Advice on building automated electric brewing setup

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by smchenry75, Jan 8, 2013.

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  1. smchenry75

    smchenry75 Initiate (0) Jul 7, 2010 Indiana

    I've read numerous articles in BYO, online, etc. about building a fairly automated electric brew rig. My problem is this, it seems that so many of the articles and posts are 5+ years older and I'm looking for the current "best practices" if you will. Can someone comment on what they are currently doing or more current articles or posts on electric, semi-fully automated setups? I'd like to do 5-6 gallon batches with the ability to expand to 10 at some point in the future. I know I'll have to drop a bit of $$$ but don't want to break the bank and I would like to build something that I can use in my basement. Any advice is greatly appreciated!
     
    #1 smchenry75, Jan 8, 2013
  2. nathanjohnson

    nathanjohnson Initiate (0) Aug 5, 2007 Vermont

    Check this out: http://theelectricbrewery.com/

    Not sure if it has the level of automation you're looking for, but I'm sure that some of the electrical work is helpful.

    That rig is plain sexy.
     
    #2 nathanjohnson, Jan 8, 2013
  3. GreenKrusty101

    GreenKrusty101 Initiate (0) Dec 4, 2008 Nevada

    For most consumers, Natural Gas is the cheapest fuel source. Your unique problem is venting your basement safely and economically.
     
    #3 GreenKrusty101, Jan 8, 2013
  4. ryane

    ryane Initiate (0) Nov 21, 2007 Washington

    Automation isnt cheap, I know Im in the midst of a semi-automatic build, currently trouble shooting my control box (slightly pissed at the cheap chinese electronics right now = never labeled correctly = blown parts)

    venting a basement is pretty easy, so I wouldnt worry too much about that

    homebrewtalk is much better for diy equipment, and there is a automated brewing sections with common problems/builds etc

    also several different websites to look at are

    https://www.oscsys.com/projects/brewtroller
    http://www.embeddedcontrolconcepts.com/
    http://brewpi.com/
     
    #4 ryane, Jan 9, 2013
  5. telejunkie

    telejunkie Savant (1,107) Sep 14, 2007 Vermont

    #5 telejunkie, Jan 9, 2013
  6. smchenry75

    smchenry75 Initiate (0) Jul 7, 2010 Indiana

    Thanks all for the advice and links!
     
    #6 smchenry75, Jan 9, 2013
  7. WickedSluggy

    WickedSluggy Savant (1,129) Nov 21, 2008 Texas

    I am going to throw support to embedded control concepts. My systems brain is the BCS460. It was a lot of fun to build. Requires some basic wiring skills, but the forum is very helpful. I use differential control for HLT and PID for RIMs tube.
     
    #7 WickedSluggy, Jan 9, 2013
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