BCS-460, is it worth it?

[Ohio-Ed]

Anyone actually used one of these things that can tell us the good, bad, and ugly of them?

Jim Olsen

If you are talking about the BCS... I have one.

I'm still getting my feet on the ground with implementing it.

I think, I have brewed 5 batches since having it... a couple with it just moitoring temps, a couple with it monitoring temps and controlling my RIMs heater, and the last brew it controlled the HLT, RIM's, BK and 2 march pumps (in manual mode).

I'm still tweaking my process and equipment so I haven't really tried to program the BCS with automated processes yet.

I don't consider myself an expert, but like what I see so far.

 

[NoVa]

I'm looking into the BCS route, but are more automated tasks like automatically filling the HLT or using pressure sensors to measure the water level possible with the BCS? I have seen this more on the brewtroller side through their forums, but it has not been discussed as much on the BCS side.

 

[p4ck37p1mp]

I've been after pressure sensors for 'digital sight gauges' for some time, add a few solenoid valves and you can automate almost everything short of milling the grain.

 

[passedpawn]

It will process all the steps, you just won't have any idea what the heck it's doing.

I am really curious about this.

So lets say you are using the BCS to control a fermentation chamber (chest freezer). If the PC is turned off, does the BCS hardware still maintain control over the freezer?

I asked this question once, and I think I got bad info (or I didn't understand the response). I think I was told that the PC was required to do this. I.e., if the PC was disconnected, the freezer would remain permanently on (or off) until the PC was again connected.

Thanks in advance for clearing this up.

 

[Ohio-Ed]

I am really curious about this.

So lets say you are using the BCS to control a fermentation chamber (chest freezer). If the PC is turned off, does the BCS hardware still maintain control over the freezer?

I asked this question once, and I think I got bad info (or I didn't understand the response). I think I was told that the PC was required to do this. I.e., if the PC was disconnected, the freezer would remain permanently on (or off) until the PC was again connected.

Thanks in advance for clearing this up.

Once the processes are started, you no longer need the PC to be connected (you can pull the network cable). The processes will continue to monitor the inputs, obey the timers and adjust the outputs as programmed.

Right now, I have my BCS in my shop powered on... It is basically just sitting there monitoring the temp inside the shop. I have it set to take a data sample every 5 minutes (4000 sample max), so I can look at the log and see what the temp has been for the past 300+ hours.

 

[Ohio-Ed]

I'm looking into the BCS route, but are more automated tasks like automatically filling the HLT or using pressure sensors to measure the water level possible with the BCS? I have seen this more on the brewtroller side through their forums, but it has not been discussed as much on the BCS side.

The BCS uses +5vdc to control devices. The basic unit can control 6 devices (you can add an expansion board if needed). So, with the use of proper devices or relays, etc, you have pretty much flexibility.

The system also has 4 temperature inputs... meaning based on any of those 4 probes, you can program the unit to act on any output device.

The basic system also has 4 "electrical" inputs and 4 "web based" buttons, that can be part of the mix. The "electrical" inputs can be things like switches and sensors (they have to be properly configured). The "Web" buttons are simulated buttons on your screen you can program around.

 

[passedpawn]

Once the processes are started, you no longer need the PC to be connected (you can pull the network cable). The processes will continue to monitor the inputs, obey the timers and adjust the outputs as programmed.

Right now, I have my BCS in my shop powered on... It is basically just sitting there monitoring the temp inside the shop. I have it set to take a data sample every 5 minutes (4000 sample max), so I can look at the log and see what the temp has been for the past 300+ hours.

I've looked at it lustfully many times. But I just can't picture me controlling my gear with a computer. I am a techy nerd type, but this is one place I don't want the PC. I brew outside, too, so it is not a good fit for me.

I reserve the right to change my mind someday (like tomorrow).

That lusty feeling is coming back again. Go away, go away. When will this obsession end.

 

[Sawdustguy]

I've been after pressure sensors for 'digital sight gauges' for some time, add a few solenoid valves and you can automate almost everything short of milling the grain.

Use pressure sensors. All you need is a 5 VDC source and a good analog to digital to digital converter and a aquarium pump.

 

[Ohio-Ed]

Use pressure sensors. All you need is a 5 VDC source and a good analog to digital to digital converter and a aquarium pump.

I have really stayed away from thinking about automating the fluid flows... Aren't pressure sensors kinda spendy?

Got any on-line sources for reasonably priced ones?

Ed

 

[passedpawn]

I have really stayed away from thinking about automating the fluid flows... Aren't pressure sensors kinda spendy?

Got any on-line sources for reasonably priced ones?

Ed

These are cool. I am considering on using them on something at work.

http://www.honeywell-sensor.com.cn/prodinfo/sensym_stainless_steel/datasheet/model19u.pdf

 

[Ohio-Ed]

That lusty feeling is coming back again. Go away, go away. When will this obsession end.

You know you want to do it...

I'm thinking of adding a second one dedicated to just control the temp in my shop (it has radiant floor heat), my keezer, and my ferm chamber.

 

[BoilerInSoCal]

I just got mine, and I am still in the process of setting up my "control box". I can't wait to get this bad boy going. My plan is to use it to control my 5500W element, my pump, and my ferm freezer. I'll have the wireless bridge going as well.

If you need to have the capability to heat and cool in the ferm chamber like I do, the cost of the BCS is only about $50 more than the Ranco 2-stage controllers I have seen, but does SO much more. I was already leaning on getting the BCS (you can start heating your water while you are still at work!), but when I found out you can also use it to heat and cool your ferm chamber, that sealed the deal for me.

BA

 

[BrewBeemer]

These are cool. I am considering on using them on something at work.

http://www.honeywell-sensor.com.cn/prodinfo/sensym_stainless_steel/datasheet/model19u.pdf

What's the cost of these sensors each?
Can they be hooked up directly to the BCS?

So far no one has mentioned the BCS unit has PWM output control off the main unit plus the expansion cards with only on / off control, no PWM with expansion cards.
I got my BCS in 2-09 it needs to be upgraded to PWM version which will be taken care of in the near future plus adding a couple expansion cards.
I have an old freebie computer for my future brewing only.

 

[passedpawn]

What's the cost of these sensors each?
Can they be hooked up directly to the BCS?

I got quoted $50 for 300. No idea how to get singles. I get a lot of this kind of stuff free after building prototype gadgets for my customers.

They have an analog output. I don't know if the BCS has any analog inputs (if it doesn't, it should!).

 

[Ohio-Ed]

I got quoted $50 for 300. No idea how to get singles. I get a lot of this kind of stuff free after building prototype gadgets for my customers.

They have an analog output. I don't know if the BCS has any analog inputs (if it doesn't, it should!).

Other than the temp probes, the BCS is limited to digital inputs.

I have zero experience, but are pressure sensors kinda finicky?

 

[passedpawn]

Other than the temp probes, the BCS is limited to digital inputs.

I have zero experience, but are pressure sensors kinda finicky?

No. I use them all the time and they work great. I only use Honeywell sensors. I've designed several commercial medical devices with them inside and I think they are making people better

 

[BrewBeemer]

Ouch! A group buy here's needed to get a 300 order?
Any problem with using a ATD converter as well the cost of one?
Any feature to calibrate the sensor once installed? One unit is temperature compensated, would this be for the difference in the water expansion ratio as a self correcting unit using 4% as a water difference we're talking 8/10 of a gallon?

 

[Plan9]

This looks like something that will really work out for me, as I build an automated system. A year and a half ago, I picked up a pallet of industrial computers from a salvage company. I sold a bunch of them and made my money back, but kept quite a few. Right now, I have one mounted on my three tier system running Beersmith and Multi timer. It is nice since they are waterproof and a touch screen.

Here is a pic of it:
*pic removed*

and the brochure on it:

http://www.citadelcomputer.com/pdf/vista-12xl.pdf

On the network thing, you have a few options. Wireless can be run in 'ad-hoc' mode, where they just communicate with each other. Another option, if they are a bit apart, is powerline ethernet. I use that in my house to link up from my downstairs, up to the office. I have had good luck with them.

Anyone actually used one of these things that can tell us the good, bad, and ugly of them?

Jim Olsen

Man, that thing is cool as hell!
If you want to let any more of them go, let me know.