Home built auto draw off

[Hkb82]

Just thought I’d post a few pics if my home built auto draw off valve. Works great in the testing but haven’t had the chance to do any real boiling or draw offs with it yet. Maple season is just around the corner so time will tell.
I used an inkbird PID controller. Was a pretty simple build. I’m sure it’s not as high quality as the larger manufacturers but it was only 200$ Canadian give or take a bit plus what I already had around the shop. That’s for the entire build. I will be getting a better thermocouple also and keeping this shorter one for a spare. 2270922709

[Hkb82]

2271122711

[djmocknh]

Nice job! I did the same thing with the INKBIRD PID. Fun project, economical price, and easy to repair if anything fails.

[Hillcrest Maples]

Awesome build! We run 2 inkbirds on the shurflo pump house. Definitely gonna build this for next year. Thanks for posting this, cool idea!

[Hkb82]

Thanks. I think for next year I’m gonna add another PID for stack temp and maybe one for middle finishing pan temp. I’ve made a stand for it to sit near the evaporator( just a piece of 1 1/4” pipe with a 25lb weight plate welded to the bottom) or it also has a wall mount I can quickly pop it if the pipe and put it on the wall. It’s got a dedicated plug along with my blower switch wired right near the door of the arch so my options are pretty good. If I build the bigger 3 PID unit for next year it will likely be on the wall. I’ve seen lots do it either way but not really any talk about it. I’m guessing some folks just like it outa the way? Maybe they get pretty warm sitting next to the rig? I should find out in a week or two what one I like best.

[Hkb82]

Had my first boil yesterday and the diy auto draw worked perfectly. I still look at the old school maple gauge often and check for density regularly. It did it’s thing for a 8 hour boil. A great diy project for you maple addicts. And I can see how people say they wouldn’t go without once they have used one. It’s like having a second pair of eyes and hands and me running my rig solo it’s a very nice upgrade.

[jrgagne99]

Can you post a parts list? Wiring diagram, etc.? Because the pictures uploaded pretty small.

[Amber Gold]

Cool build. I did one a while ago (I didn't add the valve to it though), and it's worked great. The thread is on here somewhere if you search for it.

The sad part is I got a lot of the misc. items to build it from Radio Shack...not around anymore.

[Bgreisch]

I also would like to see a parts list and wiring diagram. Nice job on that.

Bryan

[Hkb82]

https://www.amazon.ca/Inkbird-Temperature-Controllers-Thermostat-ITC-106VH/dp/B071FKQQ8Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=inkbird+pid&qid=1678321201&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.ca/110-230VAC-Normally-Stainless-Motorized-Electrical/dp/B095MWNXS1/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=6MPH7U1NAWGF&keywords=110v+stainless+ball+valve+3%2F4&qid=1678324567&sprefix=110v+stainless+ball+valve+3%2F4%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-3
Be sure to get the normally closed valve.

https://www.amazon.ca/Gratury-Junction-Waterproof-Enclosure-Electrical/dp/B092QXD4GY/ref=mp_s_a_1_22?crid=P3WP30OS5PE3&keywords=electrical+box&qid=1678324710&sprefix=electrical+box+%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-22

Those are the parts I ordered. I will try and post some pics and a diagram once I’m home

[Hkb82]

23007 hope this one is viewable

[Hkb82]

This is how mine is wired inside. This diagram shows a heating coil and for the auto draw valve I used a 5 foot section of wire and one of the yellow female plugs to be able to unplug the valve. I also just grabbed the power for the draw light from this location. You could also get it from the pid unit itself.23008

[darkmachine]

Hkb82 how is the valve holding up? I have had trouble with mine, the one you linked to is only rated for 212 degrees. Do you have a manual valve above or below the auto draw valve?

[Hkb82]

I did notice when I ordered it it said 212f. I couldn’t find anything that was rated for higher temps that was keeping it cost friendly so I thought I’d try it and see. Only seen about 10-12 hrs boil time so far so time will tell. I couldn’t tell any difference from the regular ss ball valve I’ve used for years other the the obvious electric motor.

And yes I have a manual ss ball valve ahead of the auto draw one to control flow speed and to be able to close in an emergency and when not in use. I also have a bypass with a ball valve to be able to draw off bypassing the auto draw off side. I pretty much built the same thing as Smokey lake sells but instead of putting the manual valve after the electric I put it ahead. My thoughts were if I did have any issues I could stop flow ahead of the electric valve and be able to remove it without draining the pan.