert!
For those of you with a 460, how did you mount the 10 pin connectors to your control boxes. The 462 pin connectors seem to have wings with screw holes, the 460 does not. I'd like to be able to "plug" the BCS in when I need, and remove it when I don't. This neccessitates mounting the pin connectors . . .
thanks,
PLOVE
For those of you with a 460, how did you mount the 10 pin connectors to your control boxes. The 462 pin connectors seem to have wings with screw holes, the 460 does not. I'd like to be able to "plug" the BCS in when I need, and remove it when I don't. This neccessitates mounting the pin connectors . . .
thanks,
PLOVE
microbusbrewery
Senior Member
Just to clarify, the digi16 does not add any additional temperature inputs. If you need more than four you will need to buy the 462.
My 460 is mounted remotely in the basement. I ran some cat6 from the garage (where I brew) to the basement. I used some industrial strength velcro to mount the 460 itself, but I didn't mount the green connector to anything. You might be able to rig something up using something similar. I rarely unplug mine.
These things are just awesome. I can't wait until I build a bigger setup. I am just needing a bit of automation right now with my current setup, otherwise I would be all over this.
