Show me your controller box

[scooterism]

I'm looking for ideas and layouts etc, so post your pics here!

If you could include some pricing or supplier links, that would help me out as well.


One question, in the link below, if you scroll down to the controller box, what type of switches are they, do they have a particular name?

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bzx-mOB00YcnaHhjN1gzUXdrSTg

Cheers

 

[koshari]

I'm looking for ideas and layouts etc, so post your pics here!

If you could include some pricing or supplier links, that would help me out as well.


One question, in the link below, if you scroll down to the controller box, what type of switches are they, do they have a particular name?

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bzx-mOB00YcnaHhjN1gzUXdrSTg

Cheers

They are typical industry rotary switches and are made up of discrete parts. For example the bit you turn is the actuator. These come in many configurations such as 2 , 3 or more positions and each position can be either momantary or not.
They will clip into a base and then there are contacts that clip on the back of the base. The contacts come in normally open or normally closed. The ones in the pdf look like sprechler and shuhn d7 range however ABB and schnider do similar.
The ranges all look pretty similar but are NOT Cross compatable.

To order each complete switch you need to study the relevent catalog and determine each individual part then order them individually.

The following linked pdf will give you a better idea of my explanation

http://www.sprecherschuh.com/ecatalog/get/Section_H.pdf

 

[Camo6]

Heap of threads around for inspiration.
Here's one I started with a few examples if you can wade through the banter.
https://aussiehomebrewer.com/threads/show-us-your-brew-controller.81338/
Heap of others like this one:
https://aussiehomebrewer.com/threads/my-brew-controller-box.72614/
Can't seem to find some of the other bigger threads but they're out there.

 

[mofox1]

I'm looking for ideas and layouts etc, so post your pics here!

If you could include some pricing or supplier links, that would help me out as well.


One question, in the link below, if you scroll down to the controller box, what type of switches are they, do they have a particular name?

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bzx-mOB00YcnaHhjN1gzUXdrSTg

Cheers

Assuming you've seen www.theelectricbrewery.com? They have Amazon/eBay links for everything they use. I did a clone of one of those... see my sig for links.

If doing over, I'd use 12/24V DC for everything that didn't actually need to be 240VAC.

 

[scooterism]

I think I've clearly underestimated how much a controller box could cost.

 

[Mardoo]

Have a look at SmartPID. It'll get you most of the way there for a few hunge.

 

[malt junkie]

Yeah they ain't cheap but you can do similar with a few STC's(if you're techy at all you can reflash these to do step mashing[search STC100+])and some switches, no you won't have as tight control as a PID. Generally the more automation and tighter control, the more your paying. Hell Laels controller (1v Brauduino) is more than $250.
However if you yearn to go the whole hog, start with a temp controller for the mash(PID or what have you), then slowly add to it. Auber aren't the only maker of PID's (they are one of the best though pricey) check ebay and ask your questions here.

If you want the smooth web interface, the BCS has a decent following and again you can just continue to add functionality as time and money permit but initial outlay will still be well over $300.
SmartPID ain't a bad way go, control HLT, Mash, and a pump, having watched the video setting up and programing for a brew day could be more intuitive, but no worse than Brauduino or a PID actually easier that Aubers ramp soak PID. Also if you later decide to build something better or different, you can change the programing to do fermentation. $200 odd fairly well spent.

 

[Mardoo]

The BCS is droolworthy. I would have gone one of those if coin was less limited. BTW the SmartPID has wifi integrated, and tracks and graphs a few useful measures.

 

[scooterism]

I don't know what I'm looking for but could someone point me in the direction of modifying a STC-1000 please?, just want to read up and maybe learn something..

Cheers

 

[malt junkie]

If you mean for mash control then this thread

 

[Kenf]

Here is the Smartpid I installed on the Grainfather. Far more complex than the Connect Box - it integrates well with Brewfather.