Float Pro digital hydrometer

Getting Started

You have just received your Float Pro and want to start a fermentation, here’s what you have to do:

1. Enable the SETUP mode by placing the Float Pro on its lid. Your Float Pro’s lid will flash green every three seconds.
2. Using your mobile device, connect to the Wi-Fi network called “Float Pro – xxxx”. Your mobile device opens a page with further instructions. Follow the instructions on your mobile device to connect the Float Pro to your Wi-Fi.
3. Your Float Pro is now registered with the platform. You are ready for the first measurement! An email confirming the registration is sent to the email address you entered during registration.
4. Place your Float Pro in MEASURE mode: pick it up and rotate it till the lid points upwards. The device wakes up, sends measurements to the online platform, and goes to sleep. During wake-up, the lid gradually brightens; while sending measurements, it blinks blue twice; and during sleep, the lid gradually darkens. If the lid shows a red light please read the section ‘I see a red light’.

Your Float Pro’s measurements are automatically recorded in the free My Brewbrain platform. There you can find your new Float Pro under the “My Floats” page on my.brewbrain.nl

My Brewbrain Platform

Your Float Pro automatically logs measurements to the free My Brewbrain platform. If you don’t have an account on the platform, registering the Float Pro will automatically create one for you, and associate it with the email address you used during registration. On the platform you can manage your Float Pro; change its fade color, change measurement units, update the firmware and more. You can view, download and share measurement data with other users, but you can also integrate with other (brewing) apps.

Charging

You can charge the Float Pro in two ways:

1. Using a QI v1.2 compliant wireless charging pad.
   You can use our position tool for guidance. See our support page.
2. With a USB-C charger:
   1. Unscrew the Float Pro’s lid.
   2. Insert a USB-C cable into the USB-C connector.
      The charger must output 5 V with at least 1 A of current.
      Caution: Do not use high-power chargers for laptops.

The Float Pro should be charged at least once every half year for optimal battery life.

Modes

The Float Pro has three modes:

1. SETUP; for registration, Wi-Fi change and maintenance
2. MEASURE; for measuring your fermentation
3. OFF; when not using the Float Pro

Switching the mode of the Float Pro is done by one of the following:

1. Change Float Pro’s orientation, see below
2. Charging it: When charging the Float Pro, it automatically switches OFF.

Changing the Float Pro’s orientation

Based on its orientation the following modes are available:

SETUP mode

In SETUP mode, a Float Pro Wi-Fi access point is available. Connect to it with your mobile device for an interactive menu. In this menu you can register your Float Pro, connect it to your Wi-Fi and you can access your Float Pro’s information in the maintenance menu.

The Float Pro is in SETUP mode when it’s standing on its lid.
After 15 minutes of inactivity the Float Pro automatically switches OFF.
Taking the Float Pro off its lid also switches the Float Pro OFF.

MEASURE mode

In MEASURE mode the Float Pro sends measurements to the My Brewbrain platform every 15 minutes. Sending data takes a few seconds. In between measurements the Float Pro is not connected to your Wi-Fi to preserve battery.

OFF mode

In OFF mode your Float Pro doesn’t show any light signals in the lid.
The Float Pro can be switched OFF:

1. When in SETUP mode; lay it flat on a table
2. When in MEASURE mode, hold it with the lid pointing down, then lay it flat on a table

LED color signals

What’s the button for?

By removing the Float Pro’s lid, a button is accessible. This button has three functions which are triggered based on how long you press the button:

1. Short press (shorter than 5 seconds), a short red pulse is visible. On release the Float Pro reboots.
2. Medium press (between 5 and 10 seconds), a medium long red pulse is visible.
   On release the Float Pro performs a factory reset.
3. Long press (longer than 10 seconds), a long red pulse is visible. On release the Float Pro connects to a predefined back-up Wi-Fi access point that allows it to get a firmware update. This feature is useful if your Float Pro cannot connect to your Wi-Fi. If you think you need to use this option please reach out to support.

Maintenance

Cleaning

Clean the Float Pro with conventional brewing cleaning agents. We have tested the following cleaning agents and they are safe to use:

• Oxygen based cleaning agents based on sodium percarbonate. For example Chemipro OXI
• Chemipro wash
• Dishwashing liquid
• Star San

Examples of what NOT to use:

• Cleaning agents and/or water > 60 °C
• Strong alkaline cleaners, e.g. 10%+ sodium hydroxide solutions (caustic soda)
• Strong acids, e.g. hydrochloric acid, nitric acid
• Chlorine bleach
• Abrasive powders, creams or pads

Storage

The Float Pro is best stored in its packaging. In this way it is stored in a dark environment. Place it somewhere out of direct sunlight.

To preserve battery life, make sure the Float Pro is in the OFF position when stored. Charge the Float Pro at least once per half year to preserve battery life.

Firmware updates

Make use of the latest features and improvements by keeping your Float Pro’s firmware up to date.
When a new firmware update is available, this is visible in the platform under “My Floats”. From there you can choose to update your Float Pro.

Tips and Tricks

Starting a fermentation

The advised procedure when starting a fermentation is:

1. Check your Float Pro status:
   When starting a fermentation you should check if the Float Pro is working properly by placing it in MEASURE mode. The following signals should appear:
   1. Wake up
   2. A long blue pulse
   3. 3 shorter pulses
   4. Enter sleep
      If after one of these steps a red light appears there was an error in this step.
2. Make sure its battery is sufficiently charged
3. Clean your Float Pro
4. Place the Float Pro in your fermenter
5. Start a new fermentation on the platform

Troubleshooting

Restart the Float Pro

The Float Pro restarts;

1. when you press the button under the lid, for more information see the Modes chapter, or
2. after charging, when the power to the USB port is stopped.

Factory reset

A factory reset returns the Float Pro to the configuration it had after production.
Note: After a factory reset, register the Float Pro to start using it again.
Perform a factory reset by pressing the button under the lid, for more information see the Modes chapter.

I see a red light

If you see the lid fading in or out in red, a red color is assigned to your Float Pro.
You can change this color from the my Brewbrain platform.
If the lid shows a non-fading red light:

1. 6 red pulses: Your battery is (almost) empty. Charge your battery before putting the Float Pro in a new fermentation
2. 1 blue pulse, followed by 1 red pulse: the Float Pro cannot connect to the Wi-Fi it was assigned to via the SETUP menu. Check if it is available and/or go to SETUP menu to change Wi-Fi. You can also see what Wi-Fi the Float Pro is trying to connect to, from your “My Floats” page in the My Brewbrain Platform.
3. 3 blue pulses, followed by 1 red pulse: the Float Pro had an error connecting to the My Brewbrain Platform. Check if you can connect to our platform on your mobile device. If you have issues, please contact support.

Battery replacement

What battery do I need?

You can order a replacement battery by contacting support. If you would like to purchase a liion battery elsewhere, you will have to pay attention to the weight of the battery. The weight of the battery influences the measurement accuracy. Please contact us to ask for the specifications for the required battery.

Replacing the battery

Caution: To reduce the risk of electrostatic damage occurring to the electronics, ground yourself via an ESD wristband when replacing the battery.

To replace or remove the battery, unscrew the lid and carefully slide the electronics out of the housing. Lift the battery from the holder, starting at the negative pole. Install the replacement, make sure to check the polarity!

The Float Pro will reboot after (albeit quickly) charging it.

End of life

Battery disposal

The li-ion battery must not be disposed of with household waste. Dispose of the battery at an appropriate collection point. Please follow local regulations for battery recycling.

Device disposal

The Float Pro must not be disposed of with household waste. Dispose of the device at an appropriate (electronics) recycling collection point according to local regulations.

The housing is made from recyclable PET. Please follow your local waste-handling regulations and make an extra effort to recycle it whenever possible.

We appreciate your feedback

If you have any feedback on our manual, if you find anything unclear, please contact us by sending an email to support@brewbrain.nl.