My ghetto temperature controller (PID, SSR) build

[stonebrewer]

I have struggled since I got my Stout mash tun to keep temperature steady during the mash. I was experiencing a temperature gradient throughout the tun as well as heat loss over time. I also wanted to do a few beers where step mashing would help or is required. So I decided to try to build a RIMS system, and with the help of HBT and BobbyM, I built a working system which I used yesterday for the first beer run (did a water only run to test last week). I brewed up a Pliney the Elder clone using the system and it worked well.

Here's a short video: [ame="http://youtu.be/Qs7BaHf0_jo"]http://youtu.be/Qs7BaHf0_jo[/ame]

I will post a few more detailed pictures when I have time and as I clean up the prototype.

Cheers!

 

[funnycreature]

Looking forward to this especially due to the fact that I live close by and hope to get real-life help if I should start a RIMS too!

EDIT: A parts list would also be appreciated

 

[stonebrewer]

Been out of town a lot since I built this, but I am back for a bit so I should be able to update this thread with some information.

funnycreature: I will put together a detailed parts list as soon as I can. The basics were an old metal box I had laying around, a PID from Auber (Model 4352, SSR Controller), a 25A SSR from Auber, a K-type probe from Auber, the RIMS kit from BobbyM, and some pieces and parts I had around the house (some wire for the build as well as power cords, connectors, etc). I also added a 10A breaker (needs to be 15A, but is what I had laying around...will replace soon), a three light switch, and a GFCI outlet. I think I bought a couple of small electrical items off Amazon or ebay too, so I will get that info together. Took about 6 hours to get assembled and tested, stretched over a 3 day period.

The Pliny I brewed in the video is kegged and I have had a couple of sample glasses, for quality control you know...turned out great! Being able to keep the mash at temperature is one of the better things I have done to improve my brewing as it allows me better repeatability. Having the mash temperature vary like before yielded mouth feel and sugar profiles that I couldn't quite dial in. Cheers!