Probably won't hurt anything...what are the temps for the Z series when normally operating? I am assuming they still have the three temp sensors.
Mike,Probably won't hurt anything...what are the temps for the Z series when normally operating? I am assuming they still have the three temp sensors.
@memphisbrews I PM'd you
The procedure is too lengthy to post here and it would just get lost in the shuffle. If you need it, PM me.
Thank you very much Mike for the instructions and the suggested glycol reservoir. I installed the glycol reservoir next to the step filter bay below the motor for the stepper arm and ran the tubes through the existing port where the wires are routed to the lower assembly. I ran a cleaning cycle and the temperature difference between the cleaning water and glycol was between 10-20F during the heating cycles. It completed the cleaning cycle with no error codes. I will try brewing a beer this weekend and it looks like it should function with no issues. Now that the reservoir is on the top level, should I need to add glycol, it will be much easier than trying to disassemble to the lower level of the Zymatic, disassemble the heating lines, fill with glycol and then purge the air from the lines. I do not know why PicoBrew did not just install a glycol reservoir at the factory.
Thanks again for your help for all of us Zymatic brewers that have been left high and dry by PicoBrew.
I developed the procedure and have been distributing it via email. I PM'd you.I am on my last step before i give up on my Zymatic Fata Error Code # 1, i bought some Glycol to top off. Does anyone have the Disassembly instruction for the Zymatic please? Thank you so much!
Thank you very much!I developed the procedure and have been distributing it via email. I PM'd you.
OFFLINE SOFTWARE UPDATE:
I've got the Stepper Arm working for each position finally and I am working on synchronizing it to the encoder so it can rehome itself and allow for fine tuning of positioning. Once that is complete I'll move on to water testing to make sure the PID is working and determine the default values. I added process blocking to the RIMS unit so it could not activate without the Glycol pump running or the Wort pump running and I added a new chart to monitor the STD DEV of the three temp sensors. The warning and error values still need to be determined after some trial runs along with some other process blocks to prevent system damage and common mistakes. The controller works off of BeerSmithXML files or Picobrew Recipe Crafter beerXML output but should work with any beerXML file.
View attachment 687121
Mike , Do you have a GoFundMe page, so we can contribute?OFFLINE SOFTWARE UPDATE:
I've got the Stepper Arm working for each position finally and I am working on synchronizing it to the encoder so it can rehome itself and allow for fine tuning of positioning. Once that is complete I'll move on to water testing to make sure the PID is working and determine the default values. I added process blocking to the RIMS unit so it could not activate without the Glycol pump running or the Wort pump running and I added a new chart to monitor the STD DEV of the three temp sensors. The warning and error values still need to be determined after some trial runs along with some other process blocks to prevent system damage and common mistakes. The controller works off of BeerSmithXML files or Picobrew Recipe Crafter beerXML output but should work with any beerXML file.
View attachment 687121
Mike , Do you have a GoFundMe page, so we can contribute?
I've been remiss in not putting together my mod document and posting what I have done to my Zymatic, I've honestly just been very busy and the lockdown has the brewery trying to keep up. I was also hoping to get the RPi mod completed before publishing my mod document.
In the meantime, here are the main components:
Here is the tank I have used as my glycol reservoir.
Plate Chiller
Pumps
I replaced all of the tubing and fittings and most of you know I already replaced the RIMS element and associated wiring.
Mike,
Please also send me your complete upgrade procedure. I will order the Reservoir, Chiller and Pumps; Yet, can you include links for all other upgrade parts, such as stainless steel connections, etc. and any other upgrades you think useful. I would PM you yet the forum will not allow me to.
Thank you!
My Zymatic is failing to get through a V1 clean. It ways fails with an Error #1. I think it's not pumping any water from the keg. If I hold the get up above the Zymatic then a little water will flow, but when I set the keg back on the ground then water stops working again. Does anyone have any idea how to fix this?
Question#2, what's the best thing to do with a useless Zymatic?
Huge Shout out to @Mike Howard and others for posting their breakdown and modification posts. I took apart my Zymatic this past week and added the glycol reservoir and was back in business. A quick word of caution about the rez that has been linked here: the threads on my unit were VERY finicky. I thought I had it tightened down all the way only to find it leaking once the temp got high enough. I added some teflon thread tape to help sure this up and made double sure it was tightened down all the way. Added some self sealing silicone tape on the outside just to be sure and all good now.
Thanks again guys. I'm sure I'll be hitting you with more questions now that my unit is working and I start diving into the rPi server deal.
Mike,Quick update on the RPi conversion I am working on.
I've developed a Plug and Play board for the RPi software I have written. This new PCB HAT will connect to the RPi 40 pin connector and then allow you to plug in all of the connectors that the Zymatic has, right to this board, so there is no rewiring involved. The idea is that you will remove the Zymatic PCB, drop this and a RPi in its spot and you are good. The project is coming along nicely and I am hoping to demo it soon with a video I will upload. Right now I've got it Frankensteined with various RPi HAT's and breakout boards to get everything to work, hence the need for this board.
Cross Posted at HBT, PicoBrewing Revival Taskforce and Picobrewers.
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... Could your offline software & hardware run the pump ? I’m assuming it would be just a basic turn pump on when “chilling” phase is on. Maybe an advanced setting for users that have made the modification?
Mike,
Will the PCB HAT that you are developing have an extra GPIO to pug the pump into ? If the HAT that you choose to develop has the space that would be great !
I have purchased the pump and chill plate to mock up, I will send you pictures for proof of concept, just need the extra pins to plug the pump power into
Thanks again !!!
Latest version of the PCB for the Zymatic Raspberry Pi conversion. Sent the order off today and should see them in a couple of weeks. Had to modify the design to include better relay triggering and added an additional power supply buck so I could power the RPi right from this board. Getting very close now...
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Mike,
This is excellent! Question will this board be able to support an extra pump to run a second heat exchanger for the cool down cycle we were talking about above? If not can you let me know what daughter board to get to be able to ?
Can I be on the list for a few of these new boards? You are the best !!
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