Start of Brewing Automation

A good bit of time has been spent on getting the homebrewery going in the basement. This is mostly due to the fact the lugging around large amounts of hot liquid is not so nice. Also, I can go all-electric and be able to control my temperatures a little better.

Along with bringing my brewing activities in the basement, I can now automate the system. As seen in the picture above, there is very little automation (due to switches on the side). But, soon enough my computer that is nearby should be able to control about 90% of the process. I will be able to control the SSR units via the computer (well, at least transmit what duty cycle I want, and then the microcontrollers will be able to do the dirty work). Also, I will get feedback into my computer on the temperature levels at the various stations, so it can know what duty cycle to pulse the SSRs at.

I still have to get the workbench to put the mashtun etc on, as well as the march pump with the ASCO solenoids (got them off of ebay). Eventually I will hookup copper pipes as well as a water filter, so I will just need to press a button and the water will fill up. One thing that I am still not so sure about is the water level sensor. Still, I need to figure out how to pull that off. I do not want to have to turn off the water flow manually... that's cheating. The homebrewing continues...