STC-100 220v to 110v Easy fix

This is for everyone that bought one of those 230v controllers this will save you from having to order a new one or tryin to buy an replacement transformer that fits into that spot. Also I know that some ppl have thought of this, but I had a hard time finding any one one that has done it this way.

Materials needed:
1x 230v temp controller
*1x Input: 120v
output:10vcd 800MA+ transformer plug

*Edit: also the transformer maybe overkill you may be able to use as low as 10v 180MA. If this is the case maybe easier to find a plug. Someone correct me if I am wrong. Also the type of transformer plug depends on what type of transformer you remove so you may have to double check that..


Tools needs
soldering iron/desodering
voltage meter

I CAN'T STRESS ENOUGH THAT ELECTRICITY IS DANGEROUS!



remove your old transformer from your temp controller.
*EDIT: this transformer I removed has a 10vdc output, and input of 220v. I was informed that you may have a output of VAC so you may have to check with with a voltage meter before you remove.





locate your transformer plug. I found mine at a good will for $0.99. But I find them at flea markets, or it may be laying around your house.
Edit: I needed a 10v but will add a resistor to drop the voltage so I don't overheat it.



Once removed remove the the end jack for The transformer plug.




Now install the two ends of the wires to where your old transformer was. Make sure to soder the wires to the two inside holes.
or you can do what Monster Mash has done on the right. Which would allow for you to use the original hookup.





Now turn that baby on. I tested it and it works.

Hope this helps some of you with these just laying around.



Also post pics if you attempt this so that can help me improve on this controller.

kennywd said:

Now turn that baby on. I tested it and it works.

Hope this helps some of you with these just laying around.

Click to expand...

Did you also test that the relays open + close as they should? That's the important part

MC

Yeah that's what I had tested. Relays open and close. Tested both cool and heat relays.

Ok so I built my temp controller, andhere is the set up I went with. I put the transformer on the right side of the box because I didn't what the extra heat inside the box. the left side is the cold relay attachment with a fuse attached. This saved me some money, with just a little extra time.

Added my chart, now need to figure out how I really wanted to attach it to the fridge.

Could also have used the right female fitting for the power supply and mounted the power supply remotely. Either works.

MC

True, I just had extra plugs and didn't care where I had put it. Plus i had scrap wire and only had so much of it. I have had the 220v eBay controller for about 6 months, and as soon as i thought of my idea(1day ago). I may have rushed my layout for this device. But it works and thats all that matters to me now!

Running a test to see if I can get lager temps with my fridge. I really need some newer fridges.

Nice job. You probably could have put jumper wires to the other holes where the transformer was and used the terminals to connect the transformer plug.

You... are... my... hero!!

Chrisl77 said:

Nice job. You probably could have put jumper wires to the other holes where the transformer was and used the terminals to connect the transformer plug.

Click to expand...

Yeah MC said the same thing, I'd like to see if anyone one else attempts this. Using the jumper idea. Thanks.

Ok prolly last update on this just to tell you guys everything is working as planed. Was able to get ambient temp to lager status. I'd rather this be my lager frem chamber mainly cause its smaller, but in my genius I decided to move over all my small bottles instead of my one carboy. Thanks for following.




current temp of wine, ambient temp on back display



Bungie corded to keep doors sealed



Bottled mead, blueberry wine, and various beer



What I left in for lagering on my other chamber. Will prolly wait a 3 weeks and move over when mead is ready to hand out(friends that pitched in to help get supplies)

I tried this but a DC power supply wouldn't work, used a 9vac power supply and it worked fine.

I think it may depend on the type of transformer that you have to remove. I also noticeI am using a bit to much voltage on mine. I prolly just add a resistor to make sure I don't over heat anything. Thanks for that info that will help to know they may be different.

It looks identical to the one you pictured, I tried swapping +/- and it still didn't work with the DC. This post helped a lot though because we have 6 of them that we can now use.

Monster Mash said:

It looks identical to the one you pictured, I tried swapping +/- and it still didn't work with the DC. This post helped a lot though because we have 6 of them that we can now use.

Click to expand...

There is no telling if they could have changed designs and power supplied to it at some point. Glad that the VAC worked... I edited my post to help with that. So thank you cause u have also help me. Can't believe I didn't notice the 10v... Did the 9v open and close your relays?

kennywd said:

There is no telling if they could have changed designs and power supplied to it at some point. Glad that the VAC worked... I edited my post to help with that. So thank you cause u have also help me. Can't believe I didn't notice the 10v... Did the 9v open and close your relays?

Click to expand...

Yes, everything is working as it should. I'm going to use it to control a 12vdc fan on this project https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/new-life-dead-freezer-308336/ so it would have been great if the 12vdc power supply worked..... I'll just have to wire up two separate power supplies.

I wired it up a bit different to allow use of the connectors on the back. I jumpered the high voltage side to the low voltage side....

Monster Mash said:

Yes, everything is working as it should. I'm going to use it to control a 12vdc fan on this project https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/new-life-dead-freezer-308336/ so it would have been great if the 12vdc power supply worked..... I'll just have to wire up two separate power supplies.

Click to expand...

Yeah I figured that I could also run another cord from my box to run a fan inside. Will prolly do that at some point with 800Ma I could run a 2-3. I think I will add another relay to trigger it only when the cooler is on.

Monster Mash said:

I wired it up a bit different to allow use of the connectors on the back. I jumpered the high voltage side to the low voltage side....

Click to expand...

Love it, I wanted to do that but I didn't.

So i hate to bump an old thread, but pretty sure i have a 220V coming in the mail soon...

Any ideas on what the amperage rating needs to be on the 9-12VAC plug to operate this device properly?