BCS-460

[eccsynd]

Sure, here's a thread that talks about just that.
http://forum.embeddedcontrolconcepts.co ... p?f=4&t=14

We've had success with the Crydom SSRs. D2425 and D2440 have both been used in systems. The BCS-460 has 5VDC outputs, so the 3-32V DC inputs of the Crydom line of D24xx work very well. Also tested Crouzet Gordos G240D25.

Typically, the higher the rated current of the SSR, the more expensive it is. So if you want to save some money for pumps or AC solenoids, you could get by with a 10 amp SSR, like the Crydom D2410.

[Charlie]

Sure, here's a thread that talks about just that.
http://forum.embeddedcontrolconcepts.co ... p?f=4&t=14

We've had success with the Crydom SSRs. D2425 and D2440 have both been used in systems. The BCS-460 has 5VDC outputs, so the 3-32V DC inputs of the Crydom line of D24xx work very well. Also tested Crouzet Gordos G240D25.

Typically, the higher the rated current of the SSR, the more expensive it is. So if you want to save some money for pumps or AC solenoids, you could get by with a 10 amp SSR, like the Crydom D2410.

Crystal clear.

Thanks!

Charlie

[eccsynd]

For people that aren't familiar with the BCS-460, I've made a unit available online so people can poke around. Click on the like below and have a look.

Setup: The BCS-460 is connected to 4 temperature probes, all partially submerged in the same glass of water. They are right out of the box, not calibrated. Outputs are looped back, wired to the inputs. So when Out1 is asserted, the Din1 will also turn on. The password below is an "Observer" password, so you won't be able to program or turn anything on/off. Feel free to ask any questions.

Internet Explorer not supported, please use a browser that is w3 compliant and not bloated/slow, like Firefox, Chrome, or Safari.

http://ecc.webhop.org:8081/
Userid: admin
passwd: bcsdemo

Brief description of the processes currently programmed into the demo BCS:

• Process0: Timer Demo - Simple process meant to demonstrate state transitions. It rotates through 3 outputs, asserting each for 20 seconds based on a timer.
• Process1: Mash Process - Temperature step mash process, typical brew day with delayed start, protein rest, saccharification rest, and mash out.
• Process2: Fly Sparge - Process to control a pump with float switch for a fly sparge. Similar to http://www.embeddedcontrolconcepts.com/ ... e_System_3
• Process3: Ferm Ramp - This process demonstrates Ramp Mode. Ramps the temperature setpoint from 60* to 80* in 30sec, holds, and then ramps down. Obviously not used for a real fermentation, but meant to show temperature ramping capabilities. This is a great feature for lagering and cold crashing.

Process0 and Process3 are running, the others are stopped. Change the "Select Process" pulldown to see the different processes. Upto four can run simultaneously.

[np0x]

I have recently finished a iphone implementation that controls the bcs-460 directly, some screen shots are available here:

http://software.druidhillroad.com/

As well as some links to a you tube video of it in action.

[PaKettle]

I agree with TastyMcD but I use a different temp controllers. I work with firckin computers all day when I brew well don't want to mess with a lap top it is the process the sense of smell, the sense of how the mash looks. Now tell me this what good is an iPhone app to control the thing? Will an iPhone crush the grain, stir the mash? Really this is like an app to drink a beer or what?

Now an open source ferment app is a good thought and I agree there again to control temps within one degree across maybe what ever range to be set now that would be useful. I can see the BCS-460 maybe helpful to automating some of a small craft brewer process but I am not going to mess with computer control over a 10 gal system. I'd rather drink past brew pay attention to what I am doing enjoy the process then mess with a computer in my down time since I have dealt with computer about 30 years.
To You TastyMcD sometimes you just got to do shit analog

[eccsynd]

Will an iPhone crush the grain, stir the mash? Really this is like an app to drink a beer or what?

I'm not sure that I'm in the majority, but my laptop is required equipment for a brewday, just like any other piece of equipment like a refractometer. I use it to run beersmith so that I can take notes, and follow my recipes. I use it to surf the homebrew forums during steps and rests. So for me its just natural to also be able to check the HLT and MLT temperature via the BCS-460 interface. Or pull up a temperature plot of the last 30 minutes to make sure my system is performing properly while ramping or holding a temp.
But I realize that some people don't like computers in their brew space. So what an iPhone app WILL do for you is let you be able to set and check your brewday temperatures without a computer nearby. Or check your fermentation temps while your out of town. Or kick off a multiday temperature ramp on a lager. If you have a BCS-460 and an iPhone, its a no brainer.