The Bread Maker

[barneey]

It should work OK, if not I used some "U" shaped channel I bought of ebay - it wasn't exactly cheap tho

[aamcle]

Thanks

Do you have a link to the channel? Just in case


Aamcle

[aamcle]

2 hr and 4 cutting disks later I have two filter support plates


Aamcle

[bonzo]

Would be interested to see any pics as you go Aamcle. I'm planning on doing something similar but using a 60L thermo pot as the main vessel with a custom malt tube, and hopefully getting my head round Arduino and Matho's controller in the long run. Good luck with yours!

[aamcle]

I'll be posting the build when its done, but if you don't fancy messing about with an arduino there are a number of PIDs that have a ramp and step facility that you could use.

As far as I have been able to find out the pump is on a simple 10 minute cycle 9 mins on 1 min off no variation at all until it goes off for the boil.


Atb. Aamcle

[bonzo]

That's useful info, thanks. I was wondering what the pump cycle was.

Can you recommend a PID with ramp/step?

[aamcle]

I have no hands on experience but this is from a supplier who seems to have a good reputation on the US homebrew talk forum.

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewit ... 0405903679


Atb. Aamcle

[barneey]

Just encase anyone want the silicone supplier http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281055758297?

[aamcle]

Thanks Barney


Aamcle.

[aamcle]

All the major metal work is now to hand, I'm just waiting for the pt100 and a couple of washers.
The top and bottom plates are cut, they may need a little adjustment I'll have to wait and see but they in fit the malt pipe.

When the QMax turns up I'll be able to do the easy bit the plumbing and shaping of the mesh filter.

This brings me rapidly up to decision time, what do I use for control?

I have an Arduino but the interface would be shocking, I'd prefer to use a proper HMI/SCADA setup but I've just bounced off the software . I've never seen any software so opaque.
If I dig deep in the lint at the bottom of my pocket and chase the moths out of my wallet I could buy a ramp/step PID. Other than the pain of paying a PID is least effort but again the interface is horrid!

Has anybody here got experience of OpenAPC or other HIM/SCADA software? If you do would you have time to help me with it, flailing around trying to get my head around it is making my brain cell sore!

ATB. Aamcle

[barneey]

My only advice on this would be to use the system manually first for a brew or two , then set it up for automation.

I dont know how far the other member I sold my build onto is getting on with the automation, but he is an electronics engineer so it could be interesting to see.

For me with my limited programming skills , it would just be a simple PID or a Matho build - still have a Matho PCB somewhere in the spares box

Bear in mind you need Element control & Pump conrol.

[aamcle]

My programming skills are certainly no better than yours but my son is a programmer so if it goes that way I have competent support.

Failing that a ramp/step PID with the pump on a simple timer would do the job.

I did think of a Matho build its a very good option but the cost of getting the bits from Aus is prohibitive.

The power connectors and the QMax arrived today so as soon as the festivities die down I'll do the build.

Atb. Aamcle

[Zebra]

Any further progress Aamcle?

[Zebra]

The work Barneey has done, and posted, is brilliant and I think has inspired me to do similar. I'm really, really interested in the control electronics though. My brew days always seem to be crammed in with other stuff and although I carry timers around with me, whatever I'm doing, I always seem to be rushing back to the brew. To have it automated sometimes would be ace. I've got no problem soldering and making up electronics, but my electronics design is a bit old - school days 30 years ago!!!!
So, any electronics help would be gratefully received.
Thanks.

[barneey]

An Aussie member of JBK "Matho" did make a clone of the control unit, unfortunately he has since (I believe) given up brewing. If you search his posts on here it will reveal a lot of info + google "matho braumeister"