39 replies to this topic

[chadm75]

I do not have the technical "know-how" to build my own PID controller so I'm looking at other options. Found this and was curious to know if anyone has here used this from Blichmann? Or can you recommend something similar? I want to automate my RIMS system and seems to be a good option. Thoughts?

[Big Nake]

LINK.

[chadm75]

Thanks Ken. I was looking at this last night and it's the best/cheapest option I've found. I also have found a couple of PID controllers on sale on eBay and they say they're designed for brewing but...who knows. At least I know this is specifically designed for brewing. I know SABCO has an option but it's really pricey.

[ChefLamont]

FWIW you really dont need PID for brewing and things like this. Simple on/off controllers work just fine and dont have the complexity of a PID.My first thought was "crap that's a lot of money", but it does a lot of stuff, and Blichmann stuff is generally top notch and rock solid.

[MtnBrewer]

FWIW you really dont need PID for brewing and things like this. Simple on/off controllers work just fine and dont have the complexity of a PID.

That's true but a PID can provide optimal control so that you reach the set temp quickly without overshooting it. Newer PIDs have an autotune function that reduces the complexity of setting the optimal P, I & D constants. These days they're pretty much set the temp, set the alarm if you want to and then wait.

My first thought was "crap that's a lot of money", but it does a lot of stuff, and Blichmann stuff is generally top notch and rock solid.

I totally agree. I drank the Blichmann Kool-aid for my electric brewery. I haven't used the ToP but all the Blichmann stuff I've used is first rate.

[zymot]

All of the stuff I have seen from Blichmann is well built and does not cut corners. My first impression. The cost of the electronics supplied inside the Tower of Power are not cheap. There is a significant amount of sheet metal and bending in this thing. Also the device is designed and tested for your particular application, operating a RIMs system.Unless you have the know-how, tools, materials, time and inclination to take on the challenge to building one your self, this looks like a very reasonable option.I would guess that I would spend more than $300 on materials alone. How many build hours? How many trips down to Home Depot to pick up the one thing I forgot. How many weeks or months would it take to build an inferior product?Buy it, install it, make beer.

[ChefLamont]

I am not really trying to dissuade you or anything, but the question I have is this. What is the true need for this or in what way do you think this is going to make your beer or your brew day $500+ better. Maybe I am channeling Denny or something, but I have always asked that question before embarking on an upgrate. For me and my system and beers, I have not been able to justify a RIMS or HERMS at just about any cost. I am a gadget guy, but they have to make financial and process sense too. Just my 2 cents. I will shut up now. ha

[matt6150]

Maybe I'm wrong but it looks like to me the tower in the link Ken posted is just for the stand. So you would also need the control modules that are on top plus a pump. So with all that it's pushing the $2K mark. Correct?

[zymot]

Maybe I'm wrong but it looks like to me the tower in the link Ken posted is just for the stand. So you would also need the control modules that are on top plus a pump. So with all that it's pushing the $2K mark. Correct?

The Tower of Power controller is $575, add the stand with pump for $650 more. You are talking $1,225 for a basic set up. Add another $575 if you want to control your HLT too. All things considered, not a bad price for an engineered, and virtually out of the box solution.

[Big Nake]

Maybe I'm wrong but it looks like to me the tower in the link Ken posted is just for the stand. So you would also need the control modules that are on top plus a pump. So with all that it's pushing the $2K mark. Correct?

I noticed that my link was to the unit without a pump. That was the first link I found and I just grabbed it. Hopefully that didn't lead to further confusion on the product, what is included or the price.

[chadm75]

I am not really trying to dissuade you or anything, but the question I have is this. What is the true need for this or in what way do you think this is going to make your beer or your brew day $500+ better. Maybe I am channeling Denny or something, but I have always asked that question before embarking on an upgrate. For me and my system and beers, I have not been able to justify a RIMS or HERMS at just about any cost. I am a gadget guy, but they have to make financial and process sense too. Just my 2 cents. I will shut up now. ha

I want to automate my RIMS system because of two little things....a four year old and a one year old. Right now, I'm having to sit in front of my mash tun and constantly monitor the mash temp. With the TOP, I can literally fire up my RIMS, set the temp, and be off doing other things. Helping out with the kids, chores around the house, etc...knowing that my temp is staying constant. It makes my brewday easier and I hear it about it less from the SWMBO. Easily worth $500 to me...over the long run of course.

The Tower of Power controller is $575, add the stand with pump for $650 more. You are talking $1,225 for a basic set up. Add another $575 if you want to control your HLT too. All things considered, not a bad price for an engineered, and virtually out of the box solution.

I would start with only buying the controller for the mash tun. Don't need the tower, pump, or other controller at this point. Maybe later....

Edited by chadm75, 19 February 2013 - 07:30 AM.

[BlKtRe]

Quality product, outrageous pricing. Another $575 to add a second vessel. Wow

[zymot]

Right now, I'm having to sit in front of my mash tun and constantly monitor the mash temp.

Why? This is one part of my brew day I am comfortable walking away from.Heat the water, mix the mash, close the lid, throw a blanker over the mashtun and walk away.

With the TOP, I can literally fire up my RIMS, set the temp, and be off doing other things. Helping out with the kids, chores around the house, etc...knowing that my temp is staying constant. It makes my brewday easier and I hear it about it less from the SWMBO. Easily worth $500 to me...over the long run of course.

I do not know how comfortable I would be leaving a fire unattended. Even one that self monitors, I guess if it was clear of anything that could catch fire, all you are putting at risk is your brew day.

I would start with only buying the controller for the mash tun. Don't need the tower, pump, or other controller at this point. Maybe later....

You need a pump of some sort in a RIMs system. If you do not have one now, you will need one to go with the controller.

[ChefLamont]

I want to automate my RIMS system because of two little things....a four year old and a one year old. Right now, I'm having to sit in front of my mash tun and constantly monitor the mash temp. With the TOP, I can literally fire up my RIMS, set the temp, and be off doing other things. Helping out with the kids, chores around the house, etc...knowing that my temp is staying constant. It makes my brewday easier and I hear it about it less from the SWMBO. Easily worth $500 to me...over the long run of course.

I have a 2 year old. I hear ya brother.However, I was kind of thinking along the lines of zymot. Even if you are mashing in a keg. Some good insulation like a water heater jacket wrapped around it should buy you an hour to 90 min mash. I mash in a cooler and often leave it just sitting with no problems.

[Genesee Ted]

All in all, I think that this is pretty cool. A lot of people want to have a solid piece of equipment and are not engineers or DIY builder types. It may cost money, but money is something that some people have. Shit, look at the prices on some of the guns people buy like they are nothing, just for plinking or the like. My point is, this is a hobby and something that people enjoy. Sure, there will always be the one-upper guy who always buys all the new stuff all the time, but if you are serious about making top notch homebrewed beer, this seems like a top notch solution.

[Mindblock]

All in all, I think that this is pretty cool. A lot of people want to have a solid piece of equipment and are not engineers or DIY builder types. It may cost money, but money is something that some people have. Shit, look at the prices on some of the guns people buy like they are nothing, just for plinking or the like. My point is, this is a hobby and something that people enjoy. Sure, there will always be the one-upper guy who always buys all the new stuff all the time, but if you are serious about making top notch homebrewed beer, this seems like a top notch solution.

Well stated, sir.....my brother thought I was crazy when I sold my eight year old Sabco Brew Magic last spring and bought a new one. I simply pointed at his jet skis and reminded him that people have different pursuits in their leisure time. Then I reminded him that his toys burn gasoline, while my toy makes beer at which point he refilled his glass from the tap and smiled.....

[zymot]

All in all, I think that this is pretty cool. A lot of people want to have a solid piece of equipment and are not engineers or DIY builder types. It may cost money, but money is something that some people have. Shit, look at the prices on some of the guns people buy like they are nothing, just for plinking or the like. My point is, this is a hobby and something that people enjoy. Sure, there will always be the one-upper guy who always buys all the new stuff all the time, but if you are serious about making top notch homebrewed beer, this seems like a top notch solution.

Well stated, sir.....my brother thought I was crazy when I sold my eight year old Sabco Brew Magic last spring and bought a new one. I simply pointed at his jet skis and reminded him that people have different pursuits in their leisure time. Then I reminded him that his toys burn gasoline, while my toy makes beer at which point he refilled his glass from the tap and smiled.....

Well put. $575 is a plane ticket and a couple nights at hotel.If I had some extra cash, I would pick one of this things up. It would be cool to see pumps and burners fire up by by automation.

[HVB]

It would be cool to see pumps and burners fire up by by automation.

yes it is!

[brewman]

This thread sounds dirty.Dan

[Mindblock]

Why is this topic making me channel my inner Rube Goldberg??Seriously, I have found over the years that I never seem to regret the money I spend for quality in something I enjoy using, on the other hand I often DO regret the money I do not spend when those "savings" result in marginal or worse form or function. I have this logic to hold true for purchases of all kinds at all price points, from potatoe chips to commercially produced beer, and from brewing equipment to cars, houses, and vacations.