Open Ardbir - Open source platform for brewing process control and automation

[darren996]

That'll do fine, the heaviest rated solar pump I can see doing a quick search is rated at (12v) 3 amps, the relay you linked to is rated at 10 amps so plenty of leeway there 👍

Much appreciated..thanks

[auralabuse]

Could you wire a pump and solenoid valve into this if you wanted simultaneous triggering of both, as long as the combined ampage was below 10?

[McMelloW]

Hi folks I am using a 12v pump that I have connected straight to the ardbir 12v pump connector and it is working fine.

I see folks are using a pump relay even with 12v pumps. The question is why would you use a pump relay with a 12v pump.

@McMelloW what relay are you using

Darren, the Grainfather has a 220V pump. My relay is an 12V coil and 16A/250V~ switch. I bought it on a Dutch webshop.

[pob]

What's the solenoid being used for? For a valve for the pump?

Remember you don't want to allow the pump run dry so you'd usually leave it open to allow the pump to prime (prevent any air gaps/cavitation).

10A should be fine.

[darren996]

Hi folks I am using a 12v pump that I have connected straight to the ardbir 12v pump connector and it is working fine.

I see folks are using a pump relay even with 12v pumps. The question is why would you use a pump relay with a 12v pump.

@McMelloW what relay are you using

Darren, the Grainfather has a 220V pump. My relay is an 12V coil and 16A/250V~ switch. I bought it on a Dutch webshop.

Thanks for the info. I ordered a 1 channel relay, I probably would have damaged the board the way I had it wired i.e. 12v pump straight to board. Its cheaper to teplace a relay

[auralabuse]

What's the solenoid being used for? For a valve for the pump?

Remember you don't want to allow the pump run dry so you'd usually leave it open to allow the pump to prime (prevent any air gaps/cavitation).

10A should be fine.

Yeah, for an automatic open/close for the pump, otherwise gravity will push water from the hlt to mash tun

[pob]

Slightly confused on your process.

Why is solenoid open/on when pumping? Is it for sparging or recirculating?

[auralabuse]

I have not put the ardbir in yet but have automation in other ways. So hlt has a pump and solenoid attached. Solenoid is normal state closed. When hlt hits required temp solenoid opens and pump starts pumping to mash tun. Then after mash time mash tun will open solenoid and pump to boiler while hlt will do same for sparging. I just jig the hose around if recirculating or pumping to boiler

[McMelloW]

Brewing a Blonde with the Grainfather and my Open ArdBir. It is great to brew with this installation. The top kettle is for sparge water. I also have to make a Graincoat for the grainfather

[darren996]

Looks good. You get to brew indoors! I have been banished to the shed.

[Bazza]

Maybe he's got a class shed.

- Barry

[McMelloW]

Darren.

For a Grainfather. You only need socket for the power of the GF and your sparge water. And a hose or a tap for cooling water. So it is easy to brew in a shed. My shed is to dusty and messy.

I do brew in the kitchen. Brewing with a GF is quite clean, no big mess and less equipment to set up. Also with dry weather I brew outside next to the kitchen. This keeps the damp during boiling out of the kitchen. Carry the brew water with a 5L jug to the GF.  I use the gardenhose for cooling. 

[darren996]

Yeah, i have brewed indoors a few times but my missus wasn't happy, too much condensation on the ceiling and wasnt too happy about the smell. I got the shed wired recently so looking forward to getting a brew on and not worrying about the weather or bird poop

[Leann ull]

I would say bird shit in my beer when I was boiling would be lucky

[darren996]

I would say bird shit in my beer when I was boiling would be lucky