NOTE: You are responsible for reading the entirety of these instructions before using the unit. Heating sources can be dangerous, and only responsible persons should consider automating them.
The standard Automasher provides a turn of approx. 180 degrees. If your heating source requires a different amount of rotation, you must contact us to request a custom unit or to have your unit modified.
The Automasher displays temperature in degrees Celsius.
A. The Range's Spindle
Most kitchen ranges have knobs that are attached to spindles. After gently removing the knob by pulling it away from the range, the spindle will be exposed. If you are using an outdoor burner or grill, refer to the bottom of this document for information on easily accessing the spindle.
The shaft coupling should be removed from the Automasher by loosening the upper set screw with the set screw tool. This coupling should now be attached to your range's spindle. If your range spindle has a groove (or keyway) on it, you should align the shaft coupling such that the set screw fits onto the groove. Be sure that only the lower set screw is attached to your range's spindle, as the upper set screw will need to attach to the Automasher. If your range's spindles are delicate, you may wish to buffer the set screw with a piece of rubber or cloth. If your spindle is too short, it will need to be lengthened with a piece of metal or hard plastic tubing.
B. Attaching the Automasher
Before attaching the Automasher, you will wish to set your range to its lowest setting by turning the coupling (as if it were the knob). This is necessary because most ranges have a safety mechanism that requires that the knob be depressed while initially turning it in order to activate it. You must also turn the Automasher's temperature setting to its lowest point as well. Now you must set the Automasher such that it will turn your knob in the proper direction. Flip the direction control switch to the left if your knob needs to be turned clockwise to turn the heat up, or flip it to the right if you knob needs to be turned counter-clockwise. To attach the Automasher to your spindle, you should first ensure that another one of your range's spindles is exposed (by removing its knob) so that it will fit between the leverage arms. Line up the Automasher such that the leverage arms will wrap around the other (leverage) spindle and such that the spindle you wish to activate fits into the shaft coupling. If you need to bend the leverage arms, use two pairs of pliers, bending each arm separately. Be certain to leverage the bend with the second set of pliers. You do not want to tear the arms off of the Automasher body. Now, tighten the upper set screw. If you are mounting the Automasher vertically, you may need to wedge something underneath the base of the unit such that it does not apply too much force to a weak spindle. Now connect the power source and insert the probe into your kettle. (When connecting a power source, always connect the power jack to the unit before connecting the adapter to the AC socket or to batteries. Also, only use approved power sources.)
If your power supply says "Indoor Use Only", it is only for indoor use and another power supply is required for outdoor use unless notified otherwise by the power supply manufacturer.
C. Calibrating the Automasher
If you purchase a temperature probe separately, the Automasher will need to be calibrated. Do NOT attempt to calibrate the Automasher in your mash. Due to the consistency of the mash, it will be difficult to achieve an accurate setting. Instead, calibrate the Automasher by inserting its temperature probe into a cup of 25 degree celsius water. Simply turn the calibration screw such that the Automasher reads 25 degrees. When turning the calibration screw, use a small flat head screwdriver. Do not press hard on the screw with an improperly fitting screwdriver, but only apply rotation force on the side screws. Remember, the Automasher displays Celsius.
D. Starting the Mash
In most situations, it is best to start your mash near the temperature that you would like to mash at. This can usually be done by preparing the water to around 11 degrees Celsius (20 degrees Fahrenheit) above your mash temperature before adding it to your grain. The Temp/Setting Toggle Switch allows you to see the current measured temperature when flipped to the left, and it allows you to see the set temperature when flipped to the right.Remember, the Automasher displays temperature in degrees Celsius.
The Automasher's temperature probe is flexible. You must ensure that it's tip remains in the center and bottom of the mash. Some brewers may find it useful to attach a weight or something inflexible to the end of the probe. Others may find it useful to clip the probe to the side of the brew kettle.
Due to the consistency of the mash, it must be stirred while heating to prevent uneven heating and the buildup of heat in certain places.
Stove Notes
**In most cases, it is necessary to leave the lid off of the mash kettle to prevent overheating.**
It is essential to ensure that your range's lowest setting is such that it will not overheat your mash. Some stoves require additional modifications. For instance, flat top stoves often hold on to heat due to their density, and it has been found that separating the range top from the mash kettle with a coil of copper tubing (1/4" diameter) will dissipate the heat in a satisfactory manner. Otherwise, most electric ranges function well without any modifications.
If you are using gas, you will also need to ensure that the lowest setting is not too hot. Some kitchen ranges are designed such that you can stack the metal grill/supports to elevate your pot. Regardless, in all gas scenarios, you will also need to make sure that the stove is lit before using the Automasher. The flame MUST be continually monitored to ensure that no gas will escape and cause fire. This is because the pilot light could go out unexpectedly, allowing gas to escape, or gas could leak from faulty equipment. Also, if it is possible that gas may leak, DO NOT activate the Automasher. All electronics are capable of generating sparks, and to combine sparks with an adequate concentration of leaking gas can result in serious injury or death. Never use an outdoor heating source indoors. Never attach an Automasher to anything other than temperature control mechanisms, and not to on/off valves, regulators, or anything else. On/off valves and regulators should never be used to control temperature, even without the use of an Automasher. Gas heating sources must be on and set to low before attaching the Automasher. You must be certain that a flame is visible before this attachment. NEVER connect the Automasher before the flame is lit. As the Automasher is attached to a temperature control knob, the maximum setting it can be set to is determined by the temperature control knob. You must ensure that the maximum setting provided by your temperature control knob does not go high enough to cause danger, and that even while fully open, a dangerous scenario would not arise. Keep the all cables and wires away from flame or extreme heat so that they do not melt or combust. The temperature probe must be kept away from flame and temperatures greater than 250 degrees Fahrenheit. The Automasher and probe are never to be attached close enough to a flame such that they could combust or overheat.
In all scenarios, you must monitor the Automasher after activating it. During monitoring, you must also ensure that your range's knob is not so tight that it requires more torque than the Automasher can provide to turn it. Although the vast majority of spindles are not too tight for the Automasher to turn due to its high torque output, allowing the unit to attempt to turn one that is too tight for continuous extended periods may cause the circuitry to overheat and reset. Also, you should ensure that the Automasher is not attempting to turn your knob beyond any stops your knob may have. This could cause damage to a stove that is poorly constructed.
NEVER use the leverage arms on anything that the temperature control knob is not solidly attached to. NEVER use the leverage arms on anything that is flexible, such as gas hoses, cabling, etc.
The Automasher is NEVER to be activated when combustible gas is present in the environment. The Automasher is NEVER to be submerged in any liquids.
Outdoor Burners
Before considering the use of the Automasher with an outdoor burner, you should be certain that you are familiar with its operation and either have or are capable of having a temperature control valve safely installed. Working with a suitable kitchen range can accustom you to the Automasher's functionality. If your gas burner does not have a temperature control mechanism, you must have a bronze globe or needle valve installed between the regulator and the burner. (Remember, you must NOT attach the Automasher onto a tank or regulator.) The valve that you choose must be able to support the PSI that you will operate. Visit Cole-Parmer for many gas valve solutions. Once again, your temperature control valve should never be such that fully opening it results in a dangerously high flame. If your valve is tight, try to loosen it up some by opening and closing it repeatedly. On the very top of the valve is a nut that holds the handle on. It is indicated by the red arrow on the picture below.
Upon removing this nut, you will be able to remove the handle and attach the Automasher's shaft coupling.
One last word of caution: Although responsible consumption of beer is permitted in the Bible, drunkenness is expressly prohibited. Du mußt consume responsibly.
Return to Automasher(TM)