Hosehead Brewery Controller

[goomba]

Hello fellow Brewers,
I've been researching ebrewing for quite some time. Can someone give me an objective observation on this controller? Below is what I'm looking for in an ebrewing setup as well as my system.

--System (pretty standard):
3 keggle HERMS with 2 pumps

--Ebrew wants:
Temp control automation for variable rest temps, hop stands, and any other random temp desire I want.

I do not need any automation for time or valves movements; still plan to be involved on brew day.

I've priced many DIY methods with PIDs and switches, and I can't seem to get it done (and look legit) for the price of the Hosehead unit. Especially one that is capable as his new one that can support 50 amps (back to back).

I am fairly handy with projects like this, I just don't want to do this one.

BLUF: Given my setup/needs, would YOU be happy with the capability of the Hosehead? What considerations would keep you away from this. Link below for reference.
http://brewtronix.com/

-Greg

 

[sharp6]

I am also looking at the hosehead for my future ebrewery. I currently have 2 keggles and a cooler mashtun in my setup and would like to add a third kettle to replace the cooler. I am wanting to make 10 galllon batches possibly back to back which makes the hosehead very tempting. I have read a few posts on here who say they are happy with their purchase (https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=492406). My major concern is software/hardware stability concerning the raspberry pi. I own a raspberry pi 2 and can say that it is fairly stable outside of needing to reboot it occasionally. But it definitely does need to be rebooted sometimes, which I could see being a bit of a problem in the middle of a brewday. It appears that the strangebrew elsinore software supports multi step mashes. (http://onbrewing.com/strangebrew-elsinore-vs-traditional-brewery-controllers/) Once I get my electric service upgraded to 200 amps and 220 ran to where I need it, which unfortunately may be awhile, I am going to pick up a hosehead,

 

[FuzzeWuzze]

I built my own Strangebrew Elsinore panel(The software Hosehead uses is Strangebrew Elsinore) to control a setup exactly as your describing.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/2798684/Brewery Build/2015-08-09 21.05.17.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/2798684/Brewery Build/2015-09-08 00.11.26.jpg

Works great.

FWIW Im in the process of writing an article on building your own SBE Panel, but it wont be available for a few more days yet as there is a ton of information required

If you care keep an eye out on the reddit.com/r/strangebrew page over the next week or two as i get it all wrapped up or just PM me.

That said Hosehead is a good value if you dont want to make it yourself. Personally I'm not a fan of no mechanical switches which is why i decided to build my own. There are no safeguards in SBE to prevent you from powering on multiple elements or dry firing your elements or other things that could trip your breaker and or break things. I like being able to force both my elements off and kill power to the entire box if i need to. Its saved me a few times.

Im also a firm believer you shouldnt be using EPanels unless you understand how they work on the inside and what each component is doing. Even with my panel hard mounted to a wall not ever moving i open it up every few brews to do a quick once over on the connections to make sure nothing is coming loose. Plus if anything breaks ill know how to fix it.

 

[F18Paul]

fuzzewuzze...do you have an updated link to your build instructions?

 

[augiedoggy]

fuzzewuzze...do you have an updated link to your build instructions?

I think life got in the way, havent seen Fuzzewuzze here in a while..

 

[happyappy]

I know this is an old thread...but I purchased a hosehead unit last year and its been solid. I have the 1bbl system that allows me to run two 5500 watt elements in both the HLT and BK, and run them both at the same time. I tried for months to put together a mechanical type system with the same capability for less, and decided the hosehead was the best value. We've got at least 8 batches plus testing, cleaning etc. runs complete with no issues whatsoever. Given the plug and play option that hosehead provides, I'm surprised more aren't using it.