Wow nice build, looks great! Although I already have a DIY controller I built for my BIAB kettle, it has an EZ-Boil instead of a regular PID and it lacks the ability to simply tune the output power. I'll just build another simpler controller for this setup.
What model EZBoil doesn't allow setting output power? AFAIK, every EZBoil has linear knob control of output power from 0 - 100%.
I can tune output power % in boil mode, but the set temp target is 212, correct? In mash mode it has programmable mashing temps, but since mine is a dspr310 version A it lacks the MOUT variable that governs power output while in mash mode. Am I missing so ething here? I would love to be able to use the controller I already have, just not sure how.What model EZBoil doesn't allow setting output power? AFAIK, every EZBoil has linear knob control of output power from 0 - 100%.
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Ok, I see what you are saying. But in the temp hold mode (mash mode) the controller automatically modulates the power output between 0 & 100% to keep the temp stable, just like a PID is supposed to. Is this not working for you? If so, then it sounds like your element is over powered for the application (this is a situation I ran across early in my engineering career, trying to precisely control hot plate temps.)
Maybe I can tweak the boil point preset to 190f or whatever and tweak the output as the run progresses to modulate distillate output? My controller setup for brewing uses two 2KW elements, for distilling I will only install one 2KW element.Ok, I see what you are saying. But in the temp hold mode (mash mode) the controller automatically modulates the power output between 0 & 100% to keep the temp stable, just like a PID is supposed to. Is this not working for you? If so, then it sounds like your element is over powered for the application (this is a situation I ran across early in my engineering career, trying to precisely control hot plate temps.)
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It's my assumption that ramping up at a controlled rate as the run progresses makes sense because as the % of ethanol in the wash decreases, the boil point increases. Have I got this all wrong? I want to avoid the element running at 100% and ripping through the run at a rate faster than the condenser can accommodate.
It's my assumption that ramping up at a controlled rate as the run progresses makes sense because as the % of ethanol in the wash decreases, the boil point increases. Have I got this all wrong? I want to avoid the element running at 100% and ripping through the run at a rate faster than the condenser can accommodate.
According to the chart below, assuming a 20% wash means ramping the temp up to 190* and progress to 210* at a rate slow enough that the distillate output is no faster than a few drops per second. Being able to tune the output with the twist of a knob would be much easier to manage than trying to reprogram mash steps on the fly.
Well hell, that makes a lot of sense! THANKS!Can't you set the power level you want with the bOUT parameter? Sets the power level used when ramping to a boil. The boiling temp is determined by the wash composition (% alcohol), not the power input. So you don't need to ramp the boiling temp, it will ramp itself as alcohol evaporates. The power input just changes the rate of evaporation once boiling temp is reached.
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JayJay, I just saw this. I own one. same size. Good one.
If you have one of the DSPR1x0 or DSPR3x0 EZ-Boils, it should work fine if used in the mash mode. Just put your temp probe at the top of the column and set the temp at 175+.
