YABC-Yet a Brew Controller: BrewManiacEx

[gorgias]

Yes, i acually tested it a while ago, seems to work fine with both softwares...
But there was some small bugs / fixes i have made to the board - and i haven't tried the last revision - because i haven't even ordered the PCB's for it (my board works as fine, just some silkscreen and stuff missing - and a added connector and so on).

So, here you go, the download is here:

If there is anything you don't understand about the board just ask.

If feeding the board straight on with 5v - then jumper the input diode (D4) with a wire (or increase voltage to above 5.7v if possible) and also jumper the reg-bypass with a wire.

If feeding the regulator with ~9v or above, then use both diode and a 5v regulator. But to much voltage may overheat the regulator. I have tested with 12v with no trouble.
Also the IC-chip (IC1) should be PCF8574 (not PCF8574A) if you want to use the board with "default" settings for display and such. The IC3 doesn't matter, since the board scans for that chips adress.

Also, the pads by the Buzzer - these are for choosing 12v(input voltage really) or 5v (if using regulator) for the possibility of powering different buzzer-types.

LCD is piggyback standard 20x4 LCD, but there is also connector added for wiring an offboard LCD.. if offboard lcd is used, then one can skip adding Q5, IC3 and TR1.

Hope you'll like it. And do get back if you build it, so that i know everything work as expected with the PCB-design.

If I'm using IC1 as PCF8574A, is it possible to make adjustments only in the software (in the code)? If so, what adjustments do I need to make? Could you explain? I could only find PCF8574 in my city in Brazil.

 

[pbezza]

If I'm using IC1 as PCF8574A, is it possible to make adjustments only in the software (in the code)? If so, what adjustments do I need to make? Could you explain? I could only find PCF8574 in my city in Brazil.

I had the same issue. Compare the spec sheets for both ICs and see if the address range is the same.

 

[mvrinaldi]

Hey guys. This week I made my first brew with BrewManiacEX. Exceptional!!!! A great help for us homebrewers. My question is the following. The BM is specially made for BIAB. I use RIMS (single pan with constant circulation). So, at the end of the mashing, I have to send the wort to another pan to boil. But when you reach the end of the brewing process, the system waits to remove the bag. And I need to activate the pump to transfer the wort. But I can't because there is no option to turn on the pump at that moment. How do I activate the pump? Or is there any configuration to use the BM with RIMS.

 

[pbezza]

There are a few compiling options, one of which might suit your system.


https://github.com/vitotai/BrewManiacEsp8266/blob/master/docs/UserManual/A2.Kettle-RIMS.md

 

[pocketmon]

Hey guys. This week I made my first brew with BrewManiacEX. Exceptional!!!! A great help for us homebrewers. My question is the following. The BM is specially made for BIAB. I use RIMS (single pan with constant circulation). So, at the end of the mashing, I have to send the wort to another pan to boil. But when you reach the end of the brewing process, the system waits to remove the bag. And I need to activate the pump to transfer the wort. But I can't because there is no option to turn on the pump at that moment. How do I activate the pump? Or is there any configuration to use the BM with RIMS.

You want to toggle pump after mashout when prompted malt pipe out, don’t you?

It might be done by adding the functionality, just like what I’ve done for mash-in.

Before it is available, you can add a fake mashout test, setup Iodine test as indefinite, and transfer wort in that test. For example,mashout ant 78c add a 79c rest after. Before mashout, iodine test will be prompted, just continue and then you will be in the faked mashout rest. transfer wort and then skip the rest.

 

[mvrinaldi]

You want to toggle pump after mashout when prompted malt pipe out, don’t you?

It might be done by adding the functionality, just like what I’ve done for mash-in.

Before it is available, you can add a fake mashout test, setup Iodine test as indefinite, and transfer wort in that test. For example,mashout ant 78c add a 79c rest after. Before mashout, iodine test will be prompted, just continue and then you will be in the faked mashout rest. transfer wort and then skip the rest.

Great idea!!! Thanks a lot!!!

 

[pocketmon]

Great idea!!! Thanks a

Great idea!!! Thanks a lot!!!

Updated:

I just make the modification. You can now toggle pump during prompt of removing malt. Don't forget to turn OFF "PID when Malt out" option, so that the heating wouldn't be activated.

 

[mvrinaldi]

Updated:

I just make the modification. You can now toggle pump during prompt of removing malt. Don't forget to turn OFF "PID when Malt out" option, so that the heating wouldn't be activated.

wow!!!! You are the guy!!! Thanks Vito!!!

 

[mvrinaldi]

Hey guys. I installed sparge version 0.5.3 but I can't connect. The password "bdwhahb" does not work. Something changed?
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Solved....
rdwhahb!

 

[mvrinaldi]

Hello,

What kind of configurations are this?

Sensor #1 Reading #1
Sensor #1 Reference #1
Sensor #1 Reading #2
Sensor #1 Reference #2
Sensor #2 Reading #1
Sensor #2 Reference #1
Sensor #2 Reading #2
Sensor #2 Reference #2

 

[pocketmon]

Hello,

What kind of configurations are this?

Sensor #1 Reading #1
Sensor #1 Reference #1
Sensor #1 Reading #2
Sensor #1 Reference #2
Sensor #2 Reading #1
Sensor #2 Reference #1
Sensor #2 Reading #2
Sensor #2 Reference #2

Two points calibration. Reading is the reading of the sensor, while "reference" is real temperature.
I found that in my system the reading matches real temperature at around 20C and off around 4 degree toward boiling.
Therefore, I add this two-point calibration setting. You can still use single point calibration, difference, though.

 

[mvrinaldi]

Two points calibration. Reading is the reading of the sensor, while "reference" is real temperature.
I found that in my system the reading matches real temperature at around 20C and off around 4 degree toward boiling.
Therefore, I add this two-point calibration setting. You can still use single point calibration, difference, though.

So if I don't do two-point calibration, I don't need to worry about these values?

 

[TypicalNerveCell]

I've tried the controller now for three brews. Still very much a novice, stuck in manual mode still, but I am having issues with mash temp overshoots. Is auto mode with PID calibration much better in this regard?

 

[pbezza]

PID will definitely help you here. Are you using an SSR for the heating elements?

 

[TypicalNerveCell]

I am. Also have some manual control over the wattage. Should probably decrease it further

 

[lael]

Would it be feasible to run this system on a UnoR4?