ChrisfromAbby
Well-Known Member
I'm considering apostasy....
I've been brewing with propane for probably 15 years, but am considering a switch to electric. At least the propane guys probably don't even read this thread, I should be safe.
I've been using little STC-100s forever, got 4 or 5 of them around for controlling my keezer and fermentation fridge and a sous vide thing.
I've built a control panel for my propane based brew bench using such as well.
But I want to stick my toe in the electrified waters.
I was trying to build a heat stick. My efforts have been exasperatingly sucky. Frickin thing leaks no matter what. I give up. It's not worth the aggravation.
So then I contemplated a built in element, but hey, why not go to 5500 watts? Then a timer for the 4hour ramp up time wouldn't be needed.
Cool. I've already got a noice long 240v extension cord that plugs into my dryer receptacle for my welder.
So I just need a temperature controller for 240v to regulate the HLT.
So I found this INKBIRD IPB-26 30A/240V Pre-Wired Digital Home Brewing Heating&Water Pump PID Temperature Controller
Which looks just about perfect, except for the $600 price tag!
Having built my own TCs using an STC before, how much harder can it be to build a PID controlled one with 240v?
Inkbird sells this kit Inkbird Digital PID Temperature Controller on/off Thermostat ITC-100VH + K sensor+ SSR
that appears to have almost everything but the box to put it in, the cable and connectors.
I guess mine wouldn't have a slick, built-in pump controller but I don't know if I need that. I usually just let the pump recirculate constantly while I'm heating the water anyhow.
Anyone with experience building such want to chime in? Construction pointers, connector issues, safety?
Chris
I've been brewing with propane for probably 15 years, but am considering a switch to electric. At least the propane guys probably don't even read this thread, I should be safe.
I've been using little STC-100s forever, got 4 or 5 of them around for controlling my keezer and fermentation fridge and a sous vide thing.
I've built a control panel for my propane based brew bench using such as well.
But I want to stick my toe in the electrified waters.
I was trying to build a heat stick. My efforts have been exasperatingly sucky. Frickin thing leaks no matter what. I give up. It's not worth the aggravation.
So then I contemplated a built in element, but hey, why not go to 5500 watts? Then a timer for the 4hour ramp up time wouldn't be needed.
Cool. I've already got a noice long 240v extension cord that plugs into my dryer receptacle for my welder.
So I just need a temperature controller for 240v to regulate the HLT.
So I found this INKBIRD IPB-26 30A/240V Pre-Wired Digital Home Brewing Heating&Water Pump PID Temperature Controller
Which looks just about perfect, except for the $600 price tag!
Having built my own TCs using an STC before, how much harder can it be to build a PID controlled one with 240v?
Inkbird sells this kit Inkbird Digital PID Temperature Controller on/off Thermostat ITC-100VH + K sensor+ SSR
that appears to have almost everything but the box to put it in, the cable and connectors.
I guess mine wouldn't have a slick, built-in pump controller but I don't know if I need that. I usually just let the pump recirculate constantly while I'm heating the water anyhow.
Anyone with experience building such want to chime in? Construction pointers, connector issues, safety?
Chris