Did my first pilot run on my brew stand this weekend. This is the first time brewing with heater elements and think I could use some pointers.
I have the output period on my temp controller set to 10 sec (range is 0.5-99 seconds). I thought this would be a compromise for life of the relays. Found about 70% duty cycle (7 sec on, 3 sec off) seemed to give me the hottest wort temp and keep things under control. I could get about 206F (about 900 ft sea level here) and when the element is on the boil is extremely vigorous. Then the element is off all is calm. Did that for the whole boil.
I imagine dialing down the output period and cycling the element on and off quicker/more frequently will give a steadier boil. Im I being too paranoid with the life expectancy of the relays?
I have the output period on my temp controller set to 10 sec (range is 0.5-99 seconds). I thought this would be a compromise for life of the relays. Found about 70% duty cycle (7 sec on, 3 sec off) seemed to give me the hottest wort temp and keep things under control. I could get about 206F (about 900 ft sea level here) and when the element is on the boil is extremely vigorous. Then the element is off all is calm. Did that for the whole boil.
I imagine dialing down the output period and cycling the element on and off quicker/more frequently will give a steadier boil. Im I being too paranoid with the life expectancy of the relays?