NEW StrangeBrew Elsinore Thread

[bl4s7er]

How many others have bothered with the pressure sensor/volume measurement? Do you use it Doug?

I was really excited about incorporating this for the Hot liquor tank and wondered if it's possible to use it with triggers? For instance input desired volume 'x' then press start/pump etc. pump turns on until volume has dropped by x amount. This would be frikken awesome!

 

[stratslinger]

What kind of a probe/sensor would you use for that? It definitely sounds like a promising idea!

 

[bl4s7er]

What kind of a probe/sensor would you use for that? It definitely sounds like a promising idea!

So far as I know it's already integrated. See this link http://dougedey.github.io/2014/12/20/Volume_Setup/

Based on research I've done on the brewtroller which also uses the same sensor it appears to be very accurate and it sounds like ppl are using it for automated volume transfers as per my previous post. Just wondering if something similar is possible with strangebrew elsinore using triggers?

 

[user 101620]

So far as I know it's already integrated. See this link http://dougedey.github.io/2014/12/20/Volume_Setup/

Based on research I've done on the brewtroller which also uses the same sensor it appears to be very accurate and it sounds like ppl are using it for automated volume transfers as per my previous post. Just wondering if something similar is possible with strangebrew elsinore using triggers?

Theoretically you can, but the new UI doesn't have volume support in it (yet)

 

[bl4s7er]

Theoretically you can, but the new UI doesn't have volume support in it (yet)

Hey Doug, has there been much interest in this area? Do you yourself use it (or have used it) and what was your experience like?

Was the UI update a complete rewrite (including background processes/functions)? Or is it just a case of updating the UI to work with the existing functions?

 

[cdubbaya]

This is true, i suck at CSS but i may be able to make something happen

My CSS skills are probably a bit deprecated at this point, but if anyone has taken a crack at styling the UI a bit more, I'd be interested in seeing the stylesheet.



Overall its a clean look and doesn't bother me much, but a sleek UI would go a long way on this product.

 

[stratslinger]

I actually really like the updated UI... The one thing I miss, compared to the old (and maybe I just haven't found it yet?) is the capability to color-code each of my controls. After playing around in the old GUI, I went out of my way to color code my element plugs and the associated temperature probes - all HLT stuff is yellow, Brew Kettle is blue, etc... I used colored electrical tape and colored RJ-45 stress relief booties on my temp probes to get the effect, and then updated Elsinore to 2.0, and now for the life of me I can't figure out how to make my HLT control label Yellow again. Not a major thing, but would be nice to have. (It would probably also spoil the look Doug's going for here, and I get that too!)

One thing I'm having a bit of trouble figuring out so far (I've only really used the system for one brew so far) is Triggers... I get the concept, but not the implementation. Say I want to set a trigger up on my boil kettle, but focused on Duty Cycles, and not on Set Points. Is that possible? I want to tell it to run 100% until it hits about 208F, then scale back to an 80% Duty Cycle.

Or to do something a little more complex: I'm running a HERMS system. So, say I run my HLT to my desired Mash Temp. I mash in, then want to set a Trigger to do the following:
- Wait 10 minutes
- Start wort pump
- Wait 35 minutes
- Increase HLT set point to 168 (I typically mash for 45 minutes - the 10 minute mash+35 minutes recirculation)
- Wait 15 minutes
- Maybe sound an audible alarm? (Not sure if Elsinore can do this, or if I'd need to install one of those Buzzer/LED jobs)

I put up a question about this on the Reddit, but haven't gotten any responses - I'm a newbie to Reddit, so there's every chance I posted it in a way that's not visible or somesuch... Apologies if you have already seen this there and I'm just spamming at this point!

 

[Alt]

One thing I'm having a bit of trouble figuring out so far (I've only really used the system for one brew so far) is Triggers... I get the concept, but not the implementation. Say I want to set a trigger up on my boil kettle, but focused on Duty Cycles, and not on Set Points. Is that possible? I want to tell it to run 100% until it hits about 208F, then scale back to an 80% Duty Cycle.

Funny, I read the entire thread hoping I might answer this same question. Guess I should have worked backwards. This functionality is how I understand Auber's new EZBoil to operate in boil mode and what I would like to mimic. But with the EZBoil you would need to adjust several parameters on the fly to step mash, whereas you could define that in advance in SBE. If I followed correctly, SBE currently only allows PID mode (auto) for a temperature trigger. To mimic the EZBoil you would need to be able to select manual and then set a duty cycle. I don't think you can do that currently in SBE. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

 

[wbarber69]

For manual functionality I still switch over to
using a ssvr setup

 

[esva_rig]

Just getting started making a system from scratch based on all the info I've gleaned from this thread, and all of the other electric brewing resources I've scoured over the past year or so. I'm VERY excited to get my Pi wired up to some relays.

Many, many, many thanks to Doug for making my electric brewing dream a much closer reality than spending multiple thousands of dollars on a pre-made setup.

Finally got "my" Pi setup reading and outputting, just need to figure out my connections to the Pi now. Anyone have any advice on breakout boards or connectors? I saw cank's post with his boards, but I was hoping for something a little less solder intensive...

Cheers!

 

[ArmOnFire]

This requires no assembly:
http://www.seeedstudio.com/depot/Prototype-Shield-for-Raspberry-Pi-p-1831.html

Few options to buy from, but this requires some assembly:
https://www.google.com/search?q=Ras...yping+Breadboard+Shield+Add-on+Board&tbm=shop

I bought one on eBay (but from a US seller)and has been working for over a year with no issues, including changing to a Pi2 (40pin) board, just verify your GPIO.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Prototype-E...500735?hash=item418d00987f:g:fHgAAOSwyZ5UmNJH

 

[blitzer]

Hi guys,
finally completed Control Panel based on SB Elsinore, and done a couple of batch, everything work flawlessly!

link of the build HERE

Complete setup HERE

And a brew day with it HERE

I was working on tuning the pid setting, but during that i verify that for a setpoint of 67°C i overshoot just 0,3 degrees, and from that temperature is around -0,4c and 0.....so really happy with it!
Just to share 4kw elements for 20/22Gallon i've set P=57 I=0 D=0)

 

[esva_rig]

This requires no assembly:
http://www.seeedstudio.com/depot/Prototype-Shield-for-Raspberry-Pi-p-1831.html

Few options to buy from, but this requires some assembly:
https://www.google.com/search?q=Ras...yping+Breadboard+Shield+Add-on+Board&tbm=shop

I bought one on eBay (but from a US seller)and has been working for over a year with no issues, including changing to a Pi2 (40pin) board, just verify your GPIO.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Prototype-E...500735?hash=item418d00987f:g:fHgAAOSwyZ5UmNJH

Thanks! Most of those look pretty do-able. I was also considering just doing a ribbon cable from the Pi to a 25 or 50 pin DSUB connector and then from inside my enclosure run wires from a mating DSUB to my components. That way I could keep the Pi separate, or switch it out for an alternate controller or later version Pi later. Thoughts?

I was also planning on having my enclosure setup such that I could run it manual without the Pi (or any control algorithm) but I'd still have the ability to turn the elements off and on, in case of a glitch or other issue.

 

[georgedamonkey]

It just seems there are so many different ways to do it, various parts. In the end what i want to do is make a post similar to my BrewPi one for Elsinore, but im in between houses and new baby so have a lack of time for the next month or two.

Basically "Buy these things, hook them up here, program this, and brew". And cheaply as possible without buying known shoddy parts. Granted the user base for people going electric is a bit smaller than those that are building Ferm chambers, but i think a lot of people weren't quite as afraid of BrewPi after reading my post and gave it a shot after seeing how cheaply it could be done. These are only moderately more complex than a BrewPi setup, but obviously care always needs to be taken when dealing with high voltage stuff.

I think the same thing could be done for Electric brewing if people could more easily know how to build their own Elsinore box instead of dropping 1.5-3k for a EBS BCS box or Kal clone. Seems obvious thats why Elsinore exists in the first place to lower that cost of entry, i just dont think the actual "How to build one" has been given enough thought or documentation unless i am missing something.

My goal is to basically explain how to build a DIY Hosehead, for those that want to save some money.

Your BrewPi thread was invaluable to me being able to actually make one. Now, I've got a dual chamber setup and I'm absolutely loving it. I can't thank you enough for that.

Did you ever end up making one for Elsinore? A DIY Hosehead would help me, and I'm sure many others.

 

[FuzzeWuzze]

Your BrewPi thread was invaluable to me being able to actually make one. Now, I've got a dual chamber setup and I'm absolutely loving it. I can't thank you enough for that.

Did you ever end up making one for Elsinore? A DIY Hosehead would help me, and I'm sure many others.

No unfortunately not yet, got into a project to make an even cheaper version based on brewpi(wont be called brewpi) thats RPI only, once that projects out maybe ill have some time.

 

[georgedamonkey]

No unfortunately not yet, got into a project to make an even cheaper version based on brewpi(wont be called brewpi) thats RPI only, once that projects out maybe ill have some time.

Excellent, thank you!

 

[Loky]

Hi Doug,

i have one small question.
Is there any way, how to add to Auto od Hysterezis mode Cycle Time and Duty Cycle function ?
We are brewing in czech, and we have problem with power driving of heating elements, because we are changing amount of brewed beer in our steps (full amount, 1/3 amount, 3/5 amount of beer) and we must watch and abide max 1°C per minute.
Thank you for your answer and sorry for my english

Loky

 

[Dolomieu]

is there no longer an edit button? for what ever reason the three units i'm working on don't have edit buttons and i can't edit the brewery name like see others doing. anyone know how i managed to screw this up?

 

[user 101620]

is there no longer an edit button? for what ever reason the three units i'm working on don't have edit buttons and i can't edit the brewery name like see others doing. anyone know how i managed to screw this up?

Just click the brewery name to change it.

 

[Dolomieu]

I'll try again tonight and maybe post a screenshot. I've tried clicking on it just like you said, but no dice. Of course I will try again, and appreciate the help. Thanks Doug

 

[user 101620]

If you're on a pre February 12th version, you need to double click, post that, single click.

 

[Dolomieu]

So I noticed that "your brewery" actually disappears on me. I was able to get it on my phone by refreshing and quickly tapping at it the best I could. I was able to change it, which made it show up on the page properly.

So how does one move the individual displays around. I'd like to keep the system temp but move it to the bottom. The videos show an edit button, but I don't see one on web interface. Is it disappearing on me too?

 

[Dolomieu]

Thanks again for the help. I was able to get all three names labeled. Which will help a lot while I work on these 3 setups. If I could move the displays around that would be great. If not, no big deal. Sorry if this has been covered to death.

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[user 101620]

Reordering is not available at present in the UX

 

[chiefwigms]

Here's my hosehead clone

It'd still be awesome to get the current monitor sensors integrated with SBE (digital display w/ triggers for over current). A few months ago Doug mentioned editing/refactoring the PH sensor code, but looks too messy at first glance (the board I'm using transfers arduino data across a serial connection rather than just being able to read analog values).

 

[Dolomieu]

Fair enough. Thanks for the help and all the hard work!

 

[swimIan]

Hey all. Haven't had time to read to entire thread. I am looking for some how to resources for recommended parts list, wiring, and general info to build my own hosehead clone. I'm wanting to build a 2 vessel, single tier, one element, two pump controller. I have an blichmann autosparge so no need to control the fluid levels. Current gfci breaker is 30 amps and 4 wire outlet. I am thinking of getting the raspberry pi 3 with SBE installed from hosehead and then doing the rest myself.

 

[HBBC]

Looking for help with setup for fermentation controller only - no replies in Automated Brewing forum... thought I'd link here...
I expect it's a simple answer...
Thanks!
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=590704

 

[jgalak]

Most of the Strangebrew discussion seems to be over on reddit these days: reddit.com/r/strangebrew.

 

[stratslinger]

There's definitely one guy on the strangebrew reddit who built out a Strangebrew-based controller for both brewery control and kegerator/fermentation cabinet temp control. He may be able to provide a few details to get you started for PID values for that purpose.

It's actually relatively easy to figure out PID settings on an electric kettle. Since it would seem to operate so much more slowly, a fermentation chamber would seemingly be a little tougher.