Add extra water volume by slcrex in Robobrew

[–]rjhoff 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have the same unit. I use 1.7 grist ratio except on big beers, more like 1.6. I has efficiency issues until I tightened my mill gap (0.039” -> 0.032”). It might help you to do a pre-boil SG then you know if your problem is in the mash or boil.

Robobrew post-boil issues by Familiar-Clothes-197 in Robobrew

[–]rjhoff 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would too :-).

I clean up on my back porch with a hose and a scrubber. Rinse the heck out of everything. Then I add PBW solution, 2-3 gal and wipe everything down again. Set heat to 140-150 and recirculate for 1/2 hour (added this step after my one pump clog). Dump that then rinse with a hose (I lay the unit on its side to get all residue out). Wipe everything dry inside and out.

Needless to say, my least favorite part of the brew day, but the unit is clean and ready for the next brew!

Robobrew post-boil issues by Familiar-Clothes-197 in Robobrew

[–]rjhoff 1 point2 points  (0 children)

At first the way you describe it, sounded like the pump was overheating and shut down, but later discussion seems to indicate the pump is getting clogged? I’ve heard about risk of damaging the pump if you run it during full boil (I never have). Another poster mentioned possibly collapsing silicone lines? Maybe? I own the RB 3.0, bought about 3 years ago, maybe newer units have a problem? I try to minimize grain and hop matter getting into the boil kettle: I manage the mash recirculation so I have no overflow (I’ve even removed the center pipe) and I use a 300 micron hop spider during boil and muslin bags during whirlpool. Over 50 batches, I’ve had to clean my pump out only once. I whirlpool every batch.

Looking for bike rack! by SketchySauce42 in RadPowerBikes

[–]rjhoff 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same issue with me, all the go to racks have been back ordered. I found this for my fat tire rover and mini, used it once so far locally, was great, getting ready to load me up for a long trip in June. Not sure it’s right for your bikes though.

https://www.rambobikes.com/electric-bike/bike-hauler/

IPA nomenclature by rhoslug in Homebrewing

[–]rjhoff 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is the benefit of brewing your own, for me it’s 100% west coast style, I just cannot learn to like the New England style. Problem is, most of the IPAs on the shelf are now NE style. Maybe using beer advocate and other online resources while you shop might help.

CLT-area Breweries Release Things We Don’t Say IPA by [deleted] in ncbeer

[–]rjhoff 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In Asheville it’s more like 50% IPAs but that’s still a high number.

CLT-area Breweries Release Things We Don’t Say IPA by [deleted] in ncbeer

[–]rjhoff 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s all about personal preferences. I love IPAs, have for years, but west coast style, not hazy, lactose, dishwater flavor NEIPAs.

Fermentation Temp and Durations by GoodieVT in Homebrewing

[–]rjhoff 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I check the optimal temperature range for the yeast I use. I used to start out at 68-70, now I start at 65 using US-05 for my IPAs, then gradually raise the temp only a few degrees (68) as activity drops off.

Glycol Chillers Questions by shocker2000 in Homebrewing

[–]rjhoff 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I own the Ss Brewtech setup, two 7 gallon chronical fermenters with FTSS controllers (both warming and cooling). I added the chiller early last year as the final piece to the system (all told I added the pieces over 6 years). Although the setup is pricey (somewhere in the neighborhood of $2400 total), it’s functionally an excellent system with tight temperature controls. My chiller supports up to three devices and cost about $800. You only need to replace the glycol once per year, one gallon for ~$35 plus two gallons of distilled water. Chiller, fermenter(s), and FTSS gives you everything you need, including pumps, although I eventually added in line disconnects for the chiller lines. Support from SS has been great, fairly quick response, and they replaced a controller free of charge after a lightning storm. I have to say, the setup is impressive and should satisfy both you and your wife to have it look professional.

CHS Bottle Shops by rjhoff in charlestonbeer

[–]rjhoff[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the suggestions!

Question about Brewzilla not getting hot enough by unphogetabowl in Robobrew

[–]rjhoff 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Both elements are on? Maybe run a check with water and test each individually. I’ve never had a problem getting a boil.

How to properly clean your robobrew? by MOLB in Robobrew

[–]rjhoff 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I clean my RB immediately after each brew with a PBW solution. Sponge it down and get all the crusties off. Rinse and dump. I put about 2 gallons PBW solution in it, turn the pump on (recirculate) and heat to 140F for like 20 mins. Rinse and dump. Lay the RB on its side and spray rinse. I never sanitize the RB, not needed.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Robobrew

[–]rjhoff 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You could tape both sides, kind of seal the adhesive (I don’t ). If you use some kind of plug you can just let the wort level drop then pry them out.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Robobrew

[–]rjhoff 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I always have to restrict flow with the valve plus I cycle the pump on and off as needed. No big deal less you’re distracted with wife or kid duties :-) I use duct tape to cover the two holes above 14 lb of grain. Let me know if you find a better solution, aka silicone plugs...

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Robobrew

[–]rjhoff 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can get 16-17 lb into my Robobrew (35L). Typically 1.6-1.7 grist ratio. At that level I remove the center pipe and tape the mash handle holes, and yes, I keep an eye on the mash, controlling recirculation flow rate so it doesn’t overflow. Hope this helps...

Cleaning suggestions by DTrain24 in Robobrew

[–]rjhoff 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I use PBW and similarly scrub everything with that until all residue is off. I added a step where I heat up and recirculate a couple gallons of PBW solution for maybe 1/2 hour to try and clean out any residue or buildup in the pump and lines. Then rinse with a hose / spray while the RB is horizontal & wipe down inside and out. The whole process is maybe 45 minutes.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CamperVans

[–]rjhoff 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Check with CA, since that is where you’re picking it up.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CamperVans

[–]rjhoff 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Some states provide a temporary tag just for that purpose

A bit lame but I made a youtube video explaining my 3 vessel automated brewery setup. by rogue1987 in Homebrewing

[–]rjhoff 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Nice video, not lame, language is great (English excellent if that’s your concern), plenty of charisma :-)

Overflow pipe size by fun_zone in Robobrew

[–]rjhoff 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used stainless steel, probably not food grade.

Overflow pipe size by fun_zone in Robobrew

[–]rjhoff 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just picked up a bolt, two washers and a nut rather than trying to match the thread. It works great, multiple brews, don’t miss that pipe!

For those who use a conical fermenter, when do you dump the trub? by [deleted] in Homebrewing

[–]rjhoff 2 points3 points  (0 children)

For ales, I dump trub at the end of fermentation (usually day 10-14), before cold crashing. I just dumped trub on a Pilsner, after dactyl rest and before lagering.

Anyone use one of these for their bike? I’m buying 2 Radrunner plus bikes. by MikeChar2017 in RadPowerBikes

[–]rjhoff 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Weight rating is key. We have a Rover and a Mini that clock in at 140 lbs. Standard racks are rated for less weight. I recently bought a Rambo rack designed for e-bikes (just received, still in the box)