Bjornbrewer

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two problems with you idea.

1. you have to have a temperature sensor hooked up to the controller. The stock one or even some other aftermarket one may not work with this controller, so that's something to think about. not all temperature sensors are the same (RTD vs. TC vs. PTC vs. NTC, etc)

2. you are shorting pins 6 and 8 together via the fan wiring (orange wire) so they will both kick on whenever one is on. you need to use a relay to control the fan. someone posted a schematic a couple pages back.


EDIT: Found the post: http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/ebay-aquarium-temp-controller-build-163849/index29.html#post2157977

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seanoj

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Bjornbrewer,

Thanks.

1) I was thinking of bypassing the thermostat completely, using the temp probe that comes with the controller. Basically using the controller to replace only the relay functions of the stock thermostat.

2) I am thinking of using the fan that is already in the fridge for heating as well. I like the design of the schematic you linked to. I think this is a much better way to go.

Putting a shirt on the carboy is an elegant, low-tech solution to block light. I know that T-shirt material does not block all light, but I would figure it works well on <500 nm light.

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Bjornbrewer

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I think tshirts are rated for < 620nm so you're good.

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bhamripper

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does anyone have a working ebay link to this anymore?

Bjornbrewer

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camiller

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Yes, it is a function of the wavelength of the light. As others have mentioned you can cover the carboys. Also a lot of those merchandisers have a light switch to turn off the interior lights. I don't think there is a beer safe florescent, but I haven't ever shopped for one.

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sharpstick

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from "Basic Brewing Radio"

the science of skunking and why the color of your bottles matters
(bottom line, just use brown bottles)
http://media.libsyn.com/media/basicbrewing/bbr04-10-08skunking.mp3
http://media.libsyn.com/media/basicbrewing/bbrskunking.pdf

darker beers like stout are less susceptible because the light only
penetrates to a shallow depth.
bill keiser

seanoj

Recipes 

The UV beer paper (from basic brewing radio) is cool.

Here in Los Angeles there are big sales pushes for UV absorbing (reflecting?) clothing to prevent skin cancer. They say a plain white T-Shirt has an SPF of 5. Putting one on your fermenter might not make much of a skunk protector after all.

I was thinking of using something like this to block all <500 nm wavelength:
http://www.encapsulite.com/semiconductor.html

I think this thread is drifting a bit off topic.

I got the schematic from the manufacturer. The unit had four powered functions. Compressor, fan, lights and evaporator (for the drip pan). I am thinking of running the fan and evaporator when the compressor runs (for cooling), the fan and a heating element when the temp is below limits and the lights all the time (interior light is on a door activated switch). I will work something up over the weekend and bounce it off you guys then.

-Sean

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rynos63

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Just wanted to say thanks to android and everyone else for all the helpful info. I just finished my temp controller and working great. Going to brew my next batch later this week and I'll put it to use. I have to use my shop fridge for now, but I think it will work great. Thanks again for sharing...

Hasheronon

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I inquired diytrade and they're about 13 a piece with freight from Shanghai for minimum order quantity (MOQ) 100. You could beat the other guy on shipping (his is $10) and a buck or 2 on price and still come out ahead.

I don't know if there are any duty fees involved or not. They ship airborne, so probably not.