I’ve used ProMash ever since I started AG brewing, but there is NO support and NO updates.
I did a trial of BeerSmith. It was nice, but I’m comfortable with ProMash, AND all my recipes are in ProMash format.
What’s a guy to do?
Promash does what I need.
There is plenty of talk on the Interwebs that an update is on the way. I think there is a discussion on the Promash web site.
I haven’t done it myself, but you can import most recipe file types into BeerSmith.
What kind of update does Promash need? It does everything I need it to do seamlessly.
I finally gave up when BeerSmith 2.0 came out. Probably won’t go back unless a new version really knocks my socks off and offers more than BeerSmith.
Not sure how up to date this is:
http://www.beerxml.com/converter.htm
Beersmith will import beerxml files.
Still haven’t had a situation that I’ve needed support or an update with Promash. It does what I need it to do.
I have a few complaints:
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The Help application doesn’t work on newer Windows OS. My main concern is that the ProMash application itself won’t be able to run on a future OS. I’m not a big software guy, so I don’t know if this is plausible.
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The ingredient and guidelines databases are outdated - I know I can update them by hand, but that’s a lot of data entry, especially since it will regularly need updating.
The color swatch is not very accurate. Again, this may be from running on an old OS.
Ah…I see your point. I run Promash on XP and Vista with no problems, including the Help component. I assume you must be referring to Win7? There could be a problem, but I haven’ used 7 yet. I know with some of my old engineering programs, there is a Compatability tab available if I right-click the program icon on the desktop. I don’t see that with my Promash icon.
There is at least one set of updated databases for grain and hops floating around on the web. I don’t know where to point you for them. I don’t know if someone has posted an updated style database. But it would only take minutes to update the existing database since there are not that many changes or new styles.
The color swatch is a joke. There are far too many variables involved in going from the estimated SRM value to the color you see on your screen. Screens and adapters vary.
You may be better off in most cases with taking the calculated SRM value and seeing what that color is using the BJCP color swatches.
You can d/l a \help file compatibility program. Took me about 3 min. to d/l and install.
I have used ProMash for many years and thought it was the greatest software for homebrewers… and for many years it was the absolute best. Last year I decided to try BeerSmith after my brew buddies kept telling me how much they liked it. Now as they say its hard to teach an old dog new tricks - I was very comfortable with ProMash and resistent to try, let alone change brewing software. However, after struggling thru the learning curve of BeerSmith, I find it to be very, very good. I still have both softwares on my computers and I find I have switched entirely over to BeerSmith. ProMash was the Volkswagen of beer software, very easy to use with instant good results. Still nothing wrong with it, works very well. BeerSmith is more like the Cadillac, its got all the cool tools and cool gadgets. It helps to be at least 3/4 nerd or a rocket scientist to utilize all its capabilities.
As a forever Mac user, I remember going into a blue funk panic when Darryl Richmann stopped supporting the Brewer’s Planner. Wow, what a long way we’ve come. Armchair brewing has never been more fun, nor brew day more organized and predictable. Beersmith is simply the Bees knees. Every update has been loaded with lots of useful new features and Brad Smith is simply one of the two most responsive software authors ever.
Beersmith is without a doubt my favorite piece of brewing equipment and has paid the highest return on investment.
With Beersmith and Bru’n Water I CAN CONQUER THE WORLD!!! aaaargh
I agree; although current ingredients libraries would be well received. This comes from a guy who not only does not have an IPad/Phone; my phone doesn’t even have a keyboard. Ha ha ha
I don’t want to sound like my dad (his hatred of power windows on cars is legendary), but more features and gadgets often means you have less control. ProMash does the calculations I need without doing stuff that I don’t need (and often don’t trust). I hate seeing things like FG calculations that people trust blindly just because the software said so. It’s a tool, no more, no less.
Hear, hear! I don’t know how many people have told me that they do multiple batch sparges because Beersmith tells them to. It’s a tool, it’s NOT brewing instructions!
Without understanding how something works, anything bigger, better and faster will just help you fail quicker.
Tools are actually dangerous in the hands of people who don’t know how to use them. ~Lefty
Here, Here! as some one who is mathematically impaired and has somehow gone my entire academic carreer without taking a Chemistry class, I need the tools. I’ve resisted upgrading to BeerSmith 2.0 mainly just because I am cheap. I used to hack my way through water adjustments (with hack results!) but have recently started using Bru’n Water (which rocks, Martin!). I am glad there are smart people in the world to figure this crap out for me 
I’ve downloaded/trialed other brewing programs (and even made my own spreadsheets) to test the accuracy of some of the calculations. I’m like you - I don’t trust the machine unless I can see the moving parts.
I’m probably going to stick with ProMash until (like any other tool in my brewery) I feel its hampering my progress/success as a brewer.
I’ll put the $30 towards something else for the brewery…
So is there a problem with windows 7 and promash? I need a new computer and if I’m going to have to have trouble, I will op for something different.
I’m running Promash on Windows 7. No trouble yet.