BruControl: Brewery control & automation software

[Brentc84]

I had similar problems with disconnects and found it to be due to my power supply overheating the voltage regulator. Some MEGA's (especially the knock-off types) have had issues with the voltage regulator overheating due to overpowering it thru the barrel jack. The voltage regulator takes the eg.. in your case 9VDC and brings it down to 5VDC to power the chips on the board. The 2 MEGA's I had did have this problem, I tried 12VDC, 9VDC. and even 5.2VDC thru the barrel jack. I also tried the 5.2VDC power supply and used the micro usb port instead which bypasses the regulator to power it. Even with using the 5.2VDC thru the USB port for extended periods I found the odd dropout of communications with the board. At this point I can't say if I had damaged the regulator by using the barrel jack bui it was a bit better as far as overheating goes. Eventually I went with RobotDyn MEGA's and used the same 5.2VDC power supply and have never had connection problems. Those boards have the ethernet built in so no piggy backing of boards required. I tried to secure another one of these type boards last year but not sure if it's a chip supply issue or if they are actually not manufacturing them anymore? Hope this solves your problem.

Ok, thanks for the info. I just bought this board from BrunDog so need to make it work for the money spent. I guess I will try powering it from different sources and voltage and see if it helps any. Interested to see how others are powering the Mega?

 

[Chokpish]

I got this from @RiverCityBrewer

[setup]
new value MLTFlow
MLTFlow precision = 6
"MLT Flow Total" value = 0.0 //Global Element
[scan]
if "MLT FlowMeter" value >= 0.04
MLTFlow = "MLT FlowMeter" value / 60
"MLT Flow Total" value = "MLT Flow Total" value + MLTFlow
endif
sleep 1000
goto scan
[end]
stop "MLT Flow Totalizer"

I have not tested it.

What are you using the volume for? A little plug for @BrunDog, I ended up buying his volume sensors and they are amazing. You can use them by writing a script to fill your vessels to a specific volume and they are pretty accurate.

I use @BrunDog's press sensors at my pumps output, with the eventual goal to write a script to prevent cavitation (no press = pump off). Probably overkill - these sensors are not cheap.

I plan to have the SM6004 measuring my infusion volume into the mash tun.

 

[Chokpish]

Ok, thanks for the info. I just bought this board from BrunDog so need to make it work for the money spent. I guess I will try powering it from different sources and voltage and see if it helps any. Interested to see how others are powering the Mega?

I use a MeanWell 24VDC that feeds into VS pin on the Unishield. Power Supply Function Switch is set VR - 5V. I followed the Unishield User Manual to the letter in order to not screw something up. It's been up and running for a couple months now, no issues with power so far.

 

[Brentc84]

I use a MeanWell 24VDC that feeds into VS pin on the Unishield. Power Supply Function Switch is set VR - 5V. I followed the Unishield User Manual to the letter in order to not screw something up. It's been up and running for a couple months now, no issues with power so far.

This is interesting, I thought 20v was highest it could convert down. Maybe different Mega's have different ranges. I will have to go look at the paperwork. Thanks for the feedback and specifics

 

[Tartan1]

This is interesting, I thought 20v was highest it could convert down. Maybe different Mega's have different ranges. I will have to go look at the paperwork. Thanks for the feedback and specifics

Is it the Unishield you are having the problem with? My references mentioned above was in relation to a standalone MEGA with piggyback ethernet shield. Sorry if this may have confused the issue for you. I would contact Peter through his website [email protected] to work with you on this problem. He's legit with the equipment he sells and backs it up when things aren't working properly.

 

[Brentc84]

Its the ethernet shield I assume. I have tried to power it with 24v this morning with no help. I am going to try a local install on a machine and not VM to try and isolate its not the VM. If that doesn't connect then will assume a faulty ethernet shield or mega. Out of options as i have tried all power sources with no connections. Thanks to all for the help

 

[oakbarn]

What are you using as a power supply and what is the input voltage to the MEGA?

When working with Electronics, it always a good idea to be power off and not have any Static Electricity on your body. Either can fry an Arduino by accident. I even shut off power is removing and putting in an Ethernet Jack.

 

[Brentc84]

Have narrowed this down, it disconnects and never reconnects after adding elements. I have tried on barrel connector with 9v and also hard wired 24vdc from control board. Always happends when adding some type of element. If I reinstall the software, upload a saved config file, and add a new interface it connects. As soon as I add any new elements, it disconnects and never reconnects no matter what I cycle power wise. Any thoughts?

 

[Brentc84]

Have narrowed this down, it disconnects and never reconnects after adding elements. I have tried on barrel connector with 9v and also hard wired 24vdc from control board. Always happends when adding some type of element. If I reinstall the software, upload a saved config file, and add a new interface it connects. As soon as I add any new elements, it disconnects and never reconnects no matter what I cycle power wise. Any thoughts?

Have narrowed it down to Alarm Element and something wrong with wiring. All else working now. Thanks for all the help.

 

[Krdickjr]

I’m considering purchasing a UniFlex controller for a three vessel HERMS all electric system. I’m very new to the automated brewing idea, but it’s something that I want to learn more about and I like the expandability that the UniFlex offers, which would allow me to get started in the “shallow end,” before heading to the deeper waters.

Because I’m VERY new to this (and a lot less technically savvy that I thought I was before I started looking into this…), I have a dumb question. Does the BruControl software come with pre-set interface(s)? Or do you have to create all the elements, alarms, etc. to then be able to control them?

I like the idea of plug-and-play to help get me started, but I didn’t see any standard interfaces / workspaces, and I’m concerned about screwing up the settings when I’m setting up the elements for the first time.

Thanks!

 

[Brentc84]

I’m considering purchasing a UniFlex controller for a three vessel HERMS all electric system. I’m very new to the automated brewing idea, but it’s something that I want to learn more about and I like the expandability that the UniFlex offers, which would allow me to get started in the “shallow end,” before heading to the deeper waters.

Because I’m VERY new to this (and a lot less technically savvy that I thought I was before I started looking into this…), I have a dumb question. Does the BruControl software come with pre-set interface(s)? Or do you have to create all the elements, alarms, etc. to then be able to control them?

I like the idea of plug-and-play to help get me started, but I didn’t see any standard interfaces / workspaces, and I’m concerned about screwing up the settings when I’m setting up the elements for the first time.

Thanks!

Yes, you have to set all elements up in a workspace. There are not preset workspaces or pre-configured interfaces. You will also need some knowledge of electronics and wiring up relays and power supplies. It's not a plug and play solution. I think the software is great and the support has been good. I am having problems more with converting an old BCS system that is automated over to this platform. This would not be the case with a new from the ground up install. If your a self starter, the instructions are very detailed and there are videos on how to wire up panels. Its doable if you are willing to spend the time to learn, but plug and play it is not.

My 2 cents worth from somebody new to BruControl but not to automation or brewing

 

[BrunDog]

I’m considering purchasing a UniFlex controller for a three vessel HERMS all electric system. I’m very new to the automated brewing idea, but it’s something that I want to learn more about and I like the expandability that the UniFlex offers, which would allow me to get started in the “shallow end,” before heading to the deeper waters.

Because I’m VERY new to this (and a lot less technically savvy that I thought I was before I started looking into this…), I have a dumb question. Does the BruControl software come with pre-set interface(s)? Or do you have to create all the elements, alarms, etc. to then be able to control them?

I like the idea of plug-and-play to help get me started, but I didn’t see any standard interfaces / workspaces, and I’m concerned about screwing up the settings when I’m setting up the elements for the first time.

Thanks!

Yes, we have pre-made configurations you can use for the UniFlex. Check here: https://brucontrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/BruControlUniFlexConfigurations.zip

You can use these as your starter, then modify as you see fit. You can also build from scratch if so inclined.

 

[BrunDog]

Sorry all haven't checked the forum as was on the move last week. Any outstanding issues need addressing?

 

[Krdickjr]

Great, thanks for the reply. One more question. I'm about to purchase the 50 amp UniFlex. I don't currently see any reason why I need the integrated I/O (presently), but I may end up wanting to expand later. When it says "upgradeable controller," does that mean I can add that feature later? And would I just send it back for you all to install the integrated I/O? Same question about the proportional control SSR.

 

[oakbarn]

Great, thanks for the reply. One more question. I'm about to purchase the 50 amp UniFlex. I don't currently see any reason why I need the integrated I/O (presently), but I may end up wanting to expand later. When it says "upgradeable controller," does that mean I can add that feature later? And would I just send it back for you all to install the integrated I/O? Same question about the proportional control SSR.

I would get the upgrade to integrated I/O. There will be something a Temperature Probe or a Pump you want to add (very soon) or in the future, Unless you are doing distillation, the Proportional Control SSR is overkill.

The Din Rail will make it easier to wall mount.

Unfortunately with BruControl you can easily additional Hardware (not necessarily in the UniFlex box), and it is almost endless. You may not want to have that many bells and whistles, but it does start to grow on you to get a new toy! Boy, controlling a Pump would be fun!

 

[BrunDog]

Great, thanks for the reply. One more question. I'm about to purchase the 50 amp UniFlex. I don't currently see any reason why I need the integrated I/O (presently), but I may end up wanting to expand later. When it says "upgradeable controller," does that mean I can add that feature later? And would I just send it back for you all to install the integrated I/O? Same question about the proportional control SSR.

Yes, you can upgrade it later. Unless your budget is super-stretched, I'd recommend you add it from the beginning per @oakbarn's comment.

 

[Chokpish]

Question on pré-boil gravity; is there a way to obtain this info and integrate into Brucontrol? I’d like to know when my mash gravity value is stable so I can automate transfer to kettle..

 

[BrunDog]

Question on pré-boil gravity; is there a way to obtain this info and integrate into Brucontrol? I’d like to know when my mash gravity value is stable so I can automate transfer to kettle..

Sure, I think so. Can you give more detail? Your pre-boil gravity is determined from the brewing software, correct? You can enter this data into a Global Variable, then use that value in a script. That make sense?

 

[Chokpish]

Sure, I think so. Can you give more detail? Your pre-boil gravity is determined from the brewing software, correct? You can enter this data into a Global Variable, then use that value in a script. That make sense?

My apologies, I was not specific enough; I would like to actually measure the wort gravity during mashing. When the gravity is stable - mash completed- the transfer to kettle would occur. Something like an Ispindel/ electronic refractometer that would withstand mash temps and not blow my budget…wait: that’s already done!!!

 

[BrunDog]

The only "electronic refractometer" I know of for measuring SG in real time are some really expensive mass flow meters. Been looking for these at consumer grade pricing, but not much luck! Perhaps some other experienced folks here can comment on their solutions.

 

[RiverCityBrewer]

I use a mass flow meter, though I suppose you could use a floating hydrometer type as long as it was somehow separated from grain and liquid flow disturbance.

 

[Chokpish]

I use a mass flow meter, though I suppose you could use a floating hydrometer type as long as it was somehow separated from grain and liquid flow disturbance.

Any low-cost suggestion?

 

[ArielSchwatrz]

Not bad. Thank you, OP

 

[Chokpish]

Any low-cost suggestion?

Looking at Ispindel; can't find the max media temperature... would it resist to mash temp?

 

[RiverCityBrewer]

Looking at Ispindel; can't find the max media temperature... would it resist to mash temp?

Not sure about Ispindel, but I believe the Tilt can.

 

[clearwaterbrewer]

Any low-cost suggestion?

a sealed container with flexible plumbing in the bottom and out the top with a scale measuring very acurately and a lookup table...

 

[sedgington]

For the example of boil time:

Use a change node to parse the messages.

Set - msg.BoilTime
(J: Expression) ($substringBefore(msg.payload.RECIPES.RECIPE.BOIL_TIME, ".")

Then create a function node and use the below code to format it in the proper syntax for BC.

if(msg.BoilTime < 60){BoilTime = "00:"+msg.BoilTime}
if(msg.BoilTime >= 60){
    msg.remainder = msg.BoilTime - 60
    BoilTime = "01:"+msg.remainder
}

If you have boil times longer than 2 hours you will need to add additional logic and if statements.

Finally, bring it into BC with a Global element set as time.

Hope that helps.

Joe

Hi Joe,
My node-red import of brewsmith3 recipe.xml, based on your excelent scripting, died with my windows machine a few years back. Recently,I had the time to go back to it and recover my flows from the backup and was delighted that it still worked as before.

However, wanting to try all the new node-red brewing options (such as node-red-contrib-brewfather) I was forced to upgrade to Node-RED version: v3.0.2 and Node.js version: v18.15.0. As soon as I did this the import failed to work with the debug of the function giving me:
function : (error)
"ReferenceError: BoilTime is not defined (line 527, col 37)"
This was not only for BoilTime, but any time I used a version of the function code you have included above to define a time--such as in StepMash0Time.
Apparently how node-red deals with time values has changed (or the formatting in the brewsmith3 xml) and for the life of me I can not figure out what is wrong. I wonder if you have noticed this, and have figured out a solution or have any suggestions where I might look. Thanks.

 

[Krdickjr]

Well, I placed my order for the 50 amp UniFlex on March 5 (#2826). Any idea about how long of a lead time I can expect? Trying to plan my next brew day on my new rig!

 

[RiverCityBrewer]

Hi Joe,
My node-red import of brewsmith3 recipe.xml, based on your excelent scripting, died with my windows machine a few years back. Recently,I had the time to go back to it and recover my flows from the backup and was delighted that it still worked as before.

However, wanting to try all the new node-red brewing options (such as node-red-contrib-brewfather) I was forced to upgrade to Node-RED version: v3.0.2 and Node.js version: v18.15.0. As soon as I did this the import failed to work with the debug of the function giving me:
function : (error)
"ReferenceError: BoilTime is not defined (line 527, col 37)"
This was not only for BoilTime, but any time I used a version of the function code you have included above to define a time--such as in StepMash0Time.
Apparently how node-red deals with time values has changed (or the formatting in the brewsmith3 xml) and for the life of me I can not figure out what is wrong. I wonder if you have noticed this, and have figured out a solution or have any suggestions where I might look. Thanks.

I have not updated my node-red config in quite a while... I've been putting it off for this reason primarily. I'm going to do the upgrade today and I'll get back with you with the fix, I'm guessing its syntax.

Joe

 

[RiverCityBrewer]

So I think this was a poor coding practice on my part - taking advantage of the compiler that has now gotten more strict. I think all you need to do is declare the variable in the "BC Global Send" node by adding 'var' in front of each variable to be defined. Should be easy to find as the IDE puts a red line under all the syntax errors. Give that a try and let me know if that solves the issue.