Thinking about an upgrade.

[Mash]

... I already have a controller for the AS, but think I need at least another 2. So Best get a couple on the slow boat ASAP.

Hang on...
Two very different controllers here.
The one on the AS is a power controller.
For mashing you need a temperature controller (inkbird).

[gaza the instructor]

Mash A false bottom would stop his bag from touching the element would it not.

[gaza the instructor]

Temp controller, like one of these https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Inkbird-308- ... f3ce9b46dd

[Sponge]

... I already have a controller for the AS, but think I need at least another 2. So Best get a couple on the slow boat ASAP.

Hang on...
Two very different controllers here.
The one on the AS is a power controller.
For mashing you need a temperature controller (inkbird).

Ahh Yes. Right. Now I know what you mean. Completely different. Are those PID controllers? I was looking into those and read that they wasn't that great for distilling. For example how George uses them? But I can see it does make sense to use them for mashing.

Mash A false bottom would stop his bag from touching the element would it not.

Temp controller, like one of these https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Inkbird-308- ... f3ce9b46dd

Thank you Gaza. So a false bottom would do the trick if installed and used correctly.
An inkbird (PID?) would work by giving me more control over the process?

[Easydrinker]

This thread has grown legs, weaned itself, and is walking into the sunset...
A long way from Sponge musing on an upgrade to an airstill!
I am unsure that all the help has actually been helpful?
Enough new information to confuse a novice, please don't take that as a slight Sponge!

Robert.

[Mash]

Mash A false bottom would stop his bag from touching the element would it not.

Who mentioned bags? As is biab? OK I can see that. Not the normal use, but I see your thinking.

Properly messy and probably a pita. A false bottom is normally a step up from a bag. And for a Whisky schedule I think it would get in the way during the sticky bit. Not feeling the love sorry.

Stay safe - stay stainless.

[Mash]

Sponge, Goggle inkbird. Its a well established plug and play temp controller. You could do it with the basic one, but there is also a step mash one too.

[Easydrinker]

Rewind......
Sponge, it seems that you don't want to build a new still yourself.
If you can afford it, save yourself some grief, buy a standard T500, and then a copper dome.
Happy times.
Or watch others plough in with advice.
Time and effort over money equation.

Robert.