Keg Cowboy Kegerator Conversion Kits
brew tech development
  • FromZwolleFromZwolle
    6442.00 KarmaPosts: 28,381
    This discussion was created from comments split
  • BenSBenS
    603.00 KarmaPosts: 3,297


    I have thought about doing something similar to brewtroller but with more personalized customization and a complete brewing package instead of the open platform they operate on.
  • jeepinjeepinjeepinjeepin
    1055.00 KarmaPosts: 1,832
    I'm interested in BCS/Brewtroller type stuff. I hope to build a simple something for myself if I ever figure out which first step is in the correct direction.
  • jeepinjeepinjeepinjeepin
    1055.00 KarmaPosts: 1,832
    I have a laptop that is basically disposable. It's a pretty weak old dell but I'm hoping it will work. It is stripped clean running XP now. I'd have no qualms killing that and running Linux if needed and I got some know how.
  • jeepinjeepinjeepinjeepin
    1055.00 KarmaPosts: 1,832
    There has to be some sort of interface between the pc and the switches? What would that be?
  • jeepinjeepinjeepinjeepin
    1055.00 KarmaPosts: 1,832
    This probably sounds like a middle schooler asking Van Gogh how to sharpen a pencil.
  • BenSBenS
    603.00 KarmaPosts: 3,297
    jeepinjeepin said:

    I have a laptop that is basically disposable. It's a pretty weak old dell but I'm hoping it will work. It is stripped clean running XP now. I'd have no qualms killing that and running Linux if needed and I got some know how.



    You really wouldn't need to change the OS. Just need a usb powered micro-controller or printed circuit board(PCB) with input/output pins(I/O) to control your heat, pumps, etc.
  • BenSBenS
    603.00 KarmaPosts: 3,297
    jeepinjeepin said:

    There has to be some sort of interface between the pc and the switches? What would that be?



    jeepinjeepin said:

    This probably sounds like a middle schooler asking Van Gogh how to sharpen a pencil.



    Nah. You're good. You're exactly right, the interface is a micro-controller or a I/O PCB.
  • BenSBenS
    603.00 KarmaPosts: 3,297
    Mine operates using a micro-controller so I don't have to have a computer hooked up to it to operate. A PCB would, not a big deal though if you have an extra computer. Just depends on what you want.
  • jeepinjeepinjeepinjeepin
    1055.00 KarmaPosts: 1,832
    And I'd have to program? Or what software is out there?
  • BenSBenS
    603.00 KarmaPosts: 3,297
    Think of a micro-controller as a computer that sends signals to physical things to make them turn on/off how you want them to. Pretty simple right?
  • BenSBenS
    603.00 KarmaPosts: 3,297
    jeepinjeepin said:

    And I'd have to program? Or what software is out there?



    You would have to program or you could have someone make you a program if you tell them what you want to do, and what equipment you want/have to use.
  • jeepinjeepinjeepinjeepin
    1055.00 KarmaPosts: 1,832
    I need to get serious on this and actually do some research. Hell, just getting a good start on my RIMS/HERMS would be nice.
  • BenSBenS
    603.00 KarmaPosts: 3,297
    jeepinjeepin said:

    I need to get serious on this and actually do some research. Hell, just getting a good start on my RIMS/HERMS would be nice.



    It's easier than you think. Once I polish up my code and equipment, I plan on posting it all up here as a sample/tutorial.
  • BenSBenS
    603.00 KarmaPosts: 3,297
    jeepinjeepin said:

    I need to get serious on this and actually do some research. Hell, just getting a good start on my RIMS/HERMS would be nice.



    In many ways, automating your brewing is easier than making a RIMS/HERMS and makes it much more reliable.
  • jeepinjeepinjeepinjeepin
    1055.00 KarmaPosts: 1,832
    BenS said:

    Think of a micro-controller as a computer that sends signals to physical things to make them turn on/off how you want them to. Pretty simple right?



    I've got that much. Like my STC-1000s or MYPIN TA-7. You have an example of a multi-out unit?
  • BenSBenS
    603.00 KarmaPosts: 3,297
    jeepinjeepin said:

    BenS said:

    Think of a micro-controller as a computer that sends signals to physical things to make them turn on/off how you want them to. Pretty simple right?



    I've got that much. Like my STC-1000s or MYPIN TA-7. You have an example of a multi-out unit?


    Every hobbyist micro-controller I've run across has multiple out pins, many have analog outs and digital outs. Arduino, raspberry pi, TI stellaris, etc.
  • jeepinjeepinjeepinjeepin
    1055.00 KarmaPosts: 1,832
    Ok, I've looked at the Arduino stuff. I didnt think about that for brewing. Makes sense. Order from Sparkfun? I've read about counterfeit junk going out from eBay and such.
  • jeepinjeepinjeepinjeepin
    1055.00 KarmaPosts: 1,832
    I guess I'm confused as to how something like Arduino would be easier than a pre built PID for controlling mash temp and other simple operations. I understand when you get into powering valves and pumps to come on and go off by timers or sensors is a whole different ball game.
  • BenSBenS
    603.00 KarmaPosts: 3,297
    jeepinjeepin said:

    Ok, I've looked at the Arduino stuff. I didnt think about that for brewing. Makes sense. Order from Sparkfun? I've read about counterfeit junk going out from eBay and such.



    I use adafruit.com because their tutorials for all their parts are amazing. I've also bought components from amazon because of my free shipping. I'm sure sparkfun is a great supplier as well. The only place you will find counterfeit stuff is on amazon and ebay so know what you're looking at. I am using an Arduino Uno in my current setup.
  • BenSBenS
    603.00 KarmaPosts: 3,297
    jeepinjeepin said:

    I guess I'm confused as to how something like Arduino would be easier than a pre built PID for controlling mash temp and other simple operations. I understand when you get into powering valves and pumps to come on and go off by timers or sensors is a whole different ball game.



    Well, it's not going to be easier. But you can program as many PIDs as you want into the arduino (mash, hlt, boil) and not have to buy a seperate unit for each one.
Add a Comment
Quality draft beer dispensing equipment.

Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!

Sign In with Google Sign In with OpenID Sign In with Twitter
Sign In Apply for Membership

Categories

In this Discussion

Note to Visitors: Many posts have uploaded pictures that are only visible to logged in members. You may sign up for free and you will be able to see them.

Top Leaders

Top Posters

Who's Online (1)


Feeling generous? Help keep HBF running.
Get the sticker that shows them how you really feel.