George, Thanks so much for this video! Your explanations and teaching overview are so well done. You are the go-to guru in this hobby on so many aspects of this satisfying and mysterious hobby. Up to now, I've done my brewing & distilling with propane fuel and babysitting the process while learning. Now I think I'm ready to engage with this at a more automated level with electric and a PID controller and remove the hazards of using an open flame now that I've transitioned to a more refined workspace (contained, insulated, heated, well-lit and plenty of work surfaces and cabinets and drawers to keep the gear in) Thanks again for demystifying the wiring for this set-up (I've checked out several and I think it's the best!) now onto learning how to program the PID to optimize my time and hopefully my final results!
Take us on a trip into the finer (and funner) parts of distilling. We have all learned one hell of a lot from you about this art. And it is art. Lets go the next step into the fine art. Thanks
Hey. And ohh ya George got us building stuff 😊 I Build the PID 230 volt to run my "big" still. Got a step down transformer and build a SCR controller with amp meter to control my 110 volt airstill . And a STC-1000 to control the 'BAR' (big azz refrigerator) for fermentation. And all this started with me making mead, and seeing George distilling a mead 🍷 Cheers and happy distilling all over the world 🌍
For those of you who are a bit intimidated by the PID….i highly suggest looking at the PWM. I’m a shade tree electrician and am in facilities maintenance by trade; i went with the PWM. It’s very simple to build…it’s like a step down transformer just with a variable power knob or a dimmer switch for a lightbulb(do not use a dimmer switch, this was just an example). You’re going to be sitting near your still anyway, and I like the tactile feedback for making on the fly adjustments. George’s guide for building one is very thorough and in depth with several videos. Shine on!
Im still using the PID controller that I built, with Georges instructions, several years ago. Always keep an extra thermal couple on hand, lol. Great tool ! Thanks George 👍👍
@@USA__2023 I've onlt had to replace one, but none, of the correct type, were available locally. I ordered a cpl so it should never again be a problem.
Thank you! I figured out my PID! I had the TC wires in the wrong locations on the PID. My 3rd egg hatching incubator is up and running! But, I want to put everything into a nice little control box like you did! Thank you for your videos!
Enjoy your videos, long time fan first time commenter. Would you consider adding in something to data log your run? Track time, temp, output? Thank you George.
Welcome back, George! Was getting worried about you, and stopped checking the channel for a while. Can you do an episode on programming the Inkbird PID? I built one a few years ago (120V) - just verified the wiring based on this video - but can never get it to work right. Column temps soar past the target temp every time. Frustrating! Thank you!
Excellent Directions. One question. What is the size of the thermocouple threads? I have a 90 on top of my column with a 1/4" npt. I have a thermometer there. wondering if that's where I would put the TC.
Love all your videos. For 120 or 240 volts switch can we use the 18 or 20 gage wire or it must be 12 gage on the switch. Please reply if you can. Thanks
I just finished making my PID Works great. But, I am having a problem installing the thermocouple so that it is sealed. Where do I find a fitting that will allow me to screw the thermocouple into the still while sealing the pressure ?
Hello! I malt my barley myself, why? For pleasure and for the price. Quick question, is it necessary to dry the grain? is it ok to use it before it get dry? Is there such a big difference in taste? I'm not talking about roasted beans here, but dried in the open air with a fan. I would love to know more about this topic! thank you and very good video!
Completely new to this and was planning on doing a SCR for an 8 gallon pot. Any suggestions which would be better, SCR or PID. I haven’t found that you have any videos on a SCR.
Hi George, I am new in the game and hoping you or someone can tell me some possible causes for a methylated spirit smell and taste in my sugar wash runs. I started with an air still and got these flavours so upgraded to an alco engine reflux still and still getting the metho flavour. (totally undrinkable unless you drown it in coke) Have used different yeast and yeast recipes including TPW and turbo wash. I do not want to double distill or do stripping runs, can anyone possibly identify the possible cause for a very specific metho taste. I have never filtered, would this help, although I would like to identify the root cause for such a specific taste.
Any way you could do a PID controller for a gas fired system? I can’t find much information on this and what is out there isn’t explained as simple as you can explain things.
Why would anyone need one? You can't control the temp of a boiling liquid. It will boil when it boils lol. More or less power just controls output speed.
@@marknichols5827I can guess exactly what temp it will end up at... The boiling point. Increasing or decreasing the heat input only changes the flow rate spirit output of the condenser.
@@marknichols5827if you have some way of measuring the spirit flow rate then using a PID to control that could make sense but that is not what anyone uses it for
George, Thanks so much for this video! Your explanations and teaching overview are so well done. You are the go-to guru in this hobby on so many aspects of this satisfying and mysterious hobby. Up to now, I've done my brewing & distilling with propane fuel and babysitting the process while learning. Now I think I'm ready to engage with this at a more automated level with electric and a PID controller and remove the hazards of using an open flame now that I've transitioned to a more refined workspace (contained, insulated, heated, well-lit and plenty of work surfaces and cabinets and drawers to keep the gear in) Thanks again for demystifying the wiring for this set-up (I've checked out several and I think it's the best!) now onto learning how to program the PID to optimize my time and hopefully my final results!
So glad you're back with us george. wasn't for you I wouldn't even be in this hobby.
Take us on a trip into the finer (and funner) parts of distilling. We have all learned one hell of a lot from you about this art. And it is art. Lets go the next step into the fine art. Thanks
Hey. And ohh ya George got us building stuff 😊 I Build the PID 230 volt to run my "big" still. Got a step down transformer and build a SCR controller with amp meter to control my 110 volt airstill . And a STC-1000 to control the 'BAR' (big azz refrigerator) for fermentation. And all this started with me making mead, and seeing George distilling a mead 🍷 Cheers and happy distilling all over the world 🌍
I started down this road after making mead during pandemic. Thanks George.
For those of you who are a bit intimidated by the PID….i highly suggest looking at the PWM. I’m a shade tree electrician and am in facilities maintenance by trade; i went with the PWM. It’s very simple to build…it’s like a step down transformer just with a variable power knob or a dimmer switch for a lightbulb(do not use a dimmer switch, this was just an example). You’re going to be sitting near your still anyway, and I like the tactile feedback for making on the fly adjustments. George’s guide for building one is very thorough and in depth with several videos. Shine on!
Im still using the PID controller that I built, with Georges instructions, several years ago. Always keep an extra thermal couple on hand, lol. Great tool ! Thanks George 👍👍
What kind of problems are you having with the thermocouples where you need to replace them?
@@USA__2023 I've onlt had to replace one, but none, of the correct type, were available locally. I ordered a cpl so it should never again be a problem.
Thank you! I figured out my PID! I had the TC wires in the wrong locations on the PID. My 3rd egg hatching incubator is up and running! But, I want to put everything into a nice little control box like you did! Thank you for your videos!
Thank you keep the videos coming. Pretty soon I’m going to mash in for the first time. And you inspired it.
Best understood analogy for novice: voltage is pressure in water hose. Amperage is flow in hose.
Just saw your old video how to make one and went to Amazon and bought all of parts.
Thank you George
I built "George's model" 3-4 years ago, very easy and works great. Look at his older videos for great detail
Good stuff George.
I have also split my wall plug to run a water pump all the time when running my still
Enjoy your videos, long time fan first time commenter. Would you consider adding in something to data log your run? Track time, temp, output? Thank you George.
Welcome back, George! Was getting worried about you, and stopped checking the channel for a while. Can you do an episode on programming the Inkbird PID? I built one a few years ago (120V) - just verified the wiring based on this video - but can never get it to work right. Column temps soar past the target temp every time. Frustrating!
Thank you!
Excellent Directions. One question. What is the size of the thermocouple threads? I have a 90 on top of my column with a 1/4" npt. I have a thermometer there. wondering if that's where I would put the TC.
Love all your videos. For 120 or 240 volts switch can we use the 18 or 20 gage wire or it must be 12 gage on the switch. Please reply if you can. Thanks
Switching must match the load. 12 gauge wire is needed.
@@BarleyandHopsBrewingCan I use 10/3 soow for the power cord?
George Im tring to wire a 220v powder coating. Do I need 2 solid state relays to run 4- 3000w elements?
I just finished making my PID Works great. But, I am having a problem installing the thermocouple so that it is sealed. Where do I find a fitting that will allow me to screw the thermocouple into the still while sealing the pressure ?
DOES THE CONTROLLER CONVEERT THE 12OVAC TO DC?
It does, but only so that it can turn on the SSR, usually 12vdc. Very low wattage though. The SSR just switches the AC on / off.
What about adding a run time timer and clock combo to fit the face of the box. Can you add n RFI plug will that work for more safety with the plug?
Hello! I malt my barley myself, why? For pleasure and for the price. Quick question, is it necessary to dry the grain? is it ok to use it before it get dry? Is there such a big difference in taste? I'm not talking about roasted beans here, but dried in the open air with a fan. I would love to know more about this topic! thank you and very good video!
What would be good Pid controller for 110v heating element for chicken incuabator
Will this work for heat treating ovens for metal?
Completely new to this and was planning on doing a SCR for an 8 gallon pot. Any suggestions which would be better, SCR or PID. I haven’t found that you have any videos on a SCR.
SCR
In university we just did complex formulas and stuff but out in the field in practical this is necessary
Don't forget the self distruct device mr phelps
George, could you do a video on wiring a PWM for 240v? Thank you, sir!
George for president
I'm curious why people use thermocouples for brewing heaters instead of a PT100? Is there a technical reason?
Hey George,
Do you see any issues with using a PID to control a solenoid gas valve for a natural gas/propane burner?
I saw it done in a BBQ forum for a smoker. They used a solenoid to control the gas to the burner with a pilot flame that stayed on.
I I have pt100 2 red wired and 1 white. what pins do they go on?
\\\
How do I get ahold on you to buy one
Hi George, I am new in the game and hoping you or someone can tell me some possible causes for a methylated spirit smell and taste in my sugar wash runs. I started with an air still and got these flavours so upgraded to an alco engine reflux still and still getting the metho flavour. (totally undrinkable unless you drown it in coke) Have used different yeast and yeast recipes including TPW and turbo wash. I do not want to double distill or do stripping runs, can anyone possibly identify the possible cause for a very specific metho taste. I have never filtered, would this help, although I would like to identify the root cause for such a specific taste.
Any way you could do a PID controller for a gas fired system? I can’t find much information on this and what is out there isn’t explained as simple as you can explain things.
I saw it done in a BBQ forum for a smoker. They used a solenoid to control the gas to the burner with a pilot flame that stayed on.
Can I use 10/3 SOO wire?
can you or should you?
PWM for me
I use them as well and love them too.
A PID will never touch my still.
I’m just curious as to why
Why would anyone need one? You can't control the temp of a boiling liquid. It will boil when it boils lol. More or less power just controls output speed.
Don't knock it till you tried it. Sure beats babysitting your propane valve and then guessing what temp you'll be at. Set it and go...
@@marknichols5827I can guess exactly what temp it will end up at... The boiling point. Increasing or decreasing the heat input only changes the flow rate spirit output of the condenser.
@@marknichols5827if you have some way of measuring the spirit flow rate then using a PID to control that could make sense but that is not what anyone uses it for