High Gravity Brewing vs Brew Boss vs Another Electric Brewing Setup

[mxstar21]

I wouldn't. Emotions from me would probably take over if I was the owner. I don't think it would be a winning situation.
They run a great online shop, no need to argue with a few people here.

 

[kal]

And just to add, I find that vendors/manufactures tend to not post in on-line forums even when the reviews are negative. It goes a long way if they do, but I find this to be true weather it's on here or other forums that I frequent.

Most don't because they don't follow the forums as they're busy running their businesses.

Kal

 

[brew-in]

Most don't because they don't follow the forums as they're busy running their businesses.

Kal

Makes sense, however I always thought vendors could find a wealth of ideas on forums......

why doesn't a High Gravity Owner just open theirs up, take some picts, write a review, and put an end to the speculation?

 

[ingchr1]

Most don't because they don't follow the forums as they're busy running their businesses.

Kal

While we'd like to think that the home brewing universe revolves around HBT, I wonder of the actual % of home brewers that are on the forum or would even come to it to research a product?

 

[mxstar21]

Makes sense, however I always thought vendors could find a wealth of ideas on forums......

why doesn't a High Gravity Owner just open theirs up, take some picts, write a review, and put an end to the speculation?

Makes it much easier for people to make their own. Don't blame them at all. They have good reviews on their site.

 

[mxstar21]

Makes sense, however I always thought vendors could find a wealth of ideas on forums......

why doesn't a High Gravity Owner just open theirs up, take some picts, write a review, and put an end to the speculation?

Makes it much easier for people to make their own and copy their design.

Don't blame them at all. They have good reviews on their site.

 

[kal]

While we'd like to think that the home brewing universe revolves around HBT, I wonder of the actual % of home brewers that are on the forum or would even come to it to research a product?

Probably less than you think. There are dozens of home brewing forums (not just this one), coupled with the fact that many brewers don't spend any time on any of them. Very few of the brewers on my local club spend any time here (we've had discussions around it). Many of them don't like/have no interest in forums.

Case in point, according to the American Homebrewers association, there are an estimated 1.2 million homebrewers in the USA, but that stat is almost 2 years old and interest has been growing and it doesn't include people outside the USA. Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are all extremely active homebrew regions.

Compare that to the fact that this forum has 193,680 worldwide members, but that's since the start in 2004 so you can bet that a large chunk of them (80-90% or more likely) are no longer active. There are anonymous users too however.

If I had to hazard a guess, I'd say the percentage of homebrewers who frequent this forum is in the single digits (less than 10%).

Kal

 

[akthor]

A thing is worth as much as someone is willing to pay for it.

A cup of coffee at Starbucks is what? $4? There's about 6 cents worth of "materials" that make it. That's quite a markup for labor

 

[mxstar21]

Makes sense, however I always thought vendors could find a wealth of ideas on forums......

why doesn't a High Gravity Owner just open theirs up, take some picts, write a review, and put an end to the speculation?

Makes it much easier for people to make their own and copy their design.

Don't blame them at all. They have good reviews on their site.

 

[brew-in]

"Makes it much easier for people to make their own and copy their design."

these controllers are not complex or unique....they all (almost) operate on the same principles with similar components....no "trade secrets" inside that box....

 

[mxstar21]

"Makes it much easier for people to make their own and copy their design."

these controllers are not complex or unique....they all (almost) operate on the same principles with similar components....no "trade secrets" inside that box....

Why do you need to see what is inside if you already know then? They might do things a little different than others. The more pictures of it out there, the more others might try to make their own.

 

[mxstar21]

Double post, phone acting weird.

 

[mxstar21]

I don't disagree they can be made much cheaper, but the more pictures out there show the less inclined person how to build it and cut out their profits.

 

[joebob296]

I don't disagree they can be made much cheaper, but the more pictures out there show the less inclined person how to build it and cut out their profits.

There's already enough pictures and DIY tutorials out there that posting just pictures of a questionable controller wouldn't sway anybody. If I was the owner of HG I would post pictures and let the work speak for itself. Whether good or bad that has yet to be seen...

 

[mxstar21]

There's already enough pictures and DIY tutorials out there that posting just pictures of a questionable controller wouldn't sway anybody. If I was the owner of HG I would post pictures and let the work speak for itself. Whether good or bad that has yet to be seen...

But you are not the owner, they seem to doing quite well....How well would your business do? How many people in this thread will buy one of their controllers. They are probably reading these posts and laughing.

 

[augiedoggy]

Makes it much easier for people to make their own and copy their design.

Don't blame them at all. They have good reviews on their site.

actually if anything THEY copied DIY builds here.... There setup is about as basic and inexpensive as you can get besides the switch from pid to the manual knob because many just use a pid with manual pwm mode built in...

As others said theres nothing special about the $50 in hardware inside we cant see.... however how its installed and with what wire gives us an indication of the amount of time, thought and effort put into its construction...

All this is silly because I have asked owners to post a pic on more than a couple threads now and they really seem to be afraid to do so... My guess it most of the owners are really afraid removing the screws might break something I can understand being a little cautious of what you dont know but then to not want to know too?

 

[augiedoggy]

But you are not the owner, they seem to doing quite well....How well would your business do? How many people in this thread will buy one of their controllers. They are probably reading these posts and laughing.

Kal gives full disclosure, He even gives directions on how to build his? He seems to be doing well?

 

[brew-in]

Kal gives full disclosure, He even gives directions on how to build his? He seems to be doing well?

Yeah the claim of some super secret proprietary internals was just silly, so I quite responding to those posts....

As far as full disclosure and DIY....also look at Brew Boss....here is a link to the parts being sold as a DYI...

http://www.brew-boss.com/product-p/bb-brain.htm

IMHO of all the controllers on the market, the Brew Boss has the most unique parts/code of any....If anyone wanted to keep the internals "secret" it would be them...and they are perfectly willing to sell as a DIY....

 

[johnsant]

I would say that a DIY project is not for everyone but for those that do "good for them". Heck I've even done one on a controller for my fermentation chamber, it wasn't to hard but the planning and running to get everything was just not really my thing. I'm sure if I wanted to, I could build my own system for an electric BIAB but why should I! I've got funds I don't mind supporting my LHBS because they support my brewing needs and are supportive and are always willing to answer any and all concerns I have. Like I've mentioned I don't like building and speeding time looking things up and then worrying if I'm doing it right. For me buying is my thing and it may cost more but having the manufacture close by dose it for me.

 

[augiedoggy]

I would say that a DIY project is not for everyone but for those that do "good for them". Heck I've even done one on a controller for my fermentation chamber, it wasn't to hard but the planning and running to get everything was just not really my thing. I'm sure if I wanted to, I could build my own system for an electric BIAB but why should I! I've got funds I don't mind supporting my LHBS because they support my brewing needs and are supportive and are always willing to answer any and all concerns I have. Like I've mentioned I don't like building and speeding time looking things up and then worrying if I'm doing it right. For me buying is my thing and it may cost more but having the manufacture close by dose it for me.

Nothing wrong with that... there are many good prebuild products being sold at reasonable prices... The HG panels and systems are far from the top of this list when you break it down and do the reasearch and price things out.. At least their not at the absolute bottom... that's where Tom Hargrave would be.

 

[augiedoggy]

Again there's nothing to copy... they are just selling your run of the mill basic brewing control panel. The only trade secrets I thing they are hiding are the shortcuts they used to build it faster and cheaper which will or can work against the buyer later if something goes wrong.

There are other people and companies building and selling the same product for more reasonable fees already high gravity just makes more profits off each one so they can afford to spend more on advertising/ marketing.

It would be unfortunate if these started having relays failing and one was to find out they need to remove the old one with a chisel because the thing was epoxied together to slap them together and get them out the door with no thought to how they are going to be maintained after that... its not like these are selling at an economical budget price... They should not be built that way, Right?

 

[steveoatley]

I am trying to put together a 2 vessel eHERMS

I have a 10 gall Igloo Cooler for Mastun
I have a 10 gall pot with HERMS coil inside - Hot Liquor Tank & Brew Kettle

I am looking for a 2 PID controller ( 1 just monitors the MT )
With 2 pumps
Kind of like Dave is doing in the Video - Just 2 Vessel

https://youtu.be/dwr3gQeMSMI

My goal is to pump into the MT, and recirculate for the whole mash.
Drain the First runnings into a Bucket - and pump the remaining H2O for my
Sparge.

I have an interest in the EBC III - because it has a 2 pump option, and i only need the 1 element.

http://www.highgravitybrew.com/store/pc/EBC-III-with-Infinite-Power-Control-158p3858.htm

I did contact Brew Boss to see if he would make a custom controller for my needs, and he said - maybe in the future, if there were more call for them.

Other than the mention of Brumatics = BRU-matic DBC-2PM30
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brumatic-DB...879?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item3398dad357

Does anyone know of another controller that will fulfill my function ???

1 - 220v elemtent
2 - Pump control
2- PID's ( does not really need to be two - just monitoring the temp in the MT )

I would appreciate anyone sending me in other directions for research

Of course i would love an iPad controlled Brew Boss, i just don't see it happening anytime soon.

Thanks for your 2 cents.

Sorry to high jack the thread - but there are a lot of you here Who have a panel

And since i am not going to make one myself - I am looking for recommendation
And i all ready know what Augiedoggy thinks ( no disrespect intended )

Thanks
Steve

 

[mxstar21]

Kal gives full disclosure, He even gives directions on how to build his? He seems to be doing well?

I really don't know it was just my guess to the guy who keeps asking why HG won't show pictures. The only other reason being that they are made with inferior equipment. I don't own one nor would I ever consider it at that cost.

I am currently building my own BCS panel. I prefer to build my own because I enjoy doing it and it will be much easier to troubleshoot.

 

[kal]

Here's an inside pick that High Gravity posted on the Facebook page last year:

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.ne...=ae19c7d6409904c80274f2b07f686a4c&oe=566EABAD

(There may be others)

Kal

 

[augiedoggy]

Here's an inside pick that High Gravity posted on the Facebook page last year:

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.ne...=ae19c7d6409904c80274f2b07f686a4c&oe=566EABAD

(There may be others)

Kal

damn, it doesnt show how the contractors are mounted... if theres no screw holes on the outside its likely glued in there though. I see there is only one ssr (most likely an ssvr) .... Still about $150 in parts there.
I DONT see any speaker wire which is a plus.

 

[augiedoggy]

I am trying to put together a 2 vessel eHERMS

I have a 10 gall Igloo Cooler for Mastun
I have a 10 gall pot with HERMS coil inside - Hot Liquor Tank & Brew Kettle

I am looking for a 2 PID controller ( 1 just monitors the MT )
With 2 pumps
Kind of like Dave is doing in the Video - Just 2 Vessel

https://youtu.be/dwr3gQeMSMI

My goal is to pump into the MT, and recirculate for the whole mash.
Drain the First runnings into a Bucket - and pump the remaining H2O for my
Sparge.

I have an interest in the EBC III - because it has a 2 pump option, and i only need the 1 element.

http://www.highgravitybrew.com/store/pc/EBC-III-with-Infinite-Power-Control-158p3858.htm

I did contact Brew Boss to see if he would make a custom controller for my needs, and he said - maybe in the future, if there were more call for them.

Other than the mention of Brumatics = BRU-matic DBC-2PM30
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brumatic-DB...879?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item3398dad357

Does anyone know of another controller that will fulfill my function ???

1 - 220v elemtent
2 - Pump control
2- PID's ( does not really need to be two - just monitoring the temp in the MT )

I would appreciate anyone sending me in other directions for research

Of course i would love an iPad controlled Brew Boss, i just don't see it happening anytime soon.

Thanks for your 2 cents.

Sorry to high jack the thread - but there are a lot of you here Who have a panel

And since i am not going to make one myself - I am looking for recommendation
And i all ready know what Augiedoggy thinks ( no disrespect intended )

Thanks
Steve

you could have these guys make you something? this meets most of your criteria for $289

http://www.jaggerbushbrewing.com/BBR-10_p_63.html understand there are a lot of safe simple options for controlling a regular 120v outlet (for the second pump) Or buy 2 and still be ahead of the game over a single element control HG box.

 

[brew-in]

"you could have these guys make you something? this meets most of your criteria for $289

http://www.jaggerbushbrewing.com/BBR-10_p_63.html understand there are a lot of safe simple options for controlling a regular 120v outlet (for the second pump) Or buy 2 and still be ahead of the game over a single element control HG box."

Nice looking panel and good functionality for less than $300....any idea how the inside (wiring, ssr, etc.) is constructed?

 

[brew-in]

fourth pic in the slideshow on the Jagger Bush Brewing Company home page shows the wiring of the internals of one of their controllers....it looks well done...

 

[pretzelb]

Again there's nothing to copy... they are just selling your run of the mill basic brewing control panel. The only trade secrets I thing they are hiding are the shortcuts they used to build it faster and cheaper which will or can work against the buyer later if something goes wrong.

There are other people and companies building and selling the same product for more reasonable fees already high gravity just makes more profits off each one so they can afford to spend more on advertising/ marketing.

It would be unfortunate if these started having relays failing and one was to find out they need to remove the old one with a chisel because the thing was epoxied together to slap them together and get them out the door with no thought to how they are going to be maintained after that... its not like these are selling at an economical budget price... They should not be built that way, Right?

What would be examples of better priced and quality panels that the non DIY person could trust?

Seems like you don't have an issue with people who don't want to make their own, and you know what counts as quality for parts and workmanship, but I don't recall seeing examples that you deem better or even reasonable.

If you think it's OK for someone to buy one of these pre-built then it would be immensely helpful to have recommendations on superior products.

 

[joebob296]

What would be examples of better priced and quality panels that the non DIY person could trust?

Seems like you don't have an issue with people who don't want to make their own, and you know what counts as quality for parts and workmanship, but I don't recall seeing examples that you deem better or even reasonable.

If you think it's OK for someone to buy one of these pre-built then it would be immensely helpful to have recommendations on superior products.

Kals panels