155 replies to this topic

[MtnBrewer]

I don't really need one but I'm thinking of getting one anyway just cuz they're so cheap. I paid over twice that for both of my Johnson A419s.

[positiveContact]

I don't really need one but I'm thinking of getting one anyway just cuz they're so cheap. I paid over twice that for both of my Johnson A419s.

if the first one works out well I may order a second for future expansion (controlling a herms or something).

[positiveContact]

so what kind of precautions on the build? certain gauge wire? anything else?

[MtnBrewer]

That's what I was thinking too. I've had a little voice in the back of my head telling me to build a HERMS.

[MtnBrewer]

so what kind of precautions on the build? certain gauge wire? anything else?

Don't cross the streams. I think 14 gauge would be the way to go if you're running a refrigerator off of it. That's about all I can think of.

[brewman]

The controller itself only draws 3 watts so you dont need a very big cable to power it. As for the wires going to the cold and hot relays I would use something rated to carry 10A since the relays are rated at 10A.Dan

[positiveContact]

That's what I was thinking too. I've had a little voice in the back of my head telling me to build a HERMS.

what are you doing for your mashes now?

[positiveContact]

btw - ordered this thing. we should maybe link to this in the deals area.

[HVB]

That's what I was thinking too. I've had a little voice in the back of my head telling me to build a RIMS.

FTFY and Good Idea!! The only issue you will have with it is 10A is not going to be enough but you could add an SSR to up that to 20-50A.

[positiveContact]

FTFY and Good Idea!! The only issue you will have with it is 10A is not going to be enough but you could add an SSR to up that to 20-50A.

not enough for a heating element you mean? fine for a fridge though right?

[brewman]

The compressor I use in my chamber came out of a mini fridge, It only pulls 3.5 amps. Look at your fridge it should have a info plate on the back telling you how much it pulls.Dan

[positiveContact]

guess I'll have to make sure I use a small fridge with this thing

[brewman]

Like it was said above have the controller control a higher amperage relay, easy to do and I can show you how to wire it up.Dan

[MtnBrewer]

what are you doing for your mashes now?

48 qt Ice Cube with a copper manifold.

[HVB]

not enough for a heating element you mean? fine for a fridge though right?

Fridge should be fine, heating element not so much .. you know P =IV and what not.

[brewman]

I dont understand why someone would want to use power to keep the metal mash tun at the correct temp when you can use a cooler without the need for power/heat.Dan

[positiveContact]

Fridge should be fine, heating element not so much .. you know P =IV and what not.

I play dumb to make sure I know what's going on

[positiveContact]

I dont understand why someone would want to use power to keep the metal mash tun at the correct temp when you can use a cooler without the need for power/heat.Dan

direct fire mash tun or a heat exchanger would allow for better control of the mash temp and allow step mashes without infusion or decoction. i'm not saying I'm sold on the idea - I'm pretty happy with my cooler.

[MtnBrewer]

I dont understand why someone would want to use power to keep the metal mash tun at the correct temp when you can use a cooler without the need for power/heat.Dan

You can throw some insulation on the tun and it'll hold heat pretty well.

[brewman]

But if you still need to have a heater and pump to keep it at temp then I still don't see the advantage.