temp controller question

Johnson temp controllers on ebay 20 to 30 bucks. new, still in packeage. Is this cheap? Most of the ones on there are not digital so I assume they are older maybe....

Also, When wiring one in I figured I'd make it in line to a short extension cord so that I don't have to cut the cord for the freezer. Is that the best way? does it hurt the freezer to have the power go on and off like that?

Or is there another way to wire into the thermostat on the freezer or something......

You didn't post the link so I'm not exactly sure what you are looking at. If it is the Johnson analog controller # A19AAT-2. It comes with a a dual plug. You plug the male plug in the wall and then plug the controlled device into the female side of the dual plug. No electrical wiring needed. Then simply drop the sensing bulb inside the refrig or freezer and set the temp with the dial.

It will not hurt a freezer. Set the freezer control to MAX. then control the compressor with the Johnson. The freezer doesn't know the difference.

Oh and yes $30 is a good price.

Make sure that it comes with a probe. Mine didn't unbeknownst to me, and I ordered one that was the wrong resistance. Long story short, it's a beast to get the proper temperature on it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-PENN-JOHNSO...355?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item518f849f23

oups, here's the link. one of several in that search

I'm going this route myself https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/ebay-aquarium-temp-controller-build-163849/

cwaite37 said:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-PENN-JOHNSO...355?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item518f849f23

oups, here's the link. one of several in that search

Click to expand...

I wouldn't recommend that one for your purposes. Yes, you will have to do the electrical work. Just by looking at it I would bet that it won't hold temperatures in a narrow enough range for you to be happy with it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Johnson-Control...al_Refrigerators_Freezers&hash=item3cb285af7b

Is this the one you meant?

Thanks for the warning.

cwaite37 said:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Johnson-Control...al_Refrigerators_Freezers&hash=item3cb285af7b

Is this the one you meant?

Thanks for the warning.

Click to expand...

Yes that is what I thought you were describing. I have one of those and also the A419 which is very similar but digital, better, and more expensive.