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Added a "FAQ for Improvements" file so noobs can see the tried paths …
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………that never made it (universam1#497)

* Added a "FAQ for Improvements" file so noobs can see the tried paths that never made it
and why.

* Added a bit about pressurized fermentation.

* Moved to the docs/FAQ-en file and put a note in the README.md
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thormj authored May 22, 2021
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4 changes: 3 additions & 1 deletion README.md
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Expand Up @@ -21,7 +21,9 @@ If you like that project please vote for the [Hackaday.io *2017 Prize List*](htt

Check out [IOT DEVICE PULLS ITS WEIGHT IN HOME BREWING](http://hackaday.com/2017/03/01/iot-device-pulls-its-weight-in-home-brewing/)


## There are FAQs:
### [Deutsche FAQ] - docs/FAQ.md
### [English FAQ] - docs/FAQ-en.md

## Documentation in other languages

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25 changes: 25 additions & 0 deletions docs/FAQ-en.md
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- ***Do I have to tare the iSpindle with weights?***
It is indispensable to enable the iSpindle functionality! Add weights such as nuts, lead balls etc. to the bottom until the inclination is 25° from the vertical. See also example pictures in the documentation. Normally about 20g are sufficient. +/- 5° deviations are often still acceptable.
If you're too close to 30deg, it will be too close to 90 deg at high sg measurements (your starting sg won't be accurate).
If you're too close to 15deg, it will be too close to 0 deg at low sg measurements (you won't be able to read sg's below .95).

- ***It doesn't work, I don't see anything***
The best way to find out what the iSpindle is doing is to read its log. This can be done via a serial monitor like HTerm or Arduino IDE. Connect the spindle via Micro USB, then open the £COM Port with the serial monitor above and read it. Set baud rate to `115200`. It brings light into the dark.
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It now should work properly.

Source: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/forum/threads/ispindle-diy-electronic-hydrometer.598187/page-19#post-8366882

- ***Improvements that have issues***
These are "frequently suggested improvements" that have issues that aren't obvious at first; feel free to try them, but
keep watch for problems:

1. "Let's seal it and use inductive charging!"
a)The Qi chargers are larger than the PETling so they have to be bent. Some Qi chargers get very unhappy about
that (overheating/fire), while others work but are *very* picky about placement on the Qi charging pad.
There are inductive chargers that fit inside the cap [not Qi] (eg: https://amzn.to/3wslaLO , but they haven't
been tried yet).
*Try it, but watch for heat!*

b)The seal for the PETling is at the top/inside; yeast and bacteria will get in the "threaded area" and will be
impossible to wash out. Right now, it's recommended to take the cap off and clean/sanitize the cap and the
PETling separately.

2. Doesn't krausen/CO2 affect the readings?
It certainly does with the commercial version; if you think it's settled prematurely, rock/stir your wort and
see what happens.

3. Can the iSpindel be used in a pressurized fermenter?
You can try... the default PETling seal is "on the inside" so that it makes a better seal as the pressure inside
increases (sodas are carbonated), which is the wrong direction, but the screw theads do make a seal, so...

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