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Getting Started

Safety instruction

Keep children away from packaging materials. Plastic bags can cause choking.

Make sure the power cable(s) are undamaged. Do not use the product if the power cable(s) are damaged due to risk of fire and electric shock.

The product must be positioned on a flat and stable surface before use.

Connectors and clamps should be checked and tightened if necessary before each use to avoid leaks.

The surface of the product gets very hot. Do not touch hot steel parts during use due to risk of scalding and burns.

Learn the function of the valves before you fill the tank with water. Use blind caps on unused output ports due to risk of spillage of boiling/hot liquid that may cause scalding and burns.

Do not fill the tank passed the maximum mark. During boiling, reduce the power to avoid boil over. Risk of scalding and burns.

The product has a powerful pump. Before using the pump, make sure valves are set to the correct position. The pump speed can be adjusted on the touch screen. Too much flow through the pump, for example during circulation over the grains can cause liquid to spray outside the tank. Risk of scalding and burns.

The heating elements are designed to heat liquids and must not be turned on without being completely submerged. Boiling liquids will evaporate and reduce the volume in the tank over time. During circulation, the liquid around the malt pipe will be reduced. Make sure there is always enough flow to keep the heating elements covered. The product must not be used without supervision

Make sure the power cables are inserted correctly. There are grooves in the connectors that needs to match the sockets.

During cleaning, the power supply must be disconnected. The machine must not be sprayed down on the outside. The electrical control system is protected from water splashes, but not spraying water.

The product is mostly constructed of highly conductive materials. Only use the product on circuits with a residual circuit breaker due to risk of electric shock in the event of an electric component failure.

The power cable(s) must be disconnected when the product is not in use.

Introduction

The Pro-series Brewing Systems are built without compromise and is the product series that will always offer the highest level of flexibility, accessories and support for high-end solutions. The Pro-series consist of 3 models of different brew volumes, but they are all based on the same design principle and uses the same control system. The model name tells you the maximum recommended boil volume.

The key concept of these brewing systems is to use Tri-Clamp connections for tool-free and sanitary use. These offer great flexibility and offers the user the choice of different setups based on their preference.

This user manual will teach you how to prepare the system for the first time, how to use it, clean it and maintain it. You’ll also find an FAQ which addresses some questions that might arise during use.

First-time use

This chapter will tell you how to do the necessary steps to prepare your system for use.

Software

The control system for the Brewtools units will automatically receive software updates OTA (Over the air) as long ad the microSD card is installed (fitted as standard) and the unit is connected to Wi-Fi. Software updates are free and will incorporate bugfixes as well as new features. Since the software is under continuous development, we have decided to put all software related information available online.

Check out our user manual for the software:

Assembly

Unpack all the parts and place the brewing system upside down. Connect the power cables and other accessories like the return temperature sensor if you have that. The power cables should exit one of the service holes on the back of the system. The connectors have grooves that only allows the connector to be installed correctly. Do not use excessive force when plugging in the connectors. The optional return temperature sensor should go through the left silicone grommet that is already installed.

To protect the surface where the brewing system will be placed, we suggest using standard rubber edge trim on the bottom edge. Either as full trim coverage or three short pieces.

Flip the system the right way up and install the 3-way valve on the right side as shown below. Install the pump temperature sensor in the sensor adapter included with a gasket between the sensor and the adapter. Install the assembled sensor adapter on the rear outlet using a TC clamp with a gasket. Cut a part of the included silicone tube and install it between the sensor adapter and the pump. Make sure the tube has a nice curve to avoid blockages.

Install the gasket inside the bottom part of the sparge pipe and inside the mash hat as shown below. Use a small screwdriver or similar to push the gasket into place. The two gaskets are identical.

Install the large silicone gasket on the top of the sparge pipe as shown below.

Note that this design is only valid for systems produced after December 15th 2019.

Install two O-rings marked 18x2mm on the dip tube. The dip tube position can be adjusted freely. More on this subject in the “Using the system” section.

The silicone parts and O-rings should be lubricated with Haynes Silicone Grease. The center pipe should also have a thin coat of silicone grease to reduce wear on the silicone gaskets.

Install 3 blind caps on the open ports indicated below to avoid spilling. If you have extra valve(s), you can use the blind caps as preferred.

Install the 3 legs of the malt pipe using an allen key. Take note that the latches must be installed as shown below, and the wing nut must be used on the outside of the malt pipe. Alternatively, you can use a normal hex nut (not included). Install the silicone leg protectors to avoid scratching the bottom of the main tank during use.

Please note that the design of the malt pipe leg might have some variation based on model.

Check for leaks

When filling the tank with water for the first time, make sure the taped threads on the pump and the sensor and heating elements gaskets are not leaking. Tighten if necessary. Also check that all TC clamps are tightly installed. The TC clamps might require tightening after use, due to the variations in temperature.

The filter

The filter included is made from expanded metal and might have some tension. Make sure the filter is flat. Flatten by hand if necessary. The filter should be cleaned before use to remove any residue from production.

Cleaning

The system should be thoroughly cleaned before use to remove polishing compounds and flux from the production process. Use Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) or other chemicals designed for this type of cleaning. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe all surfaces clean.

Passivation

We recommend passivating the steel before first-time use and 1-2 times a year. Use StarSan or similar acid-based chemicals. Fill the tank with lukewarm water. Use approximately 5ml StarSan per liter and leave it for 15-20 minutes.

Electrical connection

The system must be connected to an earthed socket with a residual circuit breaker. The control system supports two individual circuits. This feature is used on the B40pro 110V version, the B80pro and the B150pro due to the power requirements. The 240V versions of the B40pro runs on one circuit. The software offers the possibility to reduce the average maximum power to adapt to your circuit breaker limitations. You can choose between 10A, 13A, 15A and 16A for each circuit in the control system. Take note that this feature is based on standard voltage ranges, and variations may occur. We recommend testing different settings to find the best option for your location.

The display and the control system are always powered by the main power input. If you lose power on the main circuit, the system will turn off. The second power supply is only used to power the second heater on some models, and the control system will not recognize the loss of power on the second circuit.

Simple function test

Fill the tank with water to cover the heating elements. Start the system in manual mode, and check the following:

  • Temperature is correctly read by all sensors.

  • The pump is running and can be adjusted on screen.

  • Both heating elements are working (bubbles will form on the elements)

Using the system

This section explains how to use the system and gives you some good advice and recommendations for use.

For more information on different setups, please keep reading.

The control system

The systems are equipped with a 7” touch screen controller.The software can be updated for free through the built-in WiFi-module. When a new version of the software is available, it will automatically download and prompt the user to install it. If the user does not update right away, the new software will automatically be installed during the next startup.

The software is constantly being updated and new features added, so we will not cover the software in this user manual. Visit our website, www.brewtools.com to get the latest information on our Pro series software.

Valves

The system two T-type 3-way ball valves as standard. One side valve, and one bottom valve. The valves only close the port opposite to the direction the handle is pointing. If the handle points toward the middle port (as shown below), all ports are open.

The bottom valve has an extended handle which makes it possible to control from the right side of the control system. There is a sticker showing the flow based on the handle direction.

Dip tube

The dip tube position is adjustable and is normally used in the two positions shown below. We recommend positioning the dip tube in the upper position during mashing (especially when getting to know the system) to prevent the heaters becoming exposed. Exposing the heating elements will burn them and make them difficult to clean. They might also warp/expand due to the high heat. You can use the mash paddle or equivalent to push the dip tube down when the mashing is complete to get as much wort as possible pumped to the fermenter later in the process.

The Pump

The pump must never run without fluid in the chamber. This will cause damage to the magnetic impeller. In the beginning of the brew, air may be trapped inside the pump. To vent it, start the pump for a few seconds, stop it, and start it again. Repeat if necessary.

The pump must be installed as shown below. If you install it in a different position, it may affect the lifetime of the pump and make it difficult to vent the air out.

Preheating

We recommend heating the strike water before you install the center pipe and malt pipe for an even temperature. We also recommend circulating the water. The bottom valve handle must point to the “UP CENTER” position.

Crushing the grains

We recommend using grains that’s not too finely crushed to get the maximum flow through the grain bed. If you use a lot of special grains like wheat or oats, or you push the limits of the malt capacity, we recommend using rice hulls to increase the flow. The systems ship as standard with the coarse malt pipe filter and our recommended crush grade is 1.1-1.3mm.

Adjusting the malt pipe holders

The latches on the malt pipe may need some adjustment. They should move freely. Push them together to remove it from the latch holder. Adjust as necessary and reinstall the latch. The lower “pin” on the latch can be bent to position using a suitable tool

Lifting the malt pipe

The handle on the malt pipe is designed to be easily removed for cleaning and use of future accessories.

Make sure to always lift the malt pipe from the center of the handle to avoid it coming loose.

On the larger systems, the malt pipe can be very heavy. We recommend using a lifting system if available.

When lifting the malt pipe, make sure to only lift it high enough for the 3 latches to fall out and grab the edge. If you lift the bottom of the malt pipe higher than the center pipe, you may have difficulties getting the malt pipe seated back on the center pipe.

Different setups

The system can be set up in many ways. Below, we show 3 recommended options based on your accessories.

For more more details on the different setups, click at the link below.

Circulating during mashing

We always recommend resting the mash for 20 minutes after stirring in. In this period, we recommend circulating on the outside of the malt pipe. This is done by pumping the wort out through the lower left port and into the tank again on the upper left port. Use a dip tube to make sure the wort is circulating around the malt pipe. This will give you a more accurate temperature and prevent the heating elements burning the sugars. You can circulate through the counterflow cooler, if you have that.

When step mashing it's critical to circulate around the heating elements and reducing the power a lot to avoid risk of burning the elements as they may be turned on for a long time.

By setting the bottom valve in a middle position shown below, you can circulate both outside the malt pipe and over the grain bed. With this solution you can set the pump power high (70-100%). Make sure the liquid level outside the malt pipe is stable and the heating elements never expose. As recommended earlier, the right dip tube can be set in the upper position to prevent this. Use the bottom valve to adjust the flow over the grains based on your flow rate through the grain bed.

Sparging

The system ship as standard with a sparge pipe. This pipe will sit outside the center pipe during the mashing process. When lifting the malt pipe, the sparge pipe will lift with it thus extending the center pipe. If you are sparging from a second water heater, we recommend connecting the sparge water on the front-facing port on the right 3-way valve. This allows you to pump the sparge water up the center pipe from the water heater, using the internal pump. Adjust the pump speed as needed. Make sure to not sparge with more water than the main tank can hold.

When lifting the malt pipe during sparging, the liquid level will drop and expose the heating elements. It is important that you turn off the heating elements before lifting the malt pipe.

Boiling

Boiling can be done without a lid (open boil) or using a steam hat (accessory), if you have a ventilation system. You can also use the steam hat with our steam condenser (accessory) if you don’t have a ventilation system. During the boiling process it is important to adjust the power to get a satisfactory boil.

Take note that adding hops might cause the wort to boil over.

It is not recommended to use the pump during the whole boiling process, as hop pellets might clog the dip tube and pump. We recommend adding hop pellets on the opposite side of the pump intake. Whole hops should not be used directly in the tank as they will clog the pump intake. To disinfect the counterflow cooler and tubes, circulate through the cooler at least 10 minutes before starting the cooling process. Take note that you might need more power to keep the boil going when running the pump. Additionally, using the pump while boiling increases cavitation inside the impeller house causing more noise from the pump. It is therefore recommended to reduce the speed and not run it at full speed.

Cooling and transferring

You can use your preferred method for cooling the wort. An immersion chiller will work but will limit the whirlpool functionality.

We recommend using our custom counterflow cooler (accessory). It is designed for maximum flow to get a good whirlpool while cooling the wort. We recommend circulating through the counterflow cooler and back into the tank on the left side with a dip tube on the inside to create a whirlpool. When the desired return temperature is reached (can be measured with optional return temperature sensor), the wort is pumped directly to your fermenter by adjusting the left port 3-way valve (accessory, based on setup).

Cleaning

Regular cleaning is critical to keep the quality of your beer, and also to make your brewing system last you a long time. We recommend using a cleaning agent that does not harm Teflon (PTFE). Our 3-way valves uses PTFE bushings. PBW is not recommended to use for more than 30 minutes at a time.

During cleaning, we recommend using the pump to circulate through the counterflow cooler and all tubes. To empty the tank, remove the center pipe. The bottom valve handle is turned to drain the through the lower port. Use a bucket or a tube going directly to a floor drain.

If you have access to pressurized air, this is a great option to blow water out of the pump and pipes. Take note that the silicone tubes are not designed for high pressure.

Maintenance

Normal cleaning, rinsing and drying the tank, tubes, and cooler is sufficient. Tubes should be replaced when severely discolored.

If valves start leaking due to wear or stuck particles, we offer a rebuild kit for them.

O-rings and gaskets are replaced as needed.

The pump impeller should be checked from time to time to make sure no particles or grains are stuck.

FAQ

See the seperate section for FAQ by following the link below.

Specifications

B40 Pro

B80 Pro

B150 Pro

These products are handmade. As a result of this, the products might have minor cosmetic irregularities without affecting its function.

Declaration of Conformity

Follow the link below.

If you find a fault with the product that may pose a risk, stop using the product and contact the manufacturer or the reseller.

24.5 kg

Tank dimensions:

Ø40 cm, height 36 cm

Tank volume:

46 liters (rec maximum boil volume – 40 liter)

Malt pipe dimensions:

Ø32 cm, height 32 cm

Malt pipe volume:

25.7 l

Max recommended grain quantity:

9 kg

Minimum liquid volume:

15 l

Build material:

1.0 mm stainless steel (SS304)

Heating elements:

230V, 3200W (2x1600W)

Watt density:

6.3W/cm2 (40.4W/in2)

Pump:

24VDC brushless, max 25 l/min, max head 4.5 m, stainless steel head, stepless speed control from touch display

Controller:

ARM Cortex M4 180mhz, 7″ Touch display

Connectivity:

WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, MicroSD

Hoses:

16x25mm silicone, food grade

34 kg

Tank dimensions:

Ø50 cm, height 46 cm

Tank volume:

90 liters (rec maximum boil volume – 80 liter)

Malt pipe dimensions:

Ø42 cm, height 42 cm

Malt pipe volume:

58 l

Max recommended grain quantity:

20 kg

Minimum liquid volume:

25 l

Build material:

1.0 mm stainless steel (SS304)

Heating elements:

230V, 6000W (2x3000W) (two individual circuits)

Watt density:

9.1W/cm2 (58.8W/in2)

Pump:

24VDC brushless, max 25 l/min, max head 4.5 m, stainless steel head, stepless speed control from touch display

Controller:

ARM Cortex M4 180mhz, 7″ Touch display

Connectivity:

WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, MicroSD

Hoses:

16x25mm silicone, food grade

45 kg

Tank dimensions:

Ø60 cm, height 60 cm

Tank volume:

169 liters (rec maximum boil volume – 150 liter)

Malt pipe dimensions:

Ø50 cm, height 55 cm

Malt pipe volume:

108 l

Max recommended grain quantity:

35 kg

Minimum liquid volume:

35 l

Build material:

1.0 / 1.2 mm stainless steel (SS304)

Heating elements:

230 V, 6600W (2x3300W) (two individual circuits)

Watt density:

8.9W/cm2 (57.2W/in2)

Pump:

24VDC brushless, max 25 l/min, max head 4.5 m, stainless steel head, stepless speed control from touch display

Controller:

ARM Cortex M4 180mhz, 7″ Touch display

Connectivity:

WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, MicroSD

Hoses:

16x25mm silicone, food grade

Dimensions excl. packaging:

58 (h) x 52 (w) x 52 (d) cm

Dimensions with one side valve:

58 (h) x 62 (w) x 52 (d) cm

Dimensions with two valves:

58 (h) x 72 (w) x 52 (d) cm

Packaging dimensions:

70 (h) x 55 (w) x 55 (d) cm

Weight excl. packaging:

20 kg

Dimensions excl. packaging:

67.5 (h) x 62 (w) x 62 (d) cm

Dimensions with one side valve:

67.5 (h) x 72 (w) x 62 (d) cm

Dimensions with two valves:

67.5 (h) x 82 (w) x 62 (d) cm

Packaging dimensions:

83 (h) x 62 (w) x 62 (d) cm

Weight excl. packaging:

27.5 kg

Dimensions excl. packaging:

79 (h) x 72 (w) x 72 (d) cm

Dimensions with one side valve:

79 (h) x 82 (w) x 72 (d) cm

Dimensions with two valves:

79 (h) x 92 (w) x 72 (d) cm

Packaging dimensions:

97 (h) x 72 (w) x 72 (d) cm

Weight excl. packaging:

37.5 kg

BTOS Control system
FAQ
All documents
TC 34mm silicone gasket, tri clamp and 19mm hose barb
3-way valve on the right side with sensor adapter and pump inlet tube.
B80pro – Recommended blind cap placement
Combined leg and holder for malt pipe
3-way valve shown with all ports open
The illustrations show the fluid flow in the 3-way valves based on the handle position
Bottom valve sticker
Dip tube in the upper position
Dip tube in the lower position
Correct position of the pump
Correct position of the pump

Standard setup

Setup: Standard

2-valve setup

Setup: 2 valves

3-valve setup

Setup: 3 valves

4-valve setup

Setup: 4 valves
B40pro – Circulating during the mash
Sticker for bottom valve showing the area you should operate on during combined circulation

Weight incl. packaging:

Weight incl. packaging:

Weight incl. packaging:

Pro Series Brewing System

The Pro Series Brewing Systems are designed for maximum flexibility. There are many ways of using the systems based on personal preference, what kind of accessories you have and how your brewing area is set up. Below, we will explain the principles of the system and some of the possibilites it gives you.

The tank and malt pipe are built from SS304 stainless steel with a thickness of 1.0/1.2mm. All outlets and ports on the tanks and valves are Tri-Clamp for maximum flexibility. The flanges and steel parts are cast in SS304 stainless steel, and CNC machined. The pump features a 24V brushless motor. It's quiet and powerful and the speed is controlled from the touch-screen. All tubes are 16x25mm food grade high quality silicone with high transparency. The entire system is designed and built to withstand years of use.

The basic principle in the system is a tank with a conical bottom with heating elements, a temperature sensor, a center pipe that's easily removable, an outlet port on each side and a 3-way valve in the bottom which makes it possible to circulate both over the grain bed and through the lower outlet and counterflow cooler or tube at the same time with full flow control. This makes it easy to maintain accurate temperatures outside the malt pipe as you circulate the wort around and up through the malt pipe and over the grain bed. The standard dip-tubes has two o-rings that makes them easy to adjust to the desired angle. If you brew with a lot of hops, you can adjust the dip-tube accordingly to prevent too much hops in the circulation and into the fermenter.

The right 3-way valve is used to choose the input for the pump. You can pump from the inlet dip-tube or from a second tank, usually for sparge water. In the standard setup without extra 3-way valves, this valve is also used to pump the wort to the fermenter.

Setup: 3 valves

The 3-valve setup is based on using a valve on each of the side ports as shown below. You also add a dip tube inside the left port. This allows the wort to be pumped out from the lower port, through the counterflow chiller and back into the left side port through the valve.

With this setup you can take advantage of a whirlpool during cooling. Proteins and hops will form a cone in the middle of the tank thus decreasing your losses to trub. We also recommend circulating outside the malt pipe during mashing to improve temperature stability. By using the bottom 3-way valve in a middle position, you can split the flow around the malt pipe and over the grain bed. We recommend running the pump on 80-100% power and circulating both ways at the same time. More on this is found in the user manual.

You also add an extra 3-way valve on the lower port. This makes you able to also clean the system without disconnecting any tubes. As an option you can use the third valve to bypass the cooler.

S = Temperature sensor

Setup: 4 valves

The 4-valve setup is based on using a valve on each of the side ports as shown below. You also add a dip tube inside the left port. This allows the wort to be pumped out from the lower port, through the counterflow chiller and back into the left side port through the valve.

With this setup you can take advantage of a whirlpool during cooling. Proteins and hops will form a cone in the middle of the tank thus decreasing your losses to trub. We also recommend circulating outside the malt pipe during mashing to improve temperature stability. By using the bottom 3-way valve in a middle position, you can split the flow around the malt pipe and over the grain bed. We recommend running the pump on 80-100% power and circulating both ways at the same time. More on this is found in the user manual.

You also add two extra 3-way valve on the lower port. This makes you able to also clean the system without disconnecting any tubes. You can also bypass the cooler without disconnecting any tubes.

With 4 valves there are also a lot of other possible setups depending on your need.

S = Temperature sensor

Setup: 2 valves

The 2-valve setup is based on using a valve on each of the side ports as shown below. You also add a dip tube inside the left port. This allows the wort to be pumped out from the lower port, through the counterflow chiller and back into the left side port through the valve.

With this setup you can take advantage of a whirlpool during cooling. Proteins and hops will form a cone in the middle of the tank thus decreasing your losses to trub. We also recommend circulating outside the malt pipe during mashing to improve temperature stability. By using the bottom 3-way valve in a middle position, you can split the flow around the malt pipe and over the grain bed. We recommend running the pump on 80-100% power and circulating both ways at the same time.

S = Temperature sensor

3-ventilersoppsett
4-ventilersoppsett
2-ventilersoppsett

Setup: Standard

The Brewing Systems ships standard with one 3-way valve. This will normally be placed on the right side of the system, but if you don't want to sparge using the internal pump, you can install it on the left side to enable whirlpooling. Remember to get an extra dip tube if you want to use this option

By adding more valves, the flexibility will increase, and you can partly or completely avoid having to disconnect tubing or pipes during your brewday. What setup is the best, is subjective. A general advice is to start with the 2-valve starter pack and expand as you get more experience.

S = Temperatur sensor

Standardoppsett

Brewfather integration

Brewfather integration is made available from version 1.8.2 and newer. The integration make it possible to download a recipe from Brewfather to the Brewtools control system using a 5 character code. The recipe can then be stored and edited on the Brewtools control system.

Current integration does not have ability to send live brewing status back to Brewfather. However as part of a bigger ongoing Brewtools cloud intergation process this will likely be available in the near future.

Getting started

This section explain how to use the Brewfathe integration.

To use this feature you will need to have a Premium subscription for Brewfather.

The Brewtools controller will also need to be connected to Wi-Fi and have internet access.

Step 1

Log in to Brewfather from your smartphone or computer. Open Settings.

Step 2

Enable "Brewtools" as Power-up in Brewfather under settings.

Step 3

Open the recipe you want to send to the Brewtools control system and click the green "brew" symbol.

Step 4

Change status to brewing.

Step 5

Click "Send".

Step 6

A 5 character code will show. The code will be valid for minimum 10 hours but will occasionally be deleted.

Note that Brewfather perform a recipe validation prior to generating the code. Validation errors will be displayed below the 5 character code for information.

Step 7

On your Brewtools controller, open recipes and click the Brewfather logo.

A popup will instruct the user what to do.

Enter the 5-character code and click OK.

The controller will then download the recipe and display it. It is always recommended to verify the content before running the recipe. If mandatory field are missing, they will be indicated with red background and you will need to fill it in before you can save it on the controller.

Updates

We regularly update the software for our control system to add new functions and features. The update is now done via WiFi (from version 1.01.00)

When a new version is available, your system will automatically download the update and let you know when it's ready to install. The Micro-SD card must be installed in the system as temporary storage for OTA updates The system ships with the MicroSD card pre-installed.

Update options

From version V01.07.01 it is possible to select Standard or Beta updates. If beta is chosen, you will get access to the very latest version with an increased risk of minor bugs. This option is suitable for those who want access to the latest functions and would like to help contribute with feedback so that we can make the software even better.

If you want well-tested functions and are concerned with stability, standard is recommended. Then you get well-tested software with minimal chances of bugs.

There is also a Dev. option. This option requires a code and is used for development testing and other special cases. If you experience having downloaded and installed a version with errors, you can choose Dev. and enter the code 11111111. Then the latest Standard update will be downloaded. This way, you can be sure that you can use the system without errors. Just remember to set the choice back to Standard or Beta afterwards so that you are guaranteed to get future updates.

How to update manually without WiFi

  • Get an empty MicroSD card, formatted as FAT32

  • Create a folder called "UPDATE" in the root of the MicroSD card

  • Copy the *.bin file to the "UPDATE" folder (remove other files in folder)

  • Turn the system off, and insert the MicroSD card into the slot on the control box

ERROR codes

If you get the error message "ERROR", the system has problems with updating. The code displayed will indicate what type of problem it has.

ERROR 01 - microSD card not installed or corrupt: Ensure the microSD card is installed on the back of the controller. If that does not help, try re-formatting the microSD card as FAT32. If that does not help, try another microSD with FAT32.

ERROR 02 - Downloaded file is invalid: Restart the system and try to download once more.

Downloads

Below you can download the latest version of the firmware

Turn on the system, and wait for the update to complete.

Download latest firmware

BTOS Control system

Content based on version 1.8X

Firmware version

The current firmware version is displayed in the upper right corner on the home screen.

General design principles

The device user interface utilizes some general design principles.

  1. Blue text and blue digits indicate that it can be pressed to control a certain function. White text or white digits indicates that it has no function. Blue text or digits can have either one or two functions.

    1. Push – First function

    2. Push and hold – Second function

3. Every place where the user is prompted to input a value a numeric pad will appear. The allowed numeric range is displayed at the top of the numeric pad. The displayed range is dynamic in terms of volume (liter/US gallon) and temperature (°C / °F) set in settings. If the user types an invalid number, nothing will happen when pushing «OK».

Common functions

Timer

A common timer function is made available from manual control, recipe, and delayed start. The timer has two functions.

  1. Push – First function – set the timer

  2. Push and hold – Second function – pause or resume timer

The timer made available in manual mode and recipe mode show remaining time in MM:SS format. Push to set a new time or push and hold to pause the timer. The timer blir start to blink to indicate that the timer is paused. Push and hold once more to resume the timer. When the time is up, the built in buzzer will sound according to the settings. Please see seperate section regarding settings.

The timer used for delayed start is slightly different. As it allows for up to 24 hours, the format is HH:MM:SS to provide a better user experience. Please see separate section for delayed start mode.

Pump control

The pump can be turned ON and OFF using the round button to the left of the slider. The slider is used to control the pump speed.

Heater control

The built-in heaters can be controlled in three different modes. Push the blue text to toggle between the modes.

  1. AUTO – PID control limited by “Max current” set in settings menu.

  2. MASH – PID control limited by “Mash mode power” multiplied by “Max current” set in settings menu.

  3. MANUAL – Manual power control based on slider position. “Max current” set in settings menu define the scaling of power output.

The heaters can always be manually turned ON and OFF by pushing the round button on the left side of the slider.

The PID controller only use one temperature sensor at the time as process input. This means that it uses either the tank sensor or the pump in-line sensor. Indication to what sensor is currently in used as process input is indicated by the text above the actual temperature display.

In settings menu, a «sensor threshold» can be defined. This value is set in percentage and cohere to the pump speed. If the pump speed is set, using the slider, to a value higher than the threshold, the PID controller will automatically switch to using the pump in-line sensor. Similar, if the pump speed is set to a value lower than the threshold, the PID controller will automatically switch to using the tank sensor. This is to ensure that the in-line pump sensor is not used as process input if the pump speed is too low to provide a satisfying temperature control. It is always possible to override what sensor that should be used by pushing the temperature value. Selected sensor is indicated by the text above the actual temperature value. If sensor selection is overridden, the text will be displayed as red as opposed to blue.

Return temperature and mash temperature

In addition to the Tank- and Pump sensor, further two temperature sensors can be connected to the control system.

  • Return temperature: This sensor is normally placed on the outlet of the counterflow chiller.

  • Mash temperature: This sensor is manually placed into the grains while mashing.

The temperatures can be seen on the display by clicking on the upper left button. This will toggle between:

  • Timer

  • Return temperature

  • Mash temperature

The following pictures show what happens when toogeling between the three displays.

Note that, the heater control cannot be controlled using return- or mash sensors input. At least not for now :-)

Manual control

Manuel mode is where you want to be if you want to have full control and continuous interaction with the equipment during the brewing process. Absolutely recommended as a starting point if you are new to the brewing equipment.

If you want to use the machine as a «Sous vide», manual mode is what you will be using.

From the manual mode screen, multiple functions can be performed e.g. changing the target temperature, toggle between the three heating control modes as well as using the timer. The pump can be controlled manually, and it is even possible to change settings live while brewing. By pushing the button with the snow crystal symbol, the timer will be swapped with the temperature from the third senor (accessory). The timer will still run in the background and by pushing the same button the timer will reappear.

Recipe

Recipe mode allow you to define the whole brewing session and let the control system guide you through the whole brewing process, keeping track of time and temperature. It is possible to store up to 20 custom recipes on the device. A new recipe can be added manually on the device by clicking the plus symbol. Recipes can also be imported from Brewfather by clicking at the Brewfather logo.

More details on how to import recipes from Brewfather, click the link below.

Stored recipes can be edited (pencil symbol), deleted (recycle bin symbol) or executed («play» button). Changes to recipes will not be automatically synchronized back to Brewfather.

Below is an example of how a recipe can look like. By taking the time to type the hop name and amount, you will experience that the text will appear during the brewing process which is of great help.

Recipe name – Give the recipe a proper name to make it easier to find it.

Strike overshoot temperature – Set the strike temperature if you want to compensate for the grain temperature absorption.

Boil time – How long the boil will last.

Cooling target – Target temperature for transferring to fermenter.

Sanitizing time – Get a reminder before the boil time is over to start the pump to circulate boiling wort through the counterflow cooler and hose line to sterilize it.

Mash water – Amount of mash water to be used.

Sparge water – Amount of sparge water to be used.

Sparge temperature – Temperature of the sparge water.

Mash steps – Define mash steps. Maximum 16 steps. Temperature must be incremental for each step.

Boil additions – Dine the additions used during boiling. Maximum 16 additions. Time for each addition is defined as how long it will be boiling. Time must be within total boil time defined above. Text is used as help as it will appear on the screen along the way.

Hopstand additions – Define hop stand. Set time to «0» to skip hop stand.

While running a recipe, notifications will pop up to guide you through the whole brewing session. A selection of notifications will also sound the buzzer according to settings.

Below are some examples of how running a recipe mode will look like.

Delayed start

Delayed start is a mode that allows you to schedule the machine to automatically heat your strike water beforehand, saving time on the brew day. The timer can be set to maximum of 24 hours countdown.

To use it, fill the tank with the right amount of mash water and set the timer to when the heating will start. Remember to allow necessary time for the water to heat, typically 30-60 minutes. When the set point temperature is reached, a safety mechanism is embedded to shut down the power after 4 hours. Time to shutdown will be displayed. This safety feature is implemented in case you forget or for some reason are prevented for conducting the brewing session. An additional safety feature is in place in case the sensors fails while delayed start is active. If sensor fails, the heaters will turn off or not starting at all.

Settings

Settings are made accessible from multiple places in the control system and will allow live changes without interrupting ongoing activity.

Settings are divided into 3 tabs.

General

Under the «General» tab you will find most of the day to day settings.

Alarm beeps – Number of beeps when the buzzer is activated. Choose; none, 1,3,5 or continuous.

Brightness – Select screen brightness in 20% increments from 40% to 100%.

Language – Select language. English, Norwegian, Italian, German, Spanish or French.

Sensor Threshold – Set the pump speed threshold where the in-line pump sensor automatically will be used as opposed to tank sensor as process input for temperature control. Select either 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% or 70%. It is still possible to override this, please see heater control section further up.

Max current 1 – Set the max power draw for power input 1. It is recommended to set it according to amperage rating on the circuit breaker feeding your power outlet. Available settings are: 10A, 13A, 15A and 16A.

Max current 2 – Set the max power draw for power input 2. It is recommended to set it according to amperage rating on the circuit breaker feeding your power outlet. Available settings are: 10A, 13A, 15A and 16A. Note! B40pro 240V version does not use this setting as it only has one power input cable.

Temperature unit – Select Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F).

Volume unit – Select Liter or US Gallon (1 US Gallon = 3.785 liters)

Mash mode power – Select power limitation used in Mash mode. This is a nice feature to reduce or avoid burning of the heating elements is cases of using wheat grains and/or step mash programs. Toggle to select either 30%, 40%,50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% power during mash mode. The power reduction is related to any additional reduction set in Max current setting, so make sure total power available is enough to keep a stable temperature or perform a temperature increase during step mash at preferred pace. Other factors that will play a role is: surrounding temperature, whether lid is on or off, use of insulation jacket, volume in the kettle and voltage. It is recommended to test this prior to starting the brewing session, especially if you plan to use recipe mode as it will not allow you to change this on the fly.

To enable the power reduction, now called; mash mode, please see heater control section further up. If the text “MASH» is shown below the target temperature, you know it is activated. You will also see that the power slider indicator on the screen is locked to not exceed the percentage value set. For recipe mode, the system will automatically select mash mode.

Sanitizing time - Select how long before the end of boil the system should notify user to start circulating through the countercurrent cooler to disinfect the equipment. The value is used by default every time you create a recipe on the device or in cases where it is not defined when a recipe is downloaded from Brewfather.

Strike overshoot temperature - Select how much warmer the water should be for strike to compensate for the temperature effect of the grains when it is poured into the brewing machine. The value is used by default every time you create a recipe on the device or in cases where it is not defined when a recipe is downloaded from Brewfather.

Wi-Fi

To connect the device to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network with internet access, you will have to consent to Brewtools collecting anonymous data for the purpose of improving the services. Consent is given from the screen before filling in SSID and password.

Note! SSID is case sensitive meaning it distinguishes between small and capital letters. Additionally, some special characters are not supported by the system. Please check the keyboard on the device for allowed special characters.

Connection status is shown to the right. To disconnect the device from Wi-Fi, press the thick box. Last used SSID and password will be stored locally at the device.

Update

If the device is powered on and connected to internet, it will download new firmware as it become available:

  • microSD card is installed in a slot on the backside of the control box.

  • Connected to internet.

To check whether the device is downloading an update, please open the «Update» tab. When a new firmware is downloaded, user will get a notification. User then decide to install immediately or next time the device is powered on.

A board has been made available for users to report bugs and propose new features. Check out www.brewtools.com for more information.

Secret settings

A secret settings menu is available from Manual mode or Delayed start. By pushing and holding the B-logo for more than 3 seconds you get access to settings that are considered more advanced and normally not relevant for most users. Offsetting temperature sensors and changing the PID controller parameters should not be done unless it is familiar to you.

Push «SHOW» button to see the default PID parameters.

From firmware version 1.6.0, standard PID parameters were changed to reduce temperature from overshooting/exceeding the target temperature.

Version 1.5.1 and previous: P=60 I=0.023 D=0

Version 1.6.1 -> : P=46.6 I=0.12 D=0

Note! The controller needs to be restarted for new PID parameters to be enable.

Changelog

V02.01.06 (dev) code: 37318216

  • Fixed: Minor fixes related to recipe mode and temperature conversion. Mainly relevant for Cloud users.

V02.01.03 (dev) code: 10611392
  • Changed: Added MCU ID for debugging purposes on Advanced settings tab. Changed how system send MCU ID to cloud.

  • Changed: Minor GUI changes for displaying remaining time during remote control session.

  • Fixed: Loss of temperature sensor caused heater to switch off instantly. Added a 20 sec delay to make it more robust for intermittent failing sensors.

V02.01.00 (dev)

  • Added: Cloud service connectivity features:

    • Remote Control in Manual mode, Recipe mode and Delayed start.

    • View cloud recipes on device.

    • View Brewfather recipes on device.

    • Copy local recipes to cloud.

    • Auto Resume after power loss.

  • Added: Advanced network settings, allowing static IP.

  • Added: Temperature offset on Mash sensor.

  • Changed: Wi-Fi connection stability improved.

  • Fixed: Delayed start timer returning to home screen introduced in V01.09.01.

  • Fixed: Translations improvements.

Note that the features related to cloud services are still under continuous development and might not fully work as intended. Changes and improvements will be carried out on the web backend side and normally not require the controller to be updated.

V01.09.01 (beta)

  • Fixed: Safety function to detect dry kettle, introduced in V01.09.00, has been improved to avoid false detections.

  • Fixed: Auto selection of selected sensor based on pump speed changes has been corrected. The bug was introduced in V01.09.00 and caused the auto select function to work opposite in case were selected sensor was overridden.

  • Changed: System now automatically turns on heating and pump after pop-up has been confirmed to enhance user experience. Previously the user had to press the ON button one more time after the pop-up was confirmed.

V01.09.00 (beta)

  • Added: Scanning for Wi-Fi networks.

  • Added: Wi-Fi connection symbol in upper right-hand corner.

  • Added: Monitoring of selected sensor to inform user in cases where an abnormal situation occurs.

    • If pump sensor is selected and pump sensor fails.

    • If pump sensor is selected, heater is on and pump is off longer than 5 sec.

    • If pump sensor is selected, heater is on and tank sensor gets 5°C higher than pump sensor longer than 60 sec.

  • Added: You can now jump to a specific step in recipe using a new menu.

  • Changed: Check for firmware updates while brew controller is running, not only at startup.

  • Changed: Updated the error messages for downloading OTA updates.

  • Changed: Sensor error handling improved. System allows to continue using pump sensor if the tank sensor fails.

  • Changed: New default PID values (from 46.6, 0.12, 0 to 100, 0.2, 1000)

  • Fixed: Make SSIDs with commas work.

  • Fixed: Show decimal number in recipe mode.

  • Fixed: Sensor error will not longer show as 127/128°C / 262°F.

  • Removed: Sparge water reminder when no sparge water is required.

  • Removed: Sanitizing reminder when the sanitizing time is 0 minutes.

V01.08.07 (download)

  • Changed: New background and minor GUI refreshments.

  • Changed: Sorting of hop additions reversed so that the first addition is listed on top.

  • Added: Brewfather recipe integration - Download Brewfather recipies to your controller.

  • Added: Sanitizing time added in settings.

  • Added: Strike overshoot temperature added in settings.

  • Added: Mash sensor (4th) reconnect if it drops out.

  • Changed: Updating of Wi-Fi module for improved Wi-Fi stability.

  • Changed: Minor improvements to validation of recipes.

  • Changed: Moved buttons to add recipes to top of screen.

  • Fixed: Bug related to how decimal numbers are shown in some instances.

  • Removed: Sending of data to cloud service.

V01.07.03

  • Added: Automatic temperature control is now available during hopstand in recipe mode.

  • Added: Mash sensor (4th) reading added to secret settings.

  • Added: Text 2.4 GHz to make it clear that only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi is supported.

  • Changed: Target temperature can be set as low as 10°C in manual mode.

  • Fixed: Temperature controller (PID) had errors that could cause temperature to overshoot.

    • Stop integrator from running while the heater is off.

    • Avoid sudden increase in integrator value due to multiple sensor input switching.

V01.07.01

  • OTA update settings now supporting BETA and Development firmware download.

  • Improvements and expansion of backend system for upcoming cloud integration.

  • Cooling and 4th sensor added to recipe screen.

  • Cooling and 4th sensor GUI now supports one decimal place.

  • Heaters control improved by changing control signal period.

  • Target temperature removed when in Manual mode.

  • Hide heater controls in delayed mode before and while counting down.

  • Bugfix: 4th temperature sensor GUI text translated.

V01.06.01

  • Telemetry logging to cloud for test.

  • Major back-end rework and updates to wifi module and networking

  • Added support for decimals in volume (gallons/liters)

  • Added support for French language

  • New default PID values (from 60, 0.023, 0 to 46.6, 0.12, 0)

  • Delayed start mode improved. Input is now [HH:MM]

  • Scrollbars added

  • Minor GUI enhancements V01.05.02

  • Fixed a issue where the system, in some cases, did not limit power in MASH mode

  • Added 80% and 90% power options for MASH mode for users with limited power available. Use with caution.

  • Various minor fixes.

V01.05.00

  • Delayed start feature added. Use at your own risk

  • New languages: Italian, German, Spanish.

  • Heater/Pump symbols replace text

  • Various framework updates

  • Various minor GUI and notification simprovements

V01.04.03

  • NOTE: ALL RECIPES MADE IN THE BETA VERSION WILL BE DELETED

  • Support for US gallons using recipe mode

  • Automatic recipe validation. It is not longer possible to save and run recipes that are incomplete or with incorrect values

  • Possibility to show next boil additions by tapping on the timer for next addition

  • Confirmation pop-up for deleting recipes

  • Return temperature and timer can now be toggled by tapping the cooler button. Feature available in manual mode and during cooling in recipe mode

  • Possibility to pause timer by tap and hold timer for 2 seconds

  • Scrolling wheel for selecting time and temperature has been replaced by a numeric keypad. This will allow quicker typing of recipes and allow decimals for US gallons

  • Fixed bugs related to reaching strike temperatuere when using recipe mode

  • Fixed bugs related to temperature control after strike temperature has been reached, resulting in temperature overshoot

  • Improvements related to typing and editing text

  • Overall improvements to recipe mode

V01.03.01

  • Recipe mode added.

  • Mash mode heating mode: For both manual and recipe mode you can now limit the max output power in settings (30-70%)

  • Popups are redesigned for more flexibility

  • Settings are redesigned to scrolling list

  • Keypad limits/validation added

  • Default fuse limit now set to 13A

  • Improved application internal architecture

V01.02.01

  • Fahrenheit conversion bug fixed

V01.02.00

  • Fahrenheit support added

  • Secret settings can now be accessed by holding down the settings symbol in main menu for 3 seconds

  • English is default language for new devices

  • Manual heating is now allowed even if all sensors are disconnected

  • Minor graphical changes V01.01.00

  • WiFi functionaliy added.

  • OTA updates. Log in to WiFi network. Updates will download autmatically and notify user.

  • On-screen Keyboard added. Updated Numeric keypad to reflect same design as new keyboard.

  • Added notification (beep) when target temperature is reached (Manual mode).

  • Heaters dry-run protection. Device will shut down heaters and pump if sensor 1 (tank sensor) reaches >115 degrees Celsius.

  • Minor architectural fixes

V01.00.03

  • Settings: Buzzer renamed to Alarm

  • Settings: Alarm now selectable. 3 beeps or continous until display is touched.

  • Secret settings: Sensor offset now activated and working

  • Secret settings: Default PID values are shown when 'default' button is held down

  • Warning messages before starting heaters and pump for the first time each session for added safety

  • Updated touch input framework

  • General GUI, stability and performance improvements

V00.09.17

  • Settings: Max current setting now enabled at 10, 13, 15 and 16 Amps

  • Settings: Heater cycle offset to prevent both relays starting at the same time

  • Settings: Display brightness can be adjusted

  • Settings: Pump sensor automatic switching threshold now user selectable from 20-70%

  • Improved architectural structures

V00.09.16 - "Freezefix"

  • Code optimization

  • Updated RTOS to latest version fixing corrupted memory causing the unit to freeze

  • Improved onboard diagnostic LED algorithm V00.09.12

  • Improved pump control

V00.09.11

  • When current temperature exceeds 100.0 degrees, it now shows without decimals to better fit the display - Improved heater control cycle for future asynchronous operation.

V00.09.10

  • Initial beta release

Green color is used to indicate that the heater or pump is turned ON.
Brewfather integration
Trello
Manual control - Timer
Manual control - Return temperature
Manual control - Mash temperature