Johnson A419 or build?

[Rat35]

Building a RIMS tube and wondering if I should go with a Johnson or build my own controller. If I build my one what would you recommend? Don't have a lot of money to throw at it either. Thanks for your response. Jake

 

[doug293cz]

An A419 is not appropriate for controlling a RIMS. The A419 operates pretty much the same way as an STC-1000 (except the A419 is single acting, and the STC-1000 is double acting.) I explained why these types of simple on/off controllers with mechanical relay outputs are inappropriate for RIMS use in this post.

The current best choice for a controller uses the Auber Instruments EZBoil DSPR120 or DSPR300. These perform the function of a PID (as well as other functions) but are much easier to get working well (i.e. controlling set point temperature where you want it.)

Brew on

 

[RM-MN]

Building a RIMS tube and wondering if I should go with a Johnson or build my own controller. If I build my one what would you recommend? Don't have a lot of money to throw at it either. Thanks for your response. Jake

Have you thought out exactly why you need (want?) a RIMS tube? Will it improve your beer so much that the cost is worth it? Would you be better served by buying more grains and compensating for the increased (are you sure?) efficiency that you might get with a RIMS tube?

Have you considered spending some cash on a mesh bag and a Corona mill so you can reduce the time for conversion so the RIMS tube is unnecessary?

 

[day_trippr]

What?