I had a brew day or two on this thing and found I liked (I mean really really liked) having all my kettles and everything on something I could wheel out the door and just brew with. But this didnt have the coolness factor or the things I wanted
http://www.wortomatic.com gave me something to aspire to. So the quest was on to figure out how to make this better. I didnt want to go electric, and liked the idea of some automation. I found a great burner at a good price at
THIS place. I couldnt believe the price on this thing. I also wanted temperature control for my HLT and Mash Tun. So Cole-Parmer saved the day with
this temp controller.Once I had amassed the major items, it as time to figure out how to make it work together. My plan was to use a mash temp control system that recirced wort through a heat exchanger (Copper tubing) that sat in my HLT. The water in my HLT had to be kept at a higher temp than my mash to achieve this. I think this is a herms system. I knew what I wanted this system to do, but didnt know what I wanted it to look like or how to get there from where I was. Since I didnt have a clue where to go, I figured I had better get started!! ( I am all about using the ready, FIRE, aim work process.)
Once I got going I figured I would need some solenoid valves to control the Propane to the burners. I got a couple off ebay. Let me say this about ebay purchases, KNOW what you want before you pull the trigger.
I got two solenoid valves that were a little smaller than what I wanted (I have 1/2' iron pipe supplying the burners and the valves were 1/4") so I had to use adaptators to get them to work. But the big problem was that they were Normally open valves. This means I had to apply electricity to get them to close. This required some work arounds, but I finally got the temp controllers to work with them.
So, I had burners
and temp controllers
The trick here was figuring out how to build and mount a control panel. I had no clue and wanted something that I could work with. I looked to see if there was a kit type control panel out there. No luck. So, wood was the next best thing for me. Note if you plan on doing this make sure to use LOTS of glue at the attachment points. I used a dremel to cut out the insert spots and wa-la, I was there.
Next step was the wiring. I wish I had taken pictures as I progressed through this mess, but I have a photo of the finished product.
Well, finished is a relative term. I still have to do little more wiring and install acouple more switches and timers, but I am at about a 75% solution right now. As I work through the next steps, I will post more pics and discussions.
Sean
