The BCS-460 contains 4 temperature inputs and 6 outputs, all of which may be under PID control, PWM, Hysteresis or direct on/off. Right now I have a fermentation chamber using 1 temperature input with 2 outputs under hysteresis control, a RIMS under PID control using 1 temp. input, a boil kettle element under PID control, 2 pumps on direct on/off control and 2 temperature monitoring inputs not controlling any outputs. As far as my control panel goes, I have a push button start switch, a push button stop switch, and an E-stop switch controlling a power contactor. All control and monitoring is done from a web browser on my computer. With 8 programs of 8 steps each in the BCS I can do a complex brew day quite easily.
One advantage of some dedicated PID controls is an autotune function to greatly simplify setting PID parameters. I am using an Auber PID control in a separate project for sous vide cooking, and I find it to be best for single step operations like holding only one temperature or a PWM control.
I am also planning on setting up a PID for a smoker when I find the time. At present I don't know if I will run it from an Auber PID or re-program the BCS and run it from one of the pump outputs when I'm not brewing.
For me it has been best to fit the control to the task, the Auber to a dedicated job and the BCS to a job requiring flexibility.
