Brewtroller or BCS

[Otto]

Hi all,

Is anyone running the Brewtroller or BCS controller on there system?

Was hoping to get a little feedback on them.

I am planning on implementing the BCS system http://www.embeddedcontrolconcepts.com/

On another note, is anyone interested in a device to measure the consumption of your Kegs, and let you know when they are nearly empty. Also display temperature. I am in the process of building some up.

otto

[Steve b]

Hi there ive also been doing alot of reading on the Brewtroller system . Looks great , Just wish they had a kit with everything you needed in it, be a shame to order one and find you needed more bits when you get into the build, let me know if you decide to go with one , could split freight. Cheers

[Otto]

Hi Steve, I have decided on  the BCS and have just received it.

I had read a few negative reports on the brewtroller, and the fact that you cant take manual control of the system should you need to, pushed me to the BCS.

I know it doesn't do Flow measuring, but I have overcome that problem by building a flow device with Arduino that reports to the BCS when the required volume is reached.
Have built the control box for the Solenoids and all that stuff, it also houses the PC for the system. Hoping to have it up and running mid July for its trial run.

Otto

[Steve b]

Excellent sounds like your a few steps ahead of me . If you dont mind me asking how much was the BCS setup and how hard was the build?

[Steve b]

Also where did you buy it from

[Otto]

I bought the BCS from the link on the Embeddedconcepts website, and I already had a pretty good Brutus setup, with Solenoids for Gas, Temp Probes etc. So it was a matter of adding a couple of 4 Channel relays inside an old Computer box, to control the Pumps, and Gas flames. I also added a few buttons and lights for the Pilot light control, emergency stop and Computer/BCS control.

Sounds complicated, but was pretty easy.

I will put some photos up in the next day or 2. 

I am out of the country at the moment, due back Mid July. if you are in Auckland and would like to come around have a look and a beer. - Youd love my Kegbot Fridge I have just finished setting up.

[Otto]

Sorry for the late reply in posting the photos, but here are a few photos of the machine with the BCS running. Had a couple of solenoid valves on the taps for automation, but as they were controlled through the add-on card for the BCS, I couldn't find a way to control them manually when I needed too, so out came valves.

[Dene McDonald]

Just been researching BCS and pleased to see this thread. Nice setup! This would be awesome with a touch screen!  It all looks a bit complicated at first but I guess if it's built up bit by bit then it's not too bad.

Am I right in thinking that BCS will only allow you to control 4 relays and read from 4 temp probes from the web interface and the rest needs to be operated through a traditional switched setup for anything more than this? So if I was to operate 2 elements and 2 pumps then this would be possible via browser but anything more requires hardwired interface?

[Otto]

The BCS 460 has 6 Outputs, 4 inputs and 4 Temp Probes.

So I have three burners connected, 2 pumps and a water valve, 3 temp Probes connected and I use 3 of the sensors (1 float switch in each of the Pots)

The BCS 462 has 8 Outputs, 8 Temps, and 16 Inputs.

I have an add on card on myn that adds extra outputs, but I removed it, because I couldnt figure out if you could control it in manual mode.

[Otto]

Hi Dene, just to let you know, its been upgraded to touch screen and works really well. 

Picked up a DIY Touchscreen kit for te 19" monitor off ebay for $100 and they work perfectly and very easy to fit.

[Dene McDonald]

Awesome stuff! Very jealous but I'll get there one day!

[mattd2]

Hey otto, any more info on the Arduino flow meter you built?

[Otto]

Yeah, What would you like to know?

I can provide you what ever info you need.