CraftBeerPi - Raspberry Pi Software

[Lalo_uy]

I would like to try to create a plugin for Fermentation Controller so that the target beer temperature changes with the gravity change provided by iSpindel or Tilt. I haven't done any programming in a very long time, I don't know python but I am willing to learn (steep learning curve but not much stuff to do now with the Corona thing).
Looking at the "Extended CraftBeerPi" page there are a few sections about Custom Kettle Controller and Custom Brew Step but nothing about Fermentation Controller so can somebody confirm that it's possible to create this plug-in and can you give me a hint or two where to start?

More than a Fermentation Controller, you need a Fermentation Step, that instead of looking for the temp, go looking for the gravity.
But the Fermentation Steps are into the fermenter module, and there is no prevision for having different ones, as in Brewing.

 

[zandoga]

More than a Fermentation Controller, you need a Fermentation Step, that instead of looking for the temp, go looking for the gravity.
But the Fermentation Steps are into the fermenter module, and there is no prevision for having different ones, as in Brewing.

That's what I'm trying to figure out, if it can be changed and where can I start. This is an example of a lager profile I used in BrewPiLess, where the temperature changes from primary to diacetyl rest to cold crash based on condition on time or SG, time and stable SG.

 

[Will8050]

Hi!
I need help...
I have my CraftBeerPi brew controller and am using an RTD probe (because mistakes were made) since finding out that it is not supported by default I bought and soldered in a max31865 board as an amplifier.
Question: can i connect some of the soda makers (like that - https://www.bestadvisers.co.uk/soda-makers) to the my CraftBeerPi to automize this process?

 

[haeffnkr]

3K3 will be ok. For long I mean 10m plus

I removed one sensor, cut down the wires to 1.5 meters, moved the supply voltage from 5 to 3.3v input and used a 3.9K pullup resistor. The sensors were MUCH more consistent. I had to add a 2F offset to get them to read the same as my 2 trusted thermometers. That was easy. Consistent readings from 70 to 212 F now for both sensors.

Thanks GUYS!!

 

[haeffnkr]

What logic is preferred for RIMS tube control?
Is there a better faster more precise "logic" control plugin?
I found I had to have the input sensor have a 2.3 F offset before it kicked on the ssr to keep the mash at step temp. ie Dont heat up until the rims tube was 2 degrees cooler than the mash temp. Otherwise with no offset the mash was getting hotter than the set temp.

Is there a way to have the logic poll faster than every 5 seconds before making heat adjustments?

thanks in advance!

 

[jangevaa]

Use a PID for your RIMS temperature, not hysteresis.

You can set custom update intervals for you temp sensors using OneWireAdvanced plugin
https://github.com/jangevaare/cbpi-OneWireAdvanced

There are a lot of options in the PIDs included in the CascadeControl plugin. I don't recommend the Cascade PID in there though, most have extreme difficulty tuning such that it just isn't worth it.
https://github.com/jangevaare/cbpi-CascadeControl

 

[haeffnkr]

Use a PID for your RIMS temperature, not hysteresis.

You can set custom update intervals for you temp sensors using OneWireAdvanced plugin
https://github.com/jangevaare/cbpi-OneWireAdvanced

There are a lot of options in the PIDs included in the CascadeControl plugin. I don't recommend the Cascade PID in there though, most have extreme difficulty tuning such that it just isn't worth it.
https://github.com/jangevaare/cbpi-CascadeControl

Thanks for the suggestions.

Do I use the MT sensor or the RIMS sensor with the PID? The MT sensor provides the best overall average but the RIMS tube sensor will ensure the wort does not get scorched.

thanks haeffnkr

 

[NeoBrew]

Thanks for the suggestions.

Do I use the MT sensor or the RIMS sensor with the PID? The MT sensor provides the best overall average but the RIMS tube sensor will ensure the wort does not get scorched.

thanks haeffnkr

Definitely use the RIMS tube sensor. If you get the output of the RIMS tube to return the the mash tun at the right temp it will hold the tun at your fixed temp. If you try to control off the MT it will respond very slowly. For instance, when it is too cool, the RIMS will keep heating up until the sensor reaches setpoint. In the mean time the RIMS tube might be heating your wort way above setpoint, maybe even hot enough to start denaturing enzymes.

If you use the RIMS tube you should never heat up the wort in the tube more than a degree or two above setpoint.

 

[golfindia]

Put your RIMs tube temp sensor as close as you can to the heating element. Even touching it slightly is OK.

 

[George Schuster]

I measure and control RIMS output from the MT sensor using hysteresis. System works very well and has produced award winning beers.

NeoBrew makes a fair point regarding high temps in the tube. Though, I believe that element size (wattage) and power settings are a factor. My system has a 2000w element running at 100%. Using a standard temp gauge in the RIMS tube, I see a 4-5 degree offset between RIMS and MT on average. So ramping to 154 as an example, would cause the RIMS to raise to 159. still below 168. This temp differential is controllable on my system through the use of a inline valve on the RIMS return line. If I see the RIMS temp getting to high, I just open the valve.

Admittedly, temp overshoot could easily occur with 2500-3000 watts elements running at 100% In that case, I would probably opt for the sensor in the RIMS.

 

[rkhanso]

Question about the CraftbrewPi display when using an iSpindel.
I get the iSpindel data showing up on the display, but sometimes CraftbeerPi doesn't show both "fermenters" (one is a fermenter, the other a DIY glycol chiller tank).
If I press refresh, it might show both, otherwise it seems hit or miss.
Why would the web page show two different versions?
One lets me graph the iSpindel gravity data. The other one doesn't.





I'm wondering if it might be because my fermenter is in the garage and maybe the iSpindel isn't very powerful on the WiFi front - and might sometimes lose connection to the WiFi network? Not sure, because both my fermenter and brewing CraftbeerPi controllers are also out in the garage. The Fermenter is running on a Pi Zero W and the brew controller is on a Pi 3B.

 

[Lalo_uy]

Looks like the first picture are the Brewing pane, it has the temps, and actuators.
The second one is the Fermentation pane.
So the first shows the kettle, not the fermenter.

Question about the CraftbrewPi display when using an iSpindel.
I get the iSpindel data showing up on the display, but sometimes CraftbeerPi doesn't show both "fermenters" (one is a fermenter, the other a DIY glycol chiller tank).
If I press refresh, it might show both, otherwise it seems hit or miss.
Why would the web page show two different versions?
One lets me graph the iSpindel gravity data. The other one doesn't.

View attachment 673668

View attachment 673669

I'm wondering if it might be because my fermenter is in the garage and maybe the iSpindel isn't very powerful on the WiFi front - and might sometimes lose connection to the WiFi network? Not sure, because both my fermenter and brewing CraftbeerPi controllers are also out in the garage. The Fermenter is running on a Pi Zero W and the brew controller is on a Pi 3B.

 

[rkhanso]

Yeah - Duh.
I realized that shortly after I posted that above.
I need to brew more often....
Thanks.

 

[Hwk-I-St8]

OK, so I got my raspbery pi yesterday and got it set up with raspian and craftbeerpi3. When I run craftbeerpi, it says it's running, but when I try to connect to it with a browser it says I can't connect. It just says the site can't be reached.

Any clue what's going on?

 

[Hwk-I-St8]

Never mind. I found this site that has all the info I needed to get 'er up and running.

Next step is to learn how to clone the microSD so that, if it gets corrupted, I can just pop in a cloned sd.

Any advice on that?

 

[day_trippr]

Maybe use the SD Card Copier Utility that's bundled with Raspbian?

Cheers!

 

[NeoBrew]

I'm in need of your help once again! I'm setting up a second CraftBeerPi to run my new fermentation chamber. I am once again in over my head but think I have my big problems figured out. You can see what I'm up to on this thread. I've dissected the refrigerator and identified the wiring I need, but I am have a heck of a time getting my CBP to work properly.

I've finally managed to get the system up and running. I am getting intermittent temp readings of 32 degrees F. Sometimes it seems to be for a few minutes, now it seems to be stuck on 32F permanently. I've tried tracing all the wires and checking connections. The probe shows up in the hardware settings. I can unselect it and then reselect it by it's address. So I think the probe hardware is working ok. I can put in an offset and have it show as 33F or whatever I set it to. I have wiggled all the wires, plugged and unplugged things, made sure the probe wires are not crossing motor wires or AC wiring.

Anybody have any suggestions for me?

 

[NeoBrew]

Never mind.

I see now that the Pi just remembers the address of the probe. Even if I disconnect it it still shows up.

I tried bypassing my wiring and connected the DS18B20 directly to the pi and it works again. It's clearly a fault in my wiring. I think I'll re-make my wiring harness and try to build it with more integrity. I had decided to use ribbon cable to keep things looking neat, but I think those wires are just too fine for my ham handed electronic craftsmanship.

 

[Lalo_uy]

User rj11 module on the probe. That way you can use premade telefone cords. Remember than telefone cords swich the 2 inner wires.

 

[NeoBrew]

User rj11 module on the probe. That way you can use premade telefone cords. Remember than telefone cords swich the 2 inner wires.

I started out with RJ11 connectors. At the time I wasn't able to find female end connectors. I decided to go with aviation style bnc connectors instead.

 

[Lalo_uy]

I started out with RJ11 connectors. At the time I wasn't able to find female end connectors. I decided to go with aviation style bnc connectors instead.

View attachment 675356

These are much better.

 

[rkhanso]

Has anyone used CraftbeerPi to control temps on a Kegerator?
I was looking at a kegerator on craigslist and the guy said the controller for it went out. I think he installed an Inkbird controller on it, but said it froze his beer once and he doesn't trust it any longer.
I'm wondering if he may have just programmed it wrong or wired it up wrong.

Thinking about buying this Kegerator for $125 (but it's set up for commercial 16gal kegs, not corny kegs) and am wondering if it's worth the risk or not. I'll have the expense of converting it over to use corny kegs and potential cost of fixing or replacing the temp control for it.

 

[jangevaa]

Has anyone used CraftbeerPi to control temps on a Kegerator?
I was looking at a kegerator on craigslist and the guy said the controller for it went out. I think he installed an Inkbird controller on it, but said it froze his beer once and he doesn't trust it any longer.
I'm wondering if he may have just programmed it wrong or wired it up wrong.

Thinking about buying this Kegerator for $125 (but it's set up for commercial 16gal kegs, not corny kegs) and am wondering if it's worth the risk or not. I'll have the expense of converting it over to use corny kegs and potential cost of fixing or replacing the temp control for it.

I've done it before.

 

[NeoBrew]

I’ve managed to get my second Craftbeerpi up and running. It is controlling a refrigerator for cooling and a reptile heater affixed to the cone of my conical for heating. I’m currently fermenting my first batch with the new setup.

The CBP seems to be doing a great job of holding temp to within a few tenths of a degree F. For some reason it seems to be controlling it to about 1.5 degrees above the set point. I’m set at 64 degrees and it has been averaging about 65.5 degrees the whole time. It has not needed to heat at all, so that is cooling through chamber temp. (Btw I’m using the PIDfermentationtemperature add on with the default PID settings.)

Any idea why it why it is controlling so precisely but over the set point?

I’m also wondering if anybody knows the logic the compressor delay uses. I have it set for 2 minutes. I think it is waiting two minutes after the compressor has run, but it seems to be regularly running the compressor for only a couple seconds then shutting down. Is this normal? Is it bad for my compressor?

 

[Lalo_uy]

Where did you find PIDfermentationtemperature?
I only see a cbpi_PIDFermentationChamber.
I wish a Pid exist using just a slow pwm over a electrovalve from the glycol chiller.

 

[NeoBrew]

Where did you find PIDfermentationtemperature?
I only see a cbpi_PIDFermentationChamber.
I wish a Pid exist using just a slow pwm over a electrovalve from the glycol chiller.

Only in my head I’m afraid. I just remembered the name wrong. It is the one you reference.

I see in the GitHub there is a reference to taking out the delay. Doesn’t give much context for why or how though.

 

[slogan87]

Hi everyone, I have just had to start fresh with my brewery today as I stuffed up an install of a different program that meant I needed to delete everything. Upon doing this, I seemed to have hit a wee issue that I see has been noted here before and the fix does not seem to be working. I am getting

Retrying (Retry(total=4, connect=None, read=None, redirect=None, status=None)) after connection broken by 'ProtocolError('Connection aborted.', BadStatusLine('No status line received - the server has closed the connection',))': /simple/gitdb/
Using cached https://www.piwheels.org/simple/gitdb/gitdb-4.0.1-py2.py3-none-any.whl
gitdb requires Python '>=3.4' but the running Python is 2.7.16
mv: cannot stat './config/splash.png': No such file or directory

I have tried doing pip install gitdb2==2.0.5 to no avail.

Can anyone help?

Regards
Sam

 

[Hwk-I-St8]

Maybe use the SD Card Copier Utility that's bundled with Raspbian?

Cheers!

Hey - any advice on this? I tried to use the SD Card Copier utility today and kept getting a couple errors. After I initiated the copy, first I'd see a popup that said that the device had been disconnected without ejecting, then right after I get an error that it is unable to create a partition.

I googled, found a few people who asked for help with this, but no resolution. Thoughts?

 

[jtrainer]

Has anyone used CraftbeerPi to control temps on a Kegerator?
I was looking at a kegerator on craigslist and the guy said the controller for it went out. I think he installed an Inkbird controller on it, but said it froze his beer once and he doesn't trust it any longer.
I'm wondering if he may have just programmed it wrong or wired it up wrong.

Thinking about buying this Kegerator for $125 (but it's set up for commercial 16gal kegs, not corny kegs) and am wondering if it's worth the risk or not. I'll have the expense of converting it over to use corny kegs and potential cost of fixing or replacing the temp control for it.

That's my main usage today. I manage my kegerator and my term chamber. I have yet to build my brew controller and electric system. Works perfectly.

 

[rkhanso]

I did pick up the used Kegerator. A Danby brand, 5lb CO2 tank (with some gas, not sure how much), 2 regulators, empty 16gal Sanke keg, D-Coupler, single faucet tower, extra beer line, all for $150.
I think the Inkbird controller is working OK, as I used my CraftbeerPi to monitor temps and they fluctuated about 5-6F around the set point consistently for a day. The next time I brew and Keg, I'll put the CraftbeerPi probes in the kegerator to monitor temps and make sure the Inkbird is working OK. If not, I'll just use the CraftbeerPi controller to run the kegerator.

I bought 2 used Pin-lock kegs and fittings/hose/extra o-rings and transfer hose for $100.

So, for maybe around $175 ($250 minus the Sanke keg deposit return and sale of all my old bottling equipment) I'm set up for kegging and dispensing a cold 10 gallons of beer.