Wow, it’s been almost a year since my last post…I guess time flies when ur having fun 🙂
I managed to finish my project…well, sort of. With software, there’s always room for improvements and unfortunately, I haven’t been able to make as much beer as I would have liked, but that’s just life…
Starting where I left off with my previous post…After testing the software side of my system, it was time to build it into a neat box and make it look pretty 🙂 With the high voltages, something plastic seemed like the way to go.
I found a place called Millennium Plastics in Maitland, and they were able to custom make me a clear 3mm perspex box (with hinges) for a measly R165.
The perspex is easy to drill through and I liked the idea of being able to see through. (In case something caught fire :P)
Once I had my perspex box, I ordered my high voltage connectors, mostly from Communica and Mantech. For the probes and pump connections, I used Easy-Push speaker connections(see below). The idea was to make everything easy to connect and disconnect for cleaning.
The planning seemed to be in order, and all that was needed was to put it all together.
Yes, the fans are a bit overkill, and probably not needed.
At the time of assembly, I never tested the system for long periods of time…with a full batch cycle (up to 4 hour heating time), so wasn’t sure how hot the relays would get. The fans also make a huge noise…so, I added a speed controller.
So, not to go into too much detail…I’m happy with the end result. I could finally fit the probes into my tanks and make some beer. Like I said, I could probably have done a better job overall, but the system works and I’m still chuffed with myself. I did my first leak and temp tests in the kitchen and everything seemed to work perfectly. The temperatures were spot on when I tested with other measuring tools.
My first proper Brew day also didn’t go as planned, as I had to deal with a broken probe and a few leaks here and there….but, nothing too bad, or in the line of spoiling the batch.
I think the real problem was my patience 😛
Once everything’s connected, I can now fully control my brewery from my phone/laptop (or any device with a browser connected to my wifi)…switching pumps on and off and monitoring temperatures…a big step from where I started.
DIY ROELIE 