Electric brewing for noobs

[Cirk]

Hi everybody,
Been lurking for at least a year and a half, brewing extracts for 3 years. This is my first post. I've learned a lot so far and am almost ready to make the jump to all-grain, but I'm a bit lost on equipment.
I'd like to build a simple electric brewing rig. 3 vessels, a pump or two as needed, and a basic control box for pump switches, thermometer readout and heater controls. The goal is to make 5-10 gallon batches of high gravity ale using 220vac and 120vac. I know a fair bit about fixing guitars, but high voltage and amperage are out of my experience.
Can someone tell me where to source accurate thermometers, heating elements and controls? A wiring diagram would be most helpful. If you can think of anything else, I'd appreciate the advice. I have a decent idea of how all-grain works, but have a lot to learn.
II have a fair bit of basic gear from extract brewing, but am looking to upgrade. There isn't a rush here, as I prefer to do lots of research before spending hard-earned money. I don't mind spending a few bucks extra for reliable gear, but not more than I have to. Serviceability down the road is key as well.
Thanks for reading this pile of rambling babble.
Cirk

 

[rossi46]

Have you considered e-biab ? I haven't touched my 3 vessel e-herms since I built the e-biab system.
You can build it yourself or buy one ready to go.

http://www.brew-boss.com/default.asp

http://www.cobrewingsystems.com/products/single-vessel-electric-brew-system-ebiab

 

[Cirk]

I like the idea of E-biab, but those systems are way out of my price range. Maybe a single vessel E-biab with very basic controls? I really don't need all the computer control. Maybe one of our knowledgeable members who work for/own a shop can put together a package deal at a price I can't refuse.
Don't get me wrong, the Brew Boss system and the Colorado system are really well thought out, just more than I can swing.

 

[rossi46]

I hear you, those are premium sets. I built mine. I bought a 25 gallon bayou kettle. All weldless fittings from brewhardware.com and built a auber pid control panel. I'm not sure of the final cost, but it was over time and less than 700.

 

[rossi46]

I did some quick checking, looks like I'm in right at 700, complete with kettle, controls, and pump. Note, I had wire, connecters, and tools already.
I'm sure some crafty people could do it cheaper with enough hunting for better deals.

 

[iijakii]

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=382286 and Kal's The Electric Brewery site are great resources to wrap your head around learning wiring diagrams.

If you're on a budget then just buy cheap stuff off of eBay. Mypin TD4 PIDs instead of Auber, cheaper SSRs (Fotek is the go-to cheap ones, but you can find deals on nicer brand ones), PT100 RTDs, switches and LEDs can be had for a buck a piece, etc.

If you dont want to DIY then http://brumatic.com/Brew-controllers_c3.htm has reasonably priced panels that seem to be good quality. They're made by a member here but I can't recall his username.

 

[Gavin C]

I'm still in the pipe-dream phase of my eBIAB/eHERMS setup but have found this website to be a great read and a great starting point. I'm sure there are lots more. Just not avidly pursuing it yet.

The site author @Kal is member here and a very helpful one if his posts are anything to judge him by. I'd start there

 

[augiedoggy]

yes LOTS of options... brumatic or jaggerbush http://www.jaggerbushbrewing.com/DIGITAL-CONTROL_c_15.html are good options if your looking to source just the control panel and sensors and throw the rest together yourself...

I also like the Hosehead option (about $400) but thats for the more computer oriented people compared to a pid setup...

there are a lot of other fair priced setups from places like colorado brewing and brewboss and the like too...
I went really cheap and pieced my budget build over time but in the end I'm very happy with it.