Pandemonium's 3 Vessel, Single Tier, eHERMs Build!

[Mountainsax]

Did a leak test and tested the heating element out this weekend in the boil kettle.

7.5 gallons from 45 F to 155 F in 20 minutes. 155 - boil in 12 minutes! Very happy with that!

Now I just have to figure out how to set/calibrate the MyPin PID so that it reads accurately. It about 65 when the water was 45 and reading 68 when it was 108. Working in deciphering the instructions!

View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1451936871.335042.jpg

 

[Mountainsax]

I figured out the PID issue! I started thinking it might be a wiring issue, so with power on (and no, I don't recommend working in the control panel with it energized!) I started trying different combinations for the wiring from the temp probe to the PID. I was able to find the right configuration, the interesting thing is that it doesn't match either the wiring diagram for the PID, or the wiring on theelectricbrewery.com for the temp probes.

All I care about is that it works!!

 

[Mountainsax]

So everything is basically finished! I'm just waiting on two elbows, two valves, and a tee that I made the mistake of ordering off fleebay from China, over two months ago! After they were supposedly shipped twice, I have re-ordered them from bargainfittings.com and should have them in a week.

I thought some who were thinking about a similar build might be interested in my costs. I may have missed a few little pieces here and there, but this covers 95% of what it took me to put it together. I still need the pH meter and some water addition staples.

 

[Mountainsax]

It's ready!!


I wanted something to keep all the cables and wires neat and organized. So, going along with the budget stand, I found a piece of 1-1/2" PVC pipe I had, cut a channel and some notches out, applied a little spray paint and attached it to the back of the stand. It works great! The only thing I didn't think about is the blue temp probe wire from the mash tun isn't long enough to go into the cable tray.

 

[RocketBrewer]

Clever idea on the cable trough. Pretty handy!

 

[Mountainsax]

Clever idea on the cable trough. Pretty handy!

Thanks!

 

[jcav]

Nice job, good luck on your first brew day!

John

 

[Mountainsax]

If the tax return comes in time (still need a pH meter and small scale), the plan is to make the first brew a clone of my wife's favorite local beer; Ska's Modus Hoperandi IPA!

 

[La1982]

Where did you source all of your parts.

 

[Mountainsax]

Where did you source all of your parts.

If you look back a few posts I provided a list of most of the parts, the cost, and also the supplier.

 

[Mountainsax]

Two brews in and I'm super happy with the new rig! We had a real hard time holding a steady mash temp in the first run. I had to auto tune the PIDs and then the second batch went much smoother, held temp within 1degree.

We have had some frustrations with getting the pumps to prime. I might put a T and ball valve on the outlet of each pump as a vent.

Definitely enough power from the heating elements! We have had near boil overs on both batches with 7.5 gal in 15 gal pots!

I'm probably going to install a whirl pooling inlet to the BK, and maybe a screen in the dip tube to reduce the turn that gets pulled into the fermenter.

Otherwise it's awesome!!

 

[jcav]

If you add a T and a valve you will be able to purge the air very quickly and prime those pumps with ease. I have tri clovers and use this sampling valve https://www.brewershardware.com/1-1.5-Tri-Clover-X-1-2-Sample-Valve.html
on a tee, but a ball valve will work great too. Makes for a much smoother brew day when those pumps are primed in a jiffy.

John