E64 Still Works and brewing first time using a PID controller

Still Works and Brewing is using a PID controller for the first time distilling a corn mash.

[@brianholmes2882]

Glad to see another opinion, I've been contemplating building one for some time after watching George's builds.

[@stillworksandbrewing]

I'll get some more runs under my belt and little fine adjustments done and let you know Cheers!!

[@adiefender]

i've been running with a PID for a few yrs. works great when doing a run while working from home... Helps squeak out all the best you can

[@StanG1980]

@@adiefender what do you have you parameters set to thank you for your time

[@adiefender]

@@StanG1980 Barley and Hops YT has a settings video. even after that, you must do a run and set it to auto tune to get the PID to zone in. The more runs done the tighter the PID gets.

[@cameronshine3465]

good job Randy, im happy that the PID is working . You got it running nice and smooth :)

[@stillworksandbrewing]

Thanks 👍

[@jeffholliman7897]

Love the Video Randy! I am doing my first run today with my still and PID Controller that i built!

[@stillworksandbrewing]

Good luck let us knothole you made out. Cheers

[@stillworksandbrewing]

Know how

[@jeffholliman7897]

The PID worked great, since it was my first time doing a run, it took me awhile to get the first drips as i crept up on the temps. I did find that i had to keep chasing the drip! I may make a box with a SCR and adjust the temp that way

[@stillworksandbrewing]

@jeffholliman7897 I use a pwm switch what ever you use you need a fan to keep cool

[@derrickrice2010]

I have ran a Pid for several yrs and I really like it, I look at a Pid like cruise control on a car...once you use it the process is so much easier.

[@stillworksandbrewing]

Good way of looking at it Cheers!!

[@garrymcgaw4745]

Nice run Sir, I've been using a P ID for 2 years now, I reckon they are the best thing since sliced bread, but I still use a S C R for the stripping run , once you master it you'll never go back to gas. Great vid mate.

[@stillworksandbrewing]

Thanks Cheers!!

[@BillMcGirr]

I have both a boiler and a head thermometer. While the boiler thermometer is not needed... it does allow me to see what is headed for the column. I’m also starting to believe temperatures are important but deceptive. Like you I’m always watching the output from the still... That drip will tell you almost everything you need to know. Temperature is important... obviously. But your stills behavior and output tell no lies.

[@stillworksandbrewing]

I am with you out put and taste Cheers!!

[@mrpresidentm1]

Nice video Randy! I went the SCR route and always wondered if I shoulda went PID. You should do an update after a buncha runs.

[@stillworksandbrewing]

That's the plan! Cheers!!

[@JerzyBoy973]

I have a PID but I prefer to run it in manual mode and balance the amps out with my knockdown water to balance the column plates. The PID’s constant on/off action chasing a temp would always kill the balance in my column.

[@rimrock53]

It should have an auto program mode that will optimize settings after it balances for the first or second time during the run. (You have to trigger it however). Mine rarely overshoots, and if settings are raised 3-5 degrees at a time, the temp will slide up to the new setting without missing a beat. It should move up slowly as the pot mixture changes until it reaches the new set point.

[@stillworksandbrewing]

thanks i'll have to give a try Cheers!!

[@U812GREEN]

PID can be used indoors, unlike propane. Would love to put an element in my beer keg still but haven't found a easy way to do it. Try 10° increases to find a better sweet spot. Got a big run in Texas right now with propane you gotta be ready to sweat your ass off

[@stillworksandbrewing]

I found a setting set wrong on my pid think will run smoother let you know and the last couple day have been hot too hot Cheers!!

[@kenlutter2065]

I suggest calibrate your pid. Mine was 9 degrees off. Very frustrating

[@johnnytoy5487]

Everyone says set the temperature, but no one will show you how to set the temperature. Which program do you go into to set the temperature?

[@andrewhutchinson156]

Another good video Randy. I’ve been meaning to ask you, what is the source of your cold water for your condensers?

[@stillworksandbrewing]

First thanks I get water from sink (tap water) Cheers!!

[@andrewhutchinson156]

I’m in NC and our tap water is like 85 degrees in the summer. It has to at least be 70, right?

[@stillworksandbrewing]

i'm on well water it is about 65 deg i think 70-80 would be best you could use a cooler with a pond pump and ice water re circulate the water

[@dordiwesterlund2528]

An electrician put the PID controller in a metal box and he didn't put the solid relay on the aluminium foot. I need my kiln to go up to 730 degrees C (1346 F) for 7 or 8 hours. I think that relay needs a heat sink and I am not happy with the metal box. What do you think? Best, Dordi

[@stillworksandbrewing]

I use the heat sink and mine is in a plastic box have not had any problems i did add a lot of air holes

[@mikew.1902]

Nice! I run a similar set up as your with a long column, but run a Mighty Mini on gas. You are right once the temp. in the column starts to rise you had better be there as it happens in hurry. How is that different when using a PID? Isn't it basically going to run full power until the set temp. is reached and at that point wouldn't you far over shoot your set temp.. Since there is a lag between what is happening in the pot and your head temp. how do you handle that? Also could you give some info. on your PID. Impressed that you built it yourself. Thanks for all your videos. Always get solid info..

[@BillMcGirr]

From what I understand... A PID “anticipates” the temp and prepares for changes in both directions. I haven’t used one but they are supposed to be pretty intuitive.👍🥃

[@stillworksandbrewing]

yes when temp is getting close to set temp it starts to cut power tring to not over shoot that temp

[@everydayden5826]

Hi Mike ! Den here. I love the mighty mini, and it is great for what it is. Did you build a tall column for the mini or did you buy one ? If you bought, what did you buy and how is it working for you. Do you run it in reflux or as a pot ? If running in reflux, can you and are you getting above 160 proof ? Thanks for any info you can give me. I've heard that much above 160 proof for the "mini " is kind of a stretch with it's existing column, and because of the legality of it, I of course only run mine to make distilled water and essential oils for my wife's home made soaps and tinctures. I use a " PWM type " controller that I built using an SCR for the control unit and it works very well. Cheers Mike !! --den

[@mikew.1902]

@@everydayden5826 Hi Den, Just saw your inquiry. I started with the standard column that came with the Mighty Mini ( which I absolutely love). Had no trouble clearing 180 PR in reflux mode. I added a six inch extension and a sight glass which was another six inches for a total of 12+ extra inches to my column. I now hit 190 PR consistently and finishing at 160 PR. In pot still mode and just the straight standard column will run about 140 PR and finishing at 125 PR. Will eventually use the sight glass as a gin basket for flavoring just like Randy does. I use an old gas stove, carefully monitor head temps. and seem to have knack for listening to the sounds coming off the still to help tell me how things are going. Naturally I am only distilling water and vinegar due to the legality and all. At some point I may consider a PID, but I rather prefer the hands on aspect of gas. Salute and Happy Days................Mike

[@StanG1980]

Will you do a video on what you put the preaminters on

[@stillworksandbrewing]

yes Cheers!!

[@gustavomaciel8340]

Good evening Randy. Where did you get your PID parts. Been looking for one. Need one for Plastisol Plastic

[@stillworksandbrewing]

I got the box at home depot and the rest on Amazon sorry did not keep part #'s

[@brothersofbourbon9253]

That's pretty cool Randy, I just might have to try this. Was this the mash with the added enzymes? Did you notice any off flavors or notes to the nose? Do you have a parts list for the PID controller and build instructions for it? Thanks for the inspirational video.

[@stillworksandbrewing]

Brothers of Bourbon yes this was the mash I used the high temp enzymes so far the taste is spot on no off flavor sorry to say I built my control so slow I didn’t keep a parts list

[@417plasma6]

where did you purchase that unit from ? and what is the model #..great video , id like to learn more on this type unit

[@stillworksandbrewing]

Mile High Distilling it's a 8 gallon comb. unit check their web site great people to work with

[@stillworksandbrewing]

It was home built

[@belczyk]

Why is my 220 mypin pid not stopping at my set temp?

[@stillworksandbrewing]

that's a good question did you build your self has to be a wire problem

[@marketwolf8426]

@@stillworksandbrewing I bought it already made but cant reach the seller anymore

[@eddyanderson7384]

@@marketwolf8426go to barley and hops. George shows you how to program and set it up

[@JasonBelliveau]

Any way that you can go over your settings. I have the same set up but its +/- 5°C all the time. I cant seem to get it to balance. It has to be the way I have it set because the SCR is working fine.

[@stillworksandbrewing]

I'll see what i can do

[@paulkelley4931]

Mine is doing the same thing. What did y’all do to fix it.

[@JasonBelliveau]

@@paulkelley4931 trash it and run a scr.

[@RCSimRacin]

That a mile high dual purpose pro?

[@stillworksandbrewing]

yes it is Cheers!!

[@lynleland]

my PID is doing the same thing, did you find a fix for this problem

[@stillworksandbrewing]

keep you informed

[@robertstowasser694]

@@stillworksandbrewing following

[@paulkelley4931]

What did y’all do to fix it.

[@23adammrmr]

I'm looking a buying a PID controller for my keg Still

[@stillworksandbrewing]

I made mine but check out Inkbird online or George at barley and hops

[@23adammrmr]

@@stillworksandbrewing what voltage should I go with for a 15 gallon keg still ? 110 or 220 volts

[@stillworksandbrewing]

@@23adammrmr 220 would better if it is available you always turn power down if not needed cheers!!

[@23adammrmr]

@@stillworksandbrewing what do you think about Mile High distilling stills are they good?

[@stillworksandbrewing]

@@23adammrmr I got my still from them have not had any problems great people to work with

[@csanders2486]

do you sell built PID controllers

[@stillworksandbrewing]

Sorry I don’t

[@jbwagonmaker2820]

I run MOONSHINE LIFE GROUP, I have 28,000 Members and just wanted you to know I share your videos on my group, thanks

[@stillworksandbrewing]

Cool Thanks Cheers!!!