Arismac wrote:Thanks Carol and what temperature are you running at please?
Running a still by temp is NOT a good idea.
What you are looking for is a stable temperature. As different compounds boil off in the boiler your boiling point will change.
Your temp will be lower at operating temp to start with as you still have the lighter compounds present. Once you are in the hearts the vast majority is going to be ethanol and your temp should stay stable for a fair while. When it starts to creep up again can be a good indicator of tails.
The specific temp doesn't matter unless you have a very well calibrated thermometer. Just use the same thermo each time and notice the temp it stays stable at.
The power controller is so you can balance the power input to the reflux by cooling water for the still to operate correctly. Don't use the temp controller to determine temp OR offtake speed with a boka (liquid management) still (offtake is achieved by the offtake valve).
You might be getting confused with people talking about running their bubblers (cooling management) by the use of the controller which is a different kettle of fish (or wash).