After drooling over the BrewEasy for months, it occurred to me that I could operate my current system in the same way minus the automated component. Instead of using RIMS with only the water in the MT, I have used the total water needed for the entire brew.
I am only using a MT and BK.
MT has the normal volume of water based on 1.25 qt / 1 lb grain, and remains at this level throughout mash.
BK contains the remainder.
Mash is recirculated to BK were heat is added as needed and then back to MT.
When mash is done BK ball valve is closed and MT is lautered.
Does anyone see any major problems with this technique? I am hitting my gravities, volumes, and pH. This really simplified my systems while allowing my to recirculate and step mash.