Unboxing the Nano from CO Brewing

[pretzelb]

My new 20g Nano brew system arrived. I still need to get the outlet installed so it will be a while before I can brew. Just thought I'd document the install.

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[FuzzeWuzze]

Cant wait to see it unwrapped...

Am i the only one who thought "Well la de da look at this ****ing guy with floor molding in his garage"

Is that a thing in certain places ive never seen such a thing.

 

[Baja_Brewer]

Tease.

 

[pretzelb]

Here are some more. The kettle and the filter. Then the panel, and box of parts.

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[pretzelb]

Problem number one - missing the sight glass. Second issue is my plate chiller and the connectors. But I do have other quick disconnects that will work. But now I need to order some more NPTs and figure out how to work the hoses.

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[Pantherjon]

Boy, sure looks like the shipping company used those boxes as stools or kick balls! And you were missing you sight glass and fittings that wouldn't work?..Shame on Co Brewing to ship without the sight glass..Personally, if I spent the $'s for this system, I would have been on the phone with them as soon as seeing the condition of the boxes, and had them on the line as I unpacked and assembled...Hope they fix it for you..

 

[pretzelb]

Cant wait to see it unwrapped...

Am i the only one who thought "Well la de da look at this ****ing guy with floor molding in his garage"

Is that a thing in certain places ive never seen such a thing.

When we first started to shop homes from this builder I said nearly the same thing about the garage. If it wasn't for the fact that we built the house so my dad could live with us (selling 2 homes to build 1 new one) there is no way we'd end up here. Funny thing is, it really doesn't cost much to paint and put up crown molding in a garage but it sure has an impact.

 

[pretzelb]

Boy, sure looks like the shipping company used those boxes as stools or kick balls! And you were missing you sight glass and fittings that wouldn't work?..Shame on Co Brewing to ship without the sight glass..Personally, if I spent the $'s for this system, I would have been on the phone with them as soon as seeing the condition of the boxes, and had them on the line as I unpacked and assembled...Hope they fix it for you..

I failed to get a true picture of how it looked off the truck. It came on a pallet and we had to take it off in order for it to fit in the garage. We cam really close to whacking the garage door before I saw the problem. I think it was all wrapped on the pallet in one giant ball.

The missing sight glass will be sent today. I had an immediate response.

The fittings not working is my fault. They gave me some fittings that should work for any chilling option, but I never looked at my specific chill plate to see if they would work. One of the reasons I decided to NOT build a system all on my own was because of how terrible I am with getting all the details correct.

 

[jready]

I'm excited to hear more about how the fit and finish is! I ordered mine a few weeks ago can't wait to get it.

 

[pretzelb]

Sight glass arrived and I found an electrician to install the outlet. Had issues getting the sight glass to not leak. But first test with water is going well.

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[jeffmeh]

What is the maximum height of the frame? Thanks.

 

[pretzelb]

Height should be 80" but I didn't measure. My garage door is 7.5' and I have a decent clearance.

 

[pretzelb]

I ran some Starsan through the system and found some good and bad. I was surprised to see the kettle will drain near to the bottom. It did this with the pump off. I'm wondering if I could go right from the kettle to the chill plate. Seems like when it starts following it keeps going. So my losses should just be trub.

The bad was the awkward disconnects on the pump. I might rotate the head. Or I just need to learn.

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[benner_28]

What is the maximum height of the frame? Thanks.

Here's what Tim from Colorado Brewing Systems sent me when I asked:


The frame is 3' 6" wide x 30" deep and stands at 7' tall

 

[benner_28]

I ran some Starsan through the system and found some good and bad. I was surprised to see the kettle will drain near to the bottom. It did this with the pump off. I'm wondering if I could go right from the kettle to the chill plate. Seems like when it starts following it keeps going. So my losses should just be trub.

The bad was the awkward disconnects on the pump. I might rotate the head. Or I just need to learn.

Great looking system! I hope to order mine within the next month or two.

Do those feet screw in to the bottom of the frame so you can adjust for level? Wondering if they can be replaced with casters to easily move the unit when needed...

 

[pretzelb]

Great looking system! I hope to order mine within the next month or two.

Do those feet screw in to the bottom of the frame so you can adjust for level? Wondering if they can be replaced with casters to easily move the unit when needed...

Yup. They have nuts welded to the bottom. Here is a picture. I assume casters could be found with the same thread.

 

[30Bones]

I ran some Starsan through the system and found some good and bad. I was surprised to see the kettle will drain near to the bottom. It did this with the pump off. I'm wondering if I could go right from the kettle to the chill plate. Seems like when it starts following it keeps going. So my losses should just be trub.

The bad was the awkward disconnects on the pump. I might rotate the head. Or I just need to learn.

I would use the pump so you can slow down the flow and get it as close as you can to your pitching temp.

Also on the pump I would add a 90 to the output to get it horizontal, may make it easier with the tri clamps.

 

[30Bones]

double post, sorry

 

[boondocksaint]

Nice looking setup. Brew in good health! There's nothing like getting a few batches under your belt and dialing in your system.

Cheers!

 

[pretzelb]

Well darn. I just realized I didn't run a self tune on the PID during my last test. I will have to look into doing that later.

 

[Howhownow]

I'm eagerly awaiting my 20g system (or rather pot and basket) to arrive from them, and will follow this thread to compare results/ tips.

What is your impression of the whirlpool/recirc fitting, as well as the solid walled basket? I added both of those as options to my kit. Happy to see the dip tube working well.

 

[pretzelb]

I'm worried about the whirlpool from a debris point of view. I've always used a hop sack. It should work but seems like it might be tricky. Physically the fittings are great, just need to see if I can operate the process and not clog my plate chiller.

I think the solid wall basket will be good. I'm tempted to try a full volume mash but that basket seems well suited for a quick sparge after mash. I'm debating what to set my grain mill to fit the first batch. It needs to be fine but I don't want to go crazy. I have a feeling my numbers are going to be terrible but a while.

I can't wait until I get more comfortable with it and try a 10g batch.

 

[jready]

Just found out mine will ship Tomorrow or Friday! Can't wait!

 

[benner_28]

Just found out mine will ship Tomorrow or Friday! Can't wait!

Awesome!! Be sure to post pics and keep us updated (mainly to make me jealous and pull the trigger on a system, too).

 

[jready]

Will do!

 

[pretzelb]

If all goes well I will brew my first batch this weekend. Going to try a simple 5g pale ale recipe to start.

 

[jready]

Pretzelb if you can please provide a full report!

 

[pretzelb]

Pretzelb if you can please provide a full report!

I'm nearly done with the boil. The maiden voyage didn't go well. I nearly had a disaster. I have pictures to post later, hopefully tonight.

 

[benner_28]

Bummer. What happened!? I brewed a blonde today wishing I had that system already.

 

[jready]

I'm nearly done with the boil. The maiden voyage didn't go well. I nearly had a disaster. I have pictures to post later, hopefully tonight.

What went wrong??