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Process Automation Made Personal
Model UF-1 (v1 and v2)
UniFlex Brewing Control System
Updated October 18, 2021
Description
The UniFlex Control System is a turnkey, 30A, 240VAC, "plug-and-brew" controller for brewing
or distillation applications. This is the first modular based control system of its kind, allowing for
both user-definable options during order and a future-upgradeable architecture. For example,
the controller can be made initially or later upgraded to include the following options: choice of
power feed and plug(s), single or dual vessel power, single or dual pump/accessory power,
integrated user I/O, proportional power control, DIN rail mount, internal cooling option, and
plug-and-play temperature probes.
The UniFlex is built on a foundation of BruControl technology and integrates into the
BruControl application's ecosphere. The UniFlex's core is an ESP32 micro-controller, which
communicates with the BruControl application via Wi-Fi network. BruControl, along with
UniFlex, UniCon, UniShield, or DIY-built control interfaces facilitates a continuous upgrade and
integration path across the whole brewery including brewing, fermentation, refrigeration,
dispensing, and cleaning. This means a brewery can be incrementally updated over time to
include higher and more advanced degrees of control, monitoring, data logging, and
automation.
This Product Note provides information specific to the UniFlex. Features, functions, and
operations associated with the BruControl application is provided in the BruControl User

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Summary of Contents for BRUCONTROL UF-1

  • Page 1 I/O, proportional power control, DIN rail mount, internal cooling option, and plug-and-play temperature probes. The UniFlex is built on a foundation of BruControl technology and integrates into the BruControl application’s ecosphere. The UniFlex’s core is an ESP32 micro-controller, which communicates with the BruControl application via Wi-Fi network.
  • Page 2: Important Safety Information

    Operating the UniFlex in any manner other than described in these documents or explicit guidance from BruControl Technical Support can result in property damage, injury, electrocution, or death. The operation of the UniFlex MUST fall within the specifications listed below. For example, exceeding the specified current limits may cause damage to the unit or associated equipment.
  • Page 3: Specifications

    The UniFlex must only be connected to equipment or devices which are purpose-suited and have been installed by qualified personnel. Failing to do so may result in property damage, injury, electrocution, or death. Do not power-on or operate the UniFlex without the Wi-Fi antenna connected. Doing so may damage the internal microprocessor or render it permanently incapable of communication.
  • Page 4 1 probe included with single vessel controller, 2 probes with dual vessel controller o Temperature range -55°C to +125°C (-67°F to +257°F) o ±0.5°C (1°F) accuracy from -10°C to +85°C (14°F to 185°F) • BruControl Interface o ESP32 based microcontroller with Wi-Fi and external antenna o Firmware software upgradeable over-the-air •...
  • Page 5 DIN Rail Mount Kit Replaces enclosure base’s rubber feet with DIN rail mounting clips, allowing for mounting to dual DIN rails (vertically or horizontally) BruControl Advanced Discounted BruControl software application (with UniFlex purchase) License for multiple/network interface integration Additional Plug and play, waterproof, 10’ temperature probes (up to 10 per...
  • Page 6 UniFlex Components Front Panel (v1) A – Power Button (green LED) B – I/O Power Connector (option) C – I/O Connector (option) D – Temperature Probe Jack(s) E – Wi-Fi Antenna jack & antenna Front Panel (v2) A – Power Button (blue LED) B –...
  • Page 7 C – Temperature Probe Jack(s). Note: right jack (marked by asterisk) is primary D – Wi-Fi Antenna jack & antenna Rear Panel A – 240VAC Power Input B – Vessel Power Output #1 (if Dual Feed power model) C – Vessel Power Output #2 (option) D –...
  • Page 8: Initial Setup

    BruControl Workspace Note that each item in a BruControl Workspace is called an Element (e.g. Alarm Element, Temperature Probe Device Element, etc.) and these represent either functions (e.g. Alarms) or devices (Temperature Probes). These should not be confused with heating elements.
  • Page 9 11. Open the computer, phone, or tablet’s internet browser, and open a new web page at http://192.168.10.1. An “Interface Wi-Fi Config” configuration page will appear where network parameters are stored. These are the settings for the Wi-Fi network BruControl and the UniFlex will communicate through. Note this must be completed within 3 minutes of power-up, otherwise the UniFlex will return to normal operation.
  • Page 10 Gently tighten the fittings to ensure a good seal. BruControl Installation 16. Download and install the BruControl application via the license Authorization email included with the UniFlex purchase. Follow the directions included there, including the SQL database installation steps.
  • Page 11 26. Edit the interface in BruControl’s Settings (gear icon). Change the IP address to match the UniFlex’s IP address above. The Status should change from a red X to a green checkmark, indicating the UniFlex is connected to BruControl. UniFlex Power & Accessories 27.
  • Page 12: Operation

    Operation The BruControl application and the UniFlex are two components in a functioning BruControl integration and operate like all BruControl systems. Therefore, it is critical that the user review BruControl User Manual in its entirety before operating the UniFlex. The operation instructions to follow assume awareness and understanding of the User Manual content and will not be repeated here for consistency.
  • Page 13 When the PID Control or Manual Control is enabled, the other automatically becomes disabled. When a user enables and uses the PID control, they must make sure the Input control reference in its properties is correct. For example, if the goal is to heat Mash water to a target temperature, the input temperature probe must be in the mash tun, otherwise the mash heater will continue heating indefinitely.
  • Page 14: Firmware Updates

    The firmware is installed via OTA (Over-the-Air), therefore the UniFlex needs to be connected to the Wi-Fi network prior to updating. BruControl should be closed or disconnected from the UniFlex interface prior to updating the firmware. UniFlex Interface Wiring Map...
  • Page 15 Integrated I/O Pin 12 (input only) D*, A, C Integrated I/O Pin 1 (input only) D*, A, C Integrated I/O Pin 2 (input only) UniFlex v2 BruControl Interface Wiring Map: ESP32 (Firmware v45) Connection -> TCP (Network) <- Connection Default <- Wiring Map Wiring Map ->...
  • Page 16 Interface Wiring Map (above). The user should consult the User Manual to understand how the Interface Wiring Map translates to Device Elements in BruControl. The Power Connector contains 3 pins: Power In (S), Power Out (P), and Ground (G). By default, the Power Connector power in and power out pins are jumpered (connected) in the mating connector.
  • Page 17 Should the user need a higher current supply or prefer to power the output drivers with a different voltage, this jumper needs be disconnected, and output driver pin would be connected to a discrete power supply. Voltage supplied can range from 5V to 24 VDC. This does not affect the other channels such as the analog output or the inputs.
  • Page 19 (above). The user should consult the User Manual to understand how the Interface Wiring Map translates to Device Elements in BruControl. 22 AWG wire or equivalent should be used with the I/O connector. To install a wire, strip off ½”...
  • Page 21 Digital or Analog Inputs Should a 5V output switch or sensor need to be input the UniFlex via one of the input pins (ports 1, 2, 11, 12), it can be divided with a pair of resistors. This will apply to both digital and analog switches or sensors.
  • Page 22: Din Rail Mounting

    1: GND 2: DQ 3: VDD Inserting probes which are not provided or qualified by BruControl may cause damage to the UniFlex as the VDD output is not fused. DIN Rail Mounting The DIN Rail Mount option provides the ability to mount the UniFlex to dual 35mm DIN rails.
  • Page 23 BruControl LLC’s option. 4. BruControl must be notified within seven (7) days of the delivery date of any shipping damage. Customer is responsible for shipping damage outside of this time period. Approval for return must be provided by BruControl LLC prior to any return.
  • Page 24 3. This warranty does not cover, and in no event shall BruControl LLC be liable for, travel, lodging, or any other expense incurred due to manufacturing defects in material and workmanship, or any other reason.

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