= Does this thing remember the steps when you power off and back on, or do you have to start from scratch every time?
Yes, it saves the configuration. If you make changes in real time with the knob (temp, power, time) during the brew, it does not save those changes. I believe it loads each step from the mash and boil program as it progresses through the steps.
I had my first brew day with my program above.
It was 32 outside, 15 gallon spike kettle insulated with blankets/sleeping bag for mash, 5500w element
Here are the changes I made after.
1. Strike temp lower. I didn't lose as much heat as i thought on dough in (using rackers.org calculator).
2. Added hold step as 4th step before continuing to boil
3. Boil % changed to 60%. Could be lower for a more gentle boil but i had to boil water off because of adding cold water due to #1.
4. bAST changed to 205 (This will probably depend on outside temp and a few more trial runs, at 200 I don't think it needed to kick down the power so soon.
5. I actually heated during half the mash to try it out. I didn't see/smell any scorching although I suppose taste is the real test. I did stir the mash a few times and that helped re-equalize the temps in the mash which was tested with a quick read thermometer..
6. I kept the wort moving the whole whirlpool and maintained the 170 with element on.
7. I didn't lower mOut (100% the whole time)
My next brew day will be this. I think it's pretty solid.
Mash Steps
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Mash 158 Hold - Get to strike temp and hold, if not heating during mash stop program manually and dough in and insulate kettle
Mash 151 Hold - Dough in, stirring until ready to start mash timer, press Run
Mash 151 60min
Mash 151 Hold, Don't automatically go to boil mode so it doesn't ramp up full power before pulling the bag until run is pressed.
Mash 151 Cont - Automatically proceed to Boil mode
Boil Steps
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Boil 60% Hold - Bring to a boil, reduce power and hold, Add 60 min hops and press Run to start timer
Boil 60% 45min - Timer to add 15min hops, whirlfloc,yeast nutrient and immersion chiller
Boil 60% 10min - Timer to add 5min hops
Boil 60% 5min
Mash 170 Hold - At end of boil, chill to 170 and hold, add whirlpool hops, press Run to start whirlpool timer, stir/pump to whirlpool
Mash 170 20min
Mash 170 End - Once timer is done, end program and chill.