Learn what Master Mode unlocks and who should use it.

Master Mode is an optional premium feature for users who want full control over fermentation and the flexibility to use their own ingredients or custom recipes. This mode requires a one-time purchase of a Master Mode Card ($100), which unlocks advanced brewing functions on both F1 and S1 models.<hr data-start="514" data-end="517"><h2 data-start="519" data-end="549" id="1-what-is-master-mode">1. What Is Master Mode?</h2>Master Mode allows you to customize the brewing process beyond the default kit-based automation. Any beverage that requires fermentation &#x2014; including cider, mead, kombucha, or even wine &#x2014; can be made using Master Mode.Without Master Mode, users can still brew with their own ingredients by following a limited selection of built-in recipes. Beginners may prefer starting with iGulu Brew Kits before creating their own formulations.<hr data-start="989" data-end="992"><h2 data-start="994" data-end="1028" id="2-what-can-master-mode-do">2. What Can Master Mode Do?</h2>Master Mode gives you manual control over key brewing parameters and allows you to create your own fermentation stages.<h3 data-start="1151" data-end="1184" id="key-adjustable-parameters">Key adjustable parameters</h3><ul data-start="1185" data-end="1378"><li data-start="1185" data-end="1217" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Fermentation temperature</li><li data-start="1218" data-end="1254" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Fermentation duration (days)</li><li data-start="1255" data-end="1291" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Multiple fermentation stages</li><li data-start="1292" data-end="1336" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Serving pressure&#xA0;</li><li data-start="1337" data-end="1378" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Carbonation and dispensing settings</li></ul><h3 data-start="1380" data-end="1400" id="how-it-works">How it works</h3>With iGulu Brew Kits, the RFID card automatically configures optimal fermentation settings. With Master Mode, you can override these settings and tailor every stage to your recipe.Example: You can ferment an ale at 69&#xB0;F for four days, then increase the temperature for conditioning &#x2014; or create as many stages as you prefer.<h3 data-start="1736" data-end="1764" id="f1-vs-s1-differences">F1 vs S1 differences</h3><ul data-start="1765" data-end="1899"><li data-start="1765" data-end="1834" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">S1: Manual pressure adjustment (2&#x2013;22 psi) during fermentation</li><li data-start="1835" data-end="1899" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">F1: Automatically regulates internal pressure for safety</li></ul><h3 data-start="1901" data-end="1935" id="where-adjustments-are-made">Where adjustments are made</h3><ul data-start="1936" data-end="2073"><li data-start="1936" data-end="1980" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Touchscreen: Basic parameter changes</li><li data-start="1981" data-end="2073" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">iGulu App: Creating multi-stage fermentation profiles and managing detailed settings</li></ul><hr data-start="2790" data-end="2793"><h2 data-start="2795" data-end="2836" id="3-how-much-does-master-mode-cost">3. How Much Does Master Mode Cost?</h2>Master Mode costs $100 and provides lifetime access for the registered F1 or S1 machine.<h3 data-start="2936" data-end="2971" id="how-to-activate-master-mode">How to Activate Master Mode</h3><ol data-start="2972" data-end="3150"><li data-start="2972" data-end="3039" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Place the Master Mode Card on the RFID scanner of the machine.</li><li data-start="3040" data-end="3083" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Confirm activation on the touchscreen.</li><li data-start="3084" data-end="3123" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Scan the card again when prompted.</li><li data-start="3124" data-end="3150" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Activation is complete.</li></ol><h3 data-start="3152" data-end="3186" id="before-activation-ensure">Before activation, ensure:</h3><ul data-start="3187" data-end="3325"><li data-start="3187" data-end="3230" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Machine firmware is V2.4.7 or above</li><li data-start="3231" data-end="3273" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">iGulu mobile app is 1.9.0 or above</li><li data-start="3274" data-end="3325" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">The brewer is connected and synced with the app</li></ul><hr data-start="3327" data-end="3330"><h2 data-start="3332" data-end="3366" id="4-is-master-mode-worth-it">4. Is Master Mode Worth It?</h2>Master Mode is ideal for users who want full control and creativity.<h3 data-start="3438" data-end="3491" id="you-may-benefit-from-master-mode-if-you-want">You may benefit from Master Mode if you want:</h3><ul data-start="3492" data-end="3729"><li data-start="3492" data-end="3533" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">A highly customizable smart fermenter</li><li data-start="3534" data-end="3576" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">The ability to create your own recipes</li><li data-start="3577" data-end="3639" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Manual control over temperature, timing, and pressure (S1)</li><li data-start="3640" data-end="3684" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">The option to brew beverages beyond beer</li><li data-start="3685" data-end="3729" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">A one-time purchase with lifetime access</li></ul>Users who enjoy adjusting parameters &#x2014; or who want to explore advanced fermentation techniques &#x2014; will get the most value from Master Mode.

What is Master Mode?

Activate Master Mode on your machine using the Master Mode card.

<div data-page-id="RlFZdp98XoatmsxTjBXcQDuznab" data-lark-html-role="root" data-docx-has-block-data="false" id="isPasted">Step 1&#xFF1A;Ensure your machine&#x2019;s firmware is up to date. Step 2&#xFF1A;Make sure the machine is currently in idle mode. Step 3&#xFF1A;Place the Master Mode Card on the RFID scanning area of your iGulu machine.&#x3001;Step 4&#xFF1A;Tap the screen to confirm, then place the Master Mode Card on the scanning area again. Step 5&#xFF1A;Master Mode will be successfully activated. Check if the&#xA0;&quot;diamond icon&quot; appears at the top of the screen. Reference video&#xFF1A;</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gBXembz9vNs??si=5-vWY6G0CdzbDbZE&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen class="fr-draggable"></iframe>

How do I activate Master Mode with Mater Card?

<div data-page-id="RlFZdp98XoatmsxTjBXcQDuznab" data-lark-html-role="root" data-docx-has-block-data="false" id="isPasted"><ul start="1"><li data-list="bullet" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Please check if your machine&#x2019;s firmware version is &quot;V2.4.7 or higher.&quot;</li><li data-list="bullet" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Use a &quot;new brew kit RFID card&quot; to test whether the machine&apos;s RFID detection is working properly.</li></ul>If the issue is related to the Master Card or the machine&#x2019;s RFID sensor, please contact customer service at <a href="mailto:support@igulu.com">support@igulu.com</a>&#xA0;for assistance.</div>

Why can't I activate Master Mode?

Request remote activation after updating firmware and providing device details.

You can update your F1 machine to the latest firmware version and ensure it is connected to Wi-Fi. After updating, provide us with your machine&apos;s serial number or ID.&#xA0;Please contact customer service at support@igulu.com. We will remotely activate the Master Mode for you.If you prefer, we can also send a replacement Master Card separately to you for physical activation.

How can I activate Master Mode on my iGulu F1 machine if I did not receive the Master Card?

Customize fermentation steps and parameters using Master Mode in the app.

DIY Brewing (Master Mode) allows you to manually adjust fermentation parameters when creating your own recipes. Follow the steps below to set up your custom brew profile.<h2 data-start="341" data-end="393" id="1-make-sure-your-machine-and-app-are-updated">1. Make sure your machine and app are updated</h2>DIY functions require minimum versions:<ul data-start="436" data-end="511"><li data-start="436" data-end="477" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Machine firmware: V2.4.7 or above</li><li data-start="478" data-end="511" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">iGulu App: 1.9.0 or above</li></ul>Ensure your machine is connected and synced with the app.<h2 data-start="577" data-end="630" id="2-activate-master-mode-if-not-activated-yet">2. Activate Master Mode (if not activated yet)</h2>Master Mode is required to access DIY Brewing. You can activate it using the Master Mode Card following the instructions on-screen.<h2 data-start="772" data-end="815" id="3-open-diy-brewing-in-the-igulu-app">3. Open DIY Brewing in the iGulu App</h2>The app provides full control over brewing parameters. (Only basic adjustments can be made on the touchscreen &#x2014; multi-stage settings are available only in the app.)<h2 data-start="994" data-end="1040" id="4-set-your-custom-fermentation-profile">4. Set your custom fermentation profile</h2>You can define:<ul data-start="1059" data-end="1197"><li data-start="1059" data-end="1091" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Fermentation temperature</li><li data-start="1092" data-end="1121" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Fermentation duration</li><li data-start="1122" data-end="1160" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Multi-stage fermentation steps</li><li data-start="1161" data-end="1197" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Pressure&#xA0;</li></ul>Adjust each stage according to your recipe needs.<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/B9Zby7ZG4KexeNk3/hc/g5KDM28BMRmx9aBy/2025120110-43bf53d3-6a00-4560-a180-f328658e68c4-master_mode_app_nav-pf_do_not_delete.webp" style="width: 692px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> <h2 data-start="1255" data-end="1283" id="5-start-fermentation">5. Start fermentation</h2>Once parameters are saved, the machine will automatically run your custom fermentation schedule step-by-step.

How do I use DIY brewing settings?

Understand whether the Master Card can activate multiple machines.

<div data-page-id="RlFZdp98XoatmsxTjBXcQDuznab" data-lark-html-role="root" data-docx-has-block-data="false" id="isPasted">No. The Master Card, like the RFID cards included in brew kits, is intended for one-time use only.</div>

Can the Master Card be reused?

Check which models and firmware versions support Master Mode.

<div data-page-id="RlFZdp98XoatmsxTjBXcQDuznab" data-lark-html-role="root" data-docx-has-block-data="false" id="isPasted">Yes. iGulu Master Mode is compatible with all iGulu brewers.</div>

Is iGulu Master Mode compatible with all iGulu brewers?

Experimental brewing allows you to explore new flavors, test variations, and customize your recipes with confidence.Here are practical techniques to help you experiment effectively while maintaining consistency and preventing wasted ingredients. When

Experimental brewing allows you to explore new flavors, test variations, and customize your recipes with confidence. Here are practical techniques to help you experiment effectively while maintaining consistency and preventing wasted ingredients.<h2 data-start="481" data-end="536" id="1-use-split-batches-for-safer-experimentation">1. Use Split Batches for Safer Experimentation</h2>When fermentation is complete, divide your batch into two portions:<ul data-start="608" data-end="720"><li data-start="608" data-end="649" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Keep one as a control, untouched.</li><li data-start="650" data-end="720" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Customize the other, such as adding fruits, spices, or dry hops.</li></ul>This lets you compare differences directly and evaluate how each variable affects flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel&#x2014;without risking the full batch.<h2 data-start="871" data-end="935" id="2-adjust-serving-pressure-for-better-flavor-expression">2. Adjust Serving Pressure for Better Flavor Expression</h2>If you&#x2019;re using Master Mode, you can fine-tune serving pressure to influence carbonation:<ul data-start="1027" data-end="1153"><li data-start="1027" data-end="1089" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Higher pressure &#x2192; brighter, crisp, more sparkling ales</li><li data-start="1090" data-end="1153" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Lower pressure &#x2192; smoother, creamier styles (e.g., stouts)</li></ul>Intentional pressure adjustments help match carbonation to the style you&#x2019;re aiming for.<h2 data-start="1249" data-end="1308" id="3-prevent-contamination-during-recipe-experiments">3. Prevent Contamination During Recipe Experiments</h2>Any time you add ingredients such as fruit, spices, or botanicals during fermentation, make sure everything is clean and properly sanitized.iGulu&#x2019;s closed, pressurized system naturally reduces oxygen exposure and keeps your beer protected during secondary additions&#x2014;but clean handling is still essential.<h2 data-start="1626" data-end="1686" id="4-use-pressurized-sampling-ports-for-flavor-checks">4. Use Pressurized Sampling Ports for Flavor Checks</h2>When testing flavor development during fermentation:<ul data-start="1741" data-end="1814"><li data-start="1741" data-end="1784" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Sample through the pressurized port</li><li data-start="1785" data-end="1814" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Avoid opening the keg lid</li></ul>This allows you to detect off-flavors early and correct issues before they affect the entire batch.<h2 data-start="1922" data-end="1973" id="5-take-notes-and-track-recipe-adjustments">5. Take Notes and Track Recipe Adjustments</h2>A small change can lead to big differences in flavor. Record details such as:<ul data-start="2055" data-end="2169"><li data-start="2055" data-end="2077" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Ingredient amounts</li><li data-start="2078" data-end="2107" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Fermentation temperatures</li><li data-start="2108" data-end="2126" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Stage duration</li><li data-start="2127" data-end="2148" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Pressure settings</li><li data-start="2149" data-end="2169" style="font-family: Inter; font-size: 16px;">Additions timing</li></ul>This helps you repeat successful batches or refine experimental ones.<h2 data-start="2247" data-end="2285" id="6-start-small-then-scale-up">6. Start Small, Then Scale Up</h2>When testing new ideas, begin with small changes&#x2014;such as adjusting a single stage temperature or adding a small amount of fruit&#x2014;before scaling to full recipes.If you&apos;d like help developing recipe variations or want guidance on specific ingredients, feel free to contact us at <a data-start="2571" data-end="2588" rel="noopener">support@igulu.com</a>.

Tips & Techniques for Experimental Brewing

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