Dedicated Grainfather Guide, Problems and Solutions Thread

[Linkatme]

Good work Wadey. The new T-shaped filter is a lot better for staying in place...surprised you didn't get it if your GF is brand new? You can get it here: http://www.grainfather.com.au/#!online-store/c8k/!/New-Pump-Filter/p/54211107/category=11595343

Already ordered, it's on the way! Also, all needed components for ArdBir are on the way and... Ok, my first batch got the FG BUT...still fermenting! One more day, gravity went down of 1 point, when it will be stable I will bottle the batch!

 

[kaiserben]

I'll probably stick with my firmware-updated STC-1000 when it arrives but interested in what the ArdBir offers.

Could someone run through the different options here and tell us what extra features each brings to the table?

I assume a STC-1000 without updated firmware will only do what the STC-200 does?
What more will a firmware-updated STC-1000 allow you to do? (I assume allows you to program in mash/temperature steps?)
What more will ArdBir etc allow you to do?

 

[Spookism]

So, put one of the bottles in the fridge from my first brew.
Hoping she comes out semi-decent tomorrow (or at the very least, drinkable).

I still need to get a proper fermentation set up done, but my first addition has been a hop spider.
A necessity for this kit if you ask me.

 

[Linkatme]

I assume a STC-1000 without updated firmware will only do what the STC-200 does?

Of course yes!

 

[ians]

STC1000 has 2 relays and can control both a heater (e.g. light bulb in fridge) and a cooler (the fridge) to hold temp.
STC200 has only 1 relay so can either control a heater or a cooler

 

[Tropico]

Still waiting for the Andriod app.

Don't they realise that there are actually more Android user than iPhone users

 

[McMelloW]

The ArdBir is a single board Arduino Uno based system. It is open source everything is available at Github It is design for a single vessel BIAB system. And it is ready to use for the Grainfather.

In short. With the ArdBir you enter the whole process. From filling the GF up and including to cooling. It does not switch the heating on/off, but it has a PID / PWM regulation for the heating elements. Just have a look at the specs on the Facebook page

 

[wildwhitty]

Don't they realise that there are actually more Android user than iPhone users

I think writing apps for IOS is much easier than for Android. Android devices are a variable bunch.

 

[McMelloW]

Some pics of building a new controlbox for my Grainfather based on a Open ArdBir

The Open ArdBir

All components including the extra ordered

Base plate with 12v= Powersupply; SSR for the heating and relay for the pump

Box and the lid. The plugs and the wiring still has to be done

Lid details with the front panel designed by Gutosan

 

[welly2]

Looks smart! Would be interested in a cost of it all and looking forward to seeing the thing in action. Let us know how you get on!

 

[carniebrew]

Has anybody heard of (or even purchased) the "Grainbrother"? Quite a nifty little idea if you have the spare coin and want to do double batches or 2 different brews almost side by side.

http://www.brewyourownliquor.co.nz/shopmenu/all-categories/beer-making/recipes-kits/grainbrother-detail

Basically a GF without the grain basket and chiller. Pull the grain basket out of brew 1, empty it and use to mash in on the Grainbrother while #1 comes to the boil.

What I find most interesting is that the price suggests that the grain basket (and all that encompasses) and counter-flow chiller are worth nearly half the cost of the entire GrainFather.

 

[HBHB]

Yep, there's a few kicking around.

Neat way to get a double sized batch done up for an extra 90 minutes work.

 

[Mister Wilson]

Anyone had the gf element not kick in for the boil? I've finished sparge, scraped my mash paddle over the element to remove anything that had caked on during the mash but got nothing.

 

[carniebrew]

Did you flick the element switch from mash to boil?

 

[Linkatme]

Anyone had the gf element not kick in for the boil? I've finished sparge, scraped my mash paddle over the element to remove anything that had caked on during the mash but got nothing.

Push the reset botton at the bottom of the GF, it should work.

 

[Mister Wilson]

Thanks fellas. I tried switching off and between mash and boil.

Is the reset switch underneath? Assuming it is, is it possible to get to it with 28l of wort in the gf?

 

[wildwhitty]

Don't they realise that there are actually more Android user than iPhone users

The wait is over.
Grainfather app. for Android at Play store now.

 

[Tropico]

I have said it before, and I will say it again: "anything that starts with "i" is "iCrap"

 

[welly2]

I have said it before, and I will say it again: "anything that starts with "i" is "iCrap"

 

[DU99]

The app i find is a pain the backside.entering grains you have to work out what crystals you want.in states in 20L,60L....i will stick with brewmate..

 

[VanGekkum]

Android app doesn't work properly. Every time I try tot start a new session I get the message that the app stopped, so I can't continue. I'm on Android 5. Anyone experienced the same problemen or ha a solution.
Thanks

 

[Tropico]

Works ok on mine, Android 5.1

 

[wildwhitty]

Android 5.1.1 is good.

 

[Linkatme]

Thanks fellas. I tried switching off and between mash and boil.

Is the reset switch underneath? Assuming it is, is it possible to get to it with 28l of wort in the gf?

Well....I don't think so but You could be helped by someone putting the GF on some kind of improvised stand and then You can reset it.

Hops problem: because I use pellets, hop's bags are strickly recomended!

 

[Linkatme]

Thanks fellas. I tried switching off and between mash and boil.

Is the reset switch underneath? Assuming it is, is it possible to get to it with 28l of wort in the gf?

Well....I don't think so but You could be helped by someone putting the GF on some kind of improvised stand and then You can reset it.

Hops problem: because I use pellets, hop's bags are strickly recomended! Without bags hops could stick somewhere in the chiller and....

 

[Mister Wilson]

I managed to tip it up enough to get 1 hand underneath and feel around for the reset button.

I think I may have an issue with my crush. I'm running a MM mini mill and am getting quite a bit of flour. My first few brews with the gf I used a credit card to set the gap but changed on the last brew to using a feeler gauge at 1.1mm ish.

What are others using?

 

[Carlsbergcuddles]

I'm using a Cereal Killer with a gap of .44mm for most grains. I hit an 88% efficiency last week without scorching.

 

[Coodgee]

The app i find is a pain the backside.entering grains you have to work out what crystals you want.in states in 20L,60L....i will stick with brewmate..

I used the app yesterday for a brew and thought it was excellent. I wouldn't use it to formulate recipes, I formulated my recipe in beer smith and then entered the important bits into the app - for the grains I just called it 5kg of pils malt, even though there were 4 different malt types. The main benefit of the app is the timer and it stops you from forgetting things. makes the brew day run much smoother, you can do other things and not have to keep an eye on the clock so much.

 

[DU99]

Might just do that.all my recipes are in brewmate.

 

[Coodgee]

It literally tells you exactly what do, so if I'm trying to do a hundred things at once on a saturday morning, the alarm goes off in my pocket and it says "add your 10 minute boil additions, which are hop a, hop b, hop c and a wirfloc tablet".