Automation

[PSUHomebrewer]

Hey everyone,
I just finished my brew stand and now want to add a little bit of automation to it. I've been looking for a simple and effective deaign and have had some trouble finding it.

My idea is to use single stage controllers(Johnson ranco love type) to only control a gas vaulve. The ignition source would be a continous sparker similar to ones used in this http://www.homedepot.com/Dyna-Glo-Pro/h_d1/N-25ecodZ5yc1vZ5fy/R-202223041/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=Heater&storeId=10051. The sparker and pump will be on toggle instead of the controller.

Anyone see any issue I'm missing also a good sorce/recommendation on solenoid valves?

[kswbeer]

Valves: http://stores.ebay.com/valves4projects

If you know C or C++, you might be interested in the Arduino, which is a USB-programmable breakout board for the Atmel AVR series of microcontrollers. http://arduino.cc/

For general hobby stuff, Sparkfun is also a great resource. http://www.sparkfun.com/

Feel free to ask more questions or completely ignore my advice.

[PSUHomebrewer]

Anyone have experience with this unit http://www.drillspot.com/products/50516 ... _Relighter before?

Figure id wire it with the valve with the igniter so they both activate together.

Kswbeer I don't know c or c++, so that option is out, I was thinking of using either brewtroller or bcs to control the setup.

[Buttwidget]

I'm using Ranco Controllers as well and went with this setup from Patriot Supply.

I'm going this way because it is easy, pretty cost-effective, and I've seen it used on the Maltose Falcons' Club Brewing System. It has worked flawlessly for the couple of years that I've watched them use it.

If you know someone/somewhere you could probably find this setup on an old furnace and grab it from there for free or in exchange for a few beers.

Don't forget to share pics of your stand!

~widget

[DCBC]

I saved my pennies and then some and figured that, given my general ineptitude with the electrical side of things, I'd probably spend more money than I'd save trying to automate my system. Bought a couple of Blichmann TOP controllers and called it a day. My system is "home"made (by a welder). Will have a CRT TV mount soon to bolt these things on to my stand. Works well and I didn't blow anything up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUL2KGH4pcU

[Bad Goat Brewing]

Anyone have experience with this unit http://www.drillspot.com/products/50516 ... _Relighter before?

I'm using that ignitor on my system. It works pretty well so far, 6 brews. Pay attention to the gap, if it's to close or to far you won't get ignition. Also, it sometimes would make my touch screen jump a little. I fixed that problem with a control transformer i had sitting around.