BCS 460 complete builds

[grathan]

There isn't any specs on the page you posted for the switches. I would think all switches would have an amperage rating.

You should test the 20a breaker in your kitchen to see what else is plugged into it. The fridge for example would certainly trip the breaker if you use a single power supply. chances are if your using 2 power supplies, they might just be tied together anyways which would defeat the purpose.

Doing three way switch so can have the pump on manual or bcs mode.
I have the hot line for the element ssr wired into the pump switch so that the element can only get power when the pump is in manual mode.

I don't understand the logic there. Wouldn't you just have auto/manual options for both pump/element. Like say BCS isn't working, just flip to manual for the day...
*edit, i forgot this is a RIMS element. Wouldn't it make sense to wire the rims outlet so it could also be a heat stick outlet to use in the brew kettle though?

 

[Outbred]

Good points.

Guess it would make more sense to just have both element and pump have an auto and manual setting

I'll have to see what else is on the circuit. Make sure it doesn't kick at a bad time.

Think having the indicator lights on the 5 volt side might make sense like you said earlier. Would those all be powered by the single 5vdc output on the bcs?

 

[grathan]

Sure, you could do it like that. The relay expects a certain range to operate, so the draw of the LED should not take more than needed.

Though of course you are gonna have a computer screen showing this stuff anyways with the BCS and it wouldn't work in manual mode.

 

[Outbred]

Welp I suppose there's nothing left to do but build.

You've been immensely helpful.

Thanks again.

 

[JoshuaW]

FYI - Just received the latest issue of BYO JAN/FEB 2015 issue this afternoon. There is a great write-up about a BCS-460 system.

I just ordered a subscription, and it says I should be getting that issue around 1/8/15. I know BYO does digital issues, do you know if there is a way for me to access that now? I'm planning on ordering parts in the next week and would love to read that article!

Your post is actually the whole reason I subscribed

 

[grathan]

Welp I suppose there's nothing left to do but build.

You've been immensely helpful.

Thanks again.

Be sure to post back difficulties. I hope to wire one day myself.

 

[AleForce1]

I just ordered a subscription, and it says I should be getting that issue around 1/8/15. I know BYO does digital issues, do you know if there is a way for me to access that now? I'm planning on ordering parts in the next week and would love to read that article!

Your post is actually the whole reason I subscribed

There have been at least one other article in the past 2-3 yrs where a BCS was used in the system being profiled, but the article in the latest issue was much more thorough. You might ping BYO about getting access to the latest issue early via their digital issue.

 

[brewtime]

I have a BCS-460. I use it to control the temps in my HLT, MT, RIMS module and pump that is between my MT and RIMS module.

I am not aware of any step-by-step guides as everyone seems to build it according to their needs.

You could checkout their forum, lots of great info by BCS users http://forum.embeddedcc.com/ . You could also look at http://www.ebrewsupply.com/ to get an idea of complete kits.

What you need at least
- A BCS-460 or BCS-462 from brewer's hardware
- Control Box - depends on the size you want to use. great deals can be found on e-bay
- wiring - For wiring from the BCS box to the relays most use CAT5 cabling.
- A network connection in the area you will be using it in.
- Relays ; these are wired between the BCS box and AC Power . The 460 has 6 outputs; the 462 18 outputs . The BCS controls when the relays are on and off.
- temperature probes from brewer's hardware ; each output can have a temp probe associated with it
- outlets to plug in devices (heat sticks, hot plates, pumps, My RIMS module is a hot water heating element wired using a computer power supply power cable).
- For RIMS modules you should use something like what Brewers Hardware has to protect you from electrocuting yourself if your using a Tri-Clover RIMS modulehttp://www.brewershardware.com/TC15F10NPSCOV.html

If you want to do it yourself, I'd recommend getting a control box, BCS, relays w/Heatsinks, outlets, some CAT5 cabling. Mount what hardware where you want it in the control box, then hire an local electrician to wire up everything. It would probably take them an hour to wire everything correctly for you.

:rockin: