The well equiped homebrewer

[Ozwald]

There's a lot of good answers for the 1st & 3rd questions. As for the 2nd question asking what 'improvement' wasn't worth it - a filter. Great in theory, but not worth the major PITA. Doing it over, I would've spent the money that I shelled out on the filter for another keg to modify & dedicate as a bright tank.

[EL TIZZO]

my latest is definitely fermentation temp control...I use a Ranco controller with a window mount a/c unit (I already had it) blowing into an insulated box...nice to be able to finally do lagers

Does a window mount AC unit with an insulated box get down to temperatures able to lager? or do you actually do the lagering in a freezer?

I will keep it in the box through ferment, cold crash to 40F ish, then move it to a keg and into the fridge to lager at 40F for as long as necessary...

Cheers!

[brewindruid]

I agree with a strong healthy pitch, no doubt! I would love to have a stir plate, but my finances are such that I have to look at bang for the buck spending on my brewery. I check my startes all the bloddy time, and every time I do I give it a hardy rouse. No problems yet!
I am still trying to bring myself to go from ph strips to a meter, A.J. hasn't made it easier.

[spiderwrangler]

I agree with a strong healthy pitch, no doubt! I would love to have a stir plate, but my finances are such that I have to look at bang for the buck spending on my brewery. I check my startes all the bloddy time, and every time I do I give it a hardy rouse. No problems yet!
I am still trying to bring myself to go from ph strips to a meter, A.J. hasn't made it easier.

My upgrades have been stir plate before pH meter.... There are ways to build your own for not much cash.

[brewindruid]

The DIY is kinda tough for me, I am about as severly visually impaired as one can get and not be blind, little projects are kind of twice as difficult. That is the reason I was leaning towards the meter, comparing colours on strips is getting a bit dodgey!
You can bet I try to steer clear of wiring and such! LOL

[spiderwrangler]

Sorry to hear that man. Do you have a local club? There's a good chance there they may be someone in you club that has built one before, or is handy enough to do it and might be interested in helping you get that done...

[brewindruid]

We have a couple good clubs in the area, three that overlap!
I haven't really been able to participate much since I had to give up my license, and I hat having to impose. It's stupid on my part really because I have yet to meet someone in the brewing brotherhood that hasn't truly been Aces, onr og the things I love about this hobby.
My LHBS even volunteered to bring stuff by the hoose if I needed, now that is customer service, he is a great guy!
It's a challange but it keeps me sane!!!! LOL

[spiderwrangler]

If you don't mind my asking, are your vision issues stable, or will it continue to get worse on you?