BYO Stirplate

[meisel]

Just finished my homemade stirplate and I'm happy with the results. I visited several brewboard threads and worked out a wiring scheme that worked best for my needs. The concept is the same as Bill's: it's a case fan from an old pc with a powerful magnet salvaged from a SCSI hdd attached to it, then mounted in an old russian electronix box. I used a simple spst automotive switch to turn the thing on and off and a pot to adjust the speed.


I chose to use the LM317t variable voltage regulator with homemade heatsink as a safety precaution for prolonged use. You can see the heatsink is just a bent up 9v battery clip that couples with the IC and provides surface area for heat dissipation.




Overall I'd say it was a great afternoon job for the DIYer. The whole thing cost me about $14 because I had plenty of parts laying around including a 12v DC adapter. It could be done cheaper if you choose to skip the LM317t but it's only a couple bucks and it'll help you sleep at night when you're stepping up those bombs.

[l_townbrewer]

yeah for yeastie bombs!!!

[Jensen]

Looks awesome!!! You are getting a great vortex. Is there one or two pieces of magnet on the fan? Hopefully you can bring it to the next meeting for a look-see. Your starters have now taken a quantum leap!





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[fergmeister]

Good going Lee. Show and tell at the next meeting?
Chuck