BrewCommander™ © Blichmann Engineering, LLC 2019 2
The BrewCommander™ Brewhouse Controller is an accurate and intuitive complete brewhouse control for automatically ramping and maintaining the
temperature of your boil kettle, mash tun, or hot liquor tank. With automated mash profile ramping, boil addition timers, pump control, delayed starting,
and easy to use advanced control settings, the BrewCommander™ is clearly in a league of its own. It’s a perfect plug-and-play match for controlling the
power output of your HellFire™ burner or other Direct Spark Burner and can be powered from a standard 15 Amp 120V Outlet.
The Gas BrewCommander™ Brewhouse Controller is, by design, modular. A single control module can be used for controlling one vessel, or multiple
temperature control modules can be combined for simultaneous control of multi-kettle systems.The controllers can operate as standalone units or can be
installed on the feature-rich TOWER of POWER™ stand, which provides all of the necessary fittings, plumbing, valves and flow meter in a convenient
package. Also available is the TOWER of POWER LTE™, offering a more compact design with basic features.
CAUTION: Always keep the controller away from heat and moisture. When necessary, clean with a damp cloth.
WARNING: Inspect all cables, wires, and connectors for wear and/or damage before every use. Do not use if cables, wires, and/or connections
are damaged, loose, or worn. Replace damaged and worn parts with genuine Blichmann Engineering™ parts available online at
BlichmannEngineering.com.
WARNING: The Gas BrewCommander™ Brewhouse Controller is only to be used in conjunction with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
protected power source. If you are uncertain about the status of your power source contact a licensed and qualified electrician familiar with National
Electric Code standards before proceeding. Operating the Gas BrewCommander™ Brewhouse Controller in any fashion other than described in this manual
can result in personal property damage, injury, electrocution, or death.
Burner:
The Brew Commander™ has been tuned to work seamlessly with a Blichmann HellFire™ burner, however other burners can be used with the controller if
they meet the necessary requirements.Your burner must be capable of operating well at low power settings. If you cannot maintain a flame at about half
power your system stability will suffer. Specifically, you should be able to reduce your heat to achieve an average heating rate of 1.5 F/min or less.
Fuel Supply:
The solenoid valve supplied is suitable for up to 25 PSI propane regulators and residential natural gas. Fuel flow rate through this valve is adequate to power
Blichmann Engineering™ HellFire™ burners on both fuels, however, other burners may need a larger solenoid valve (not included). Do NOT install a solenoid
valve that draws over 2A at 120V including inrush or you may damage the ignition start relay which is NOT a warrantable failure.
OVERVIEW
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
CONNECTING THE CONTROLLERS TO YOUR SYSTEM
WARNING: Make sure that the controller is NOT plugged in until you have fully connected the ignition and ground wires or electric shock could occur from
the ignition wire!
CAUTION: Heat damages electronics. Locate the control units, solenoid valves, tower and wiring as far from heat sources (burners) as possible. You should
never feel your control modules getting warm to the touch. If they do, they are too close to heat sources! The maximum surface temperature should never
exceed 125F (52C). While the solenoid valves will get somewhat warm during operation they should never be uncomfortably hot to the touch. Locate them
as far from the heat source as possible.
CAUTION: Always route wires away from heat sources and hot surfaces to prevent burning and short circuits.
IMPORTANT WARRANTY INFORMATION! Electronics damaged from excessive heat are not covered under warranty! If the controller or ignition module is
uncomfortably hot to the touch then it is located too close to the heat source and needs to be moved.
