Monitor for Tilt hydrometer

[Maylar]

I want to get a Tilt hydrometer but I don't have any compatible mobile devices like a smart phone or tablet. I do have a regular PC and WiFi but no bluetooth on that.

So, looking at Android phones on eBay they want to know what network I'd be using. Since the only use for this would be to monitor the Tilt, I assume carrier SIM card doesn't matter. Just need the app, right?

Any gotcha's I should be aware of?

 

[rossi46]

Buy a Amazon Fire Tablet. $50, on sale for $40 right now.
https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Tablet-...5BESY&psc=1&qid=1571677246&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

 

[brewbama]

Having a dedicated device to have the app open so it will log to Google Sheets is the only gotcha I know.

If you’re like me and fermenting in stainless in a fridge in the basement, the signal won’t make it upstairs so I have the repeater.

If I set the dedicated device next to the fridge and simply monitored via Google Sheets from another device I wouldn’t need the repeater.

The $40 tablet idea above sounds good.

 

[Maylar]

Thanks guys.

 

[bruce_the_loon]

Raspberry Pi with TiltPi.

 

[cheesebach]

Raspberry Pi with TiltPi.

This is what I do. It's cheap and there's a step-by-step guide on the Tilt website to help you get it set up.

 

[Jag75]

Seen one at my LHBS . Never thought I'd get one but for some reason it's been on my mind . Just how accurate are these tilts?

 

[homebrewfinds]

Here's our review... https://www.homebrewfinds.com/2018/02/hands-on-review-tilt-bluetooth-fermentation-hydrometer.html Also integrates with Brewfather now!

 

[brewbama]

...and I saw a note from Brad on his forum that he’s getting information from Tilt to integrate it into BeerSmith.

 

[CodeSection]

Seen one at my LHBS . Never thought I'd get one but for some reason it's been on my mind . Just how accurate are these tilts?

Mine has been very accurate in both gravity readings and temperature (when compared with my hydrometer and refractometer) except when cold crashing. I have stopped taking samples and using my refractometer to determine when fermentation is complete. I still take OG and FG measurements using all three instruments.

For me, it is easier to read the Tilt's data to determine when to raise the fermentation temp slightly near the end of the fermentation. The graph gives a good visual as well.

When it comes to cold crashing, I find the Tilt's temperature reading does not agree with the temperature probe that is in the fermenter. Unlike some others, I am able to cold crash my CF10 to 36F. I am using an IceMaster 100 as opposed to a Penguin which the others are using. It may be the difference in the size of the IceMaster 100 eight gallon reservoir that allows me to go to 36F.

I suspect there is thermal stratification that is occurring that explains the differences in temperature.

 

[Jag75]

Thanks codeSection. I'm really leaning on getting one . It be perfect for Lagers. I wouldn't have to pull any samples before I start raising then temp. Just another cool brewing gadget lol.

 

[Maylar]

Buy a Amazon Fire Tablet. $50, on sale for $40 right now.
https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Tablet-...5BESY&psc=1&qid=1571677246&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

It doesn't say anything about Bluetooth... is the Tilt WiFi enabled?

 

[day_trippr]

"External volume controls, built-in Bluetooth with support for A2DP compatible stereo headphones, speakers, microphone, and LE accessories support"

Hopefully the "LE Accessories" includes a BT profile that will work with a Tilt...

Cheers!

 

[bruce_the_loon]

The Tilt app is on the Amazon app store for their Fire tablets, so hopefully the Fire 7 does include the right profiles. App's been there since 2018, the linked Fire 7 is supposedly a 2019 revision.

 

[Maylar]

Good... 'cuz it arrived today

 

[Alex4mula]

Did it work?

 

[Maylar]

Don't have the Tilt yet - just the tablet.

 

[Maylar]

Buy a Amazon Fire Tablet. $50, on sale for $40 right now.
https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Tablet-...5BESY&psc=1&qid=1571677246&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

So, I bought that tablet and I'm sorta regretting it. It's Amazon ONLY. You can't get apps from anywhere else. Tech support says it's "not compatible" with Google Play. That $40 price is with "special options", which means they put adds and wallpapers from their partners in your face. To turn that feature off they charge you another $15. Bite me, Amazon.

That being said, I bought the thing specifically for the Tilt and it works.

 

[day_trippr]

Ok, it's your first exposure to the Amazon realm, and you'll likely believe anything they tell you.
But it isn't the case: we have a couple of Fire HD 10s and they are loaded with apps that did not come through Amazon.

It's called "side loading". You just need to download the APK for an app and then execute it.

I suggest the first one you install is ES File Explorer as once you have that the Android app world is your oyster...

Cheers!

 

[Jag75]

Is there a tilt app on droids? I use my phone for everything because I dont have a pc.

 

[day_trippr]

Of course.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.baronbrew.tilthydrometerf7

Cheers!

 

[mongoose33]

Seen one at my LHBS . Never thought I'd get one but for some reason it's been on my mind . Just how accurate are these tilts?

At the top end, I've found it overestimates gravity, but as it goes down, it does very well. The last few times it has ended within a point of a measured sample, and even hit it exactly with the Kolsch I kegged today--1.007, right on the nose.

I wanted one primarily so I could estimate when to close up the fermenter to allow it to self-carb. I'm pleased with mine.

 

[Maylar]

Ok, it's your first exposure to the Amazon realm, and you'll likely believe anything they tell you.
But it isn't the case: we have a couple of Fire HD 10s and they are loaded with apps that did not come through Amazon.

It's called "side loading". You just need to download the APK for an app and then execute it.

I suggest the first one you install is ES File Explorer as once you have that the Android app world is your oyster...

Cheers!

Thanks for that. First you have to disable the "security" setting that prevents downloading non-Amazon apps. What can I do with that file explorer?

 

[day_trippr]

If you're on a LAN you can connect to your computers to pull/push files as desired.
As well it provides a ton of useful tools including application backup so you can save an app before updating it in case the new version blows goats (it happens - there have been revisions of the HBT app that were nfg)...

Cheers!

 

[rossi46]

watch this video, it shows you how to install google play store.

 

[Maylar]

What kind of range can I expect from the Tilt? I have it in a plastic bucket in my basement and it loses connection sometimes. Maybe 30 feet, wooden floored house.

 

[CodeSection]

What kind of range can I expect from the Tilt? I have it in a plastic bucket in my basement and it loses connection sometimes. Maybe 30 feet, wooden floored house.

There are various classes of Bluetooth ranges. The typical is a Class 2 that has a range of 30'. Tilt's FAQs indicate the Tilt's range is up to 25'. Thus, you are pushing the outer limits at roughly 30'.

The Bluetooth range is affected by many things like walls, floors, steel, etc that cause it to be reduced. In my case, the range I have with my CF10 is only about a foot. Therefore, I have an old iPhone resting in the CF10's handle.

I guess you could buy a Bluetooth repeater, but it really doesn't sound like you need one. I would try moving the fermenter closer to where you are reading the data or set it up that way next time.

 

[Maylar]

Thanks for that. I was hoping to keep tabs on the ferment from my office in the house. Even if I have to keep the tablet downstairs it'll keep me from having to open the bucket for SG samples.

 

[Maylar]

So, got the Tilt setup with a batch of cider. 1.050 OG, Tilt says 1.049... close enough. Next morning it says 1.059. Uh huh. Last night it says 1.079. A little bit of foam makes the thing go stupid.

What a POS.

 

[Jag75]

Ugh ....so your saying it's not accurate and not to buy it? I've been watching this thread as my intrest in the tilt has grown. No not so sure.