Prototype Previews: Hopback and Heat Stick

[nutty_gnome]

My system is modeled after the blichmann brew easy. So I bring 9 to 11 gallons up to strike temp with propane and the 120v stick with a 4400w element (~1200 watts on 120v). Once I strike in, the heatstick stays in the grant vessel (the one below the mash tun) and keeps the constantly recirculating wort at the right temp via a PID. I no longer need to worry about propane during the mash. A float switch keeps the wort levels sufficient to cover the heatstick. Essentially I can strike in and it is a hands off mash until it is time to mash out. Works great!

I don't plan to use the stick during the boil, propane takes care of that.

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[RTL]

Are you planning on releasing a bare bones version and an RTD version of the heat stick? I'm interested in the bare bones version if you have any more prototypes available, or if you decide to release them.


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[LabRatBrewer]

Are you planning on releasing a bare bones version and an RTD version of the heat stick? I'm interested in the bare bones version if you have any more prototypes available, or if you decide to release them.


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Is RTD Resistance Temperature Detector?

 

[erikrocks]

The hopback is definitely coming first because there was much more interest in it. They are officially in production now with native camlock, NPT, and triclover I/O ports. August 1st is a very rough ETA. There was also a lot of interest at NHC for a larger unit that could hold 4-5oz of leaf hops. I'm working on it.

I was one of the guys who came up to you right after the presentation on no-boil hop additions. I'm looking forward to a 6oz hopback!

 

[dougp]

Bobby, I'm highly interested in one of your heatsticks - I'm more inclined for you to let us choose our own method of securing it because you never know how high someone's kettle might be. When do you think these will be released? I'd rather buy one from you than deal with the drain-pipe method. Thanks!

 

[dcbw]

Looking forward to an update soon, let us know when the hop back is in!

 

[Bobby_M]

I do have an update that the body assemblies are all finished. We're having the strainer plates made locally so that won't take much longer. Still no hard ETA though.

 

[beergutbrew]

I do have an update that the body assemblies are all finished. We're having the strainer plates made locally so that won't take much longer. Still no hard ETA though.

What size did you decide on? Any pics?

 

[Bobby_M]

As of the first production units, we're sticking with the 1-2 ounce of whole hops size. It's not a the end of the story but I'm trying to fill a gap in the market for an inexpensive hop back for the 5 gallon batch brewer. The next size would be for 4-5 ounces and I think that means 4" diameter x 10" length.

 

[sumbrewindude]

As of the first production units, we're sticking with the 1-2 ounce of whole hops size. It's not a the end of the story but I'm trying to fill a gap in the market for an inexpensive hop back for the 5 gallon batch brewer. The next size would be for 4-5 ounces and I think that means 4" diameter x 10" length.

That larger one would make an awesome mini-grant for pumps/etc...

Any word on the heatstick progress?

 

[beergutbrew]

As of the first production units, we're sticking with the 1-2 ounce of whole hops size. It's not a the end of the story but I'm trying to fill a gap in the market for an inexpensive hop back for the 5 gallon batch brewer. The next size would be for 4-5 ounces and I think that means 4" diameter x 10" length.

The larger size sounds perfect for my 10-20 gallon setup, can't wait. I know conical-fermenter.com sells some for my size but I like your idea of an additional filter.

 

[wbarber69]

I could easily use up 4oz in a 5gallon batch

 

[dougp]

What about the heat sticks?

 

[DudeAbides]

I'm all about the bare bones heatstick too. I don't see a reason why it would need to be off the bottom anyways.

 

[beergutbrew]

Any updates?

 

[wbarber69]

Haven't seen any…

 

[TonyG]

I have been thinking about adding a heat stick and would sure like a nice, custom made unit over a hacked together home depot project...

 

[Otis1031]

Very interested in the heat stick. Could easily fabricate stand to keep off bottom. Let us know when ready I understand you want it to be top quality and a top design. Im sure this forum group will help you achieve this.

 

[humann_brewing]

I am in the market for a heat stick, are there any updates, need beta testers etc....

I am switching over to a induction cooktop and will supplement power with a heat stick at raise temp quicker when needed.

 

[nutty_gnome]

Hey.. I used my system to do sous vide this weekend with the prototype heat stick shown earlier. That thing is great. Solid and no leaks - it is hefty and stays where you put it. It won't wobble around in the recirculating water. I love it and the family loved the tender pork loin it cooked up! N_G

 

[humann_brewing]

still no word on a product for sale in regards to the heat stick? I am about to build a couple

 

[Bobby_M]

Sorry guys, saying that I've been swamped with work is an understatement. I'm hiring more people to run the day to day operations so that I can get back to new product work. I should know by Friday if the hop back manufacturing went well as that's when I should receive the first 40 units. I plan to offer them at special intro pricing for people willing to give me some comprehensive and honest feedback on their experience with them.

The heat stick took a back seat for a bit, but I will be getting the order going on them soon. I'm willing to offer them in the current prototype phase without the hanging clamp and built in thermocouple and then I can address premium options later on. It occurred to me that the long drop tube doesn't necessarily have to be large enough for 10/3 SJ cord. It just needs a grip on top to hold the cord and then the three inner conductors can be run down a thinner drop tube. This is especially true due to how many people will likely be running 120v elements.

 

[djt17]

I am also interested in a prototype heat stick.

 

[Bobby_M]

Ok, well scratch the hop back off the list of "soon available". They forgot to make a critical component and I didn't realize it until I just received the shipment today. Damn.

 

[wbarber69]

It's okay Bobby…. At least you'll have those slick thermowells for sale soon. That's what I'm waiting for right now.

 

[Bobby_M]

Got em, just have to put them on the site today.

 

[wbarber69]

Like

 

[cank]

Put me on the list for the hopback when you get it worked out.

 

[Bobby_M]

The good news on the hopback is that the factory did make all the parts and they just missed some in the shipment. They are being shipped DHL and I'll have them next week. I still need to make sure it all fits together properly, but it's a lot better than what I thought happened.

The 10" and 18" long thermowells are now in stock and on the website. For those who don't know, we had those 18" long bare tube thermowells that we first got specifically to use in carboys that have either a carboy cap or double drilled stopper. The new ones with the reverse bushing welded on are the answer to the same problem, but for those who use fermenters with a flat top such as a conical, SS Brewbucket, etc. These allow you to drill a 1/2" hole and install a thermowell in a weldless and reasonably sanitary way. No grommets or stoppers. Basically they look like this, but longer. The larger tube accepts the probes from the STS-1000, Johnson A419, etc:
http://brewhardware.com/measurement-devices/thermometers-71/174-thermowells

The other thing we just got in, which may not be particularly useful for the masses, is a triclover to camlock adapter fitting. It's pretty to look at anyway.

 

[wbarber69]

Thanks bobby. That new triclover fitting would be perfect for changing out an element for another inlet/outlet if needed on cleaning day or some other purpose.