Which of these two temperature controllers is the better choice?

Gabrew · Aug 22, 2008

Hey everyone. I`ve been thinking of using a chest freezer as a fermentation chiller. I`ve found two temperature controllers, one from northern brewers and a cheaper version off ebay...

http://www.northernbrewer.com/temp-control.html

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Ranco-Electronic...ryZ38172QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Both units seem to operate in the same manner.

Thanks.

Gabriel

mmb · Aug 22, 2008

I have that Ranco and it has worked great. No issues with wiring it and super easy to program. Of course, you need to wire the power on the Ranco.

The digital controller at NB is pre-wired. If you don't feel comfortable doing the wiring yourself this would be the one you want to pick.

OneHotKarl · Aug 23, 2008

Or even better yet, buy one of these PID controllers:

http://cgi.ebay.com/WATLOW-SERIES-9...ryZ97184QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Then it will display the set point and your process variable (set temp and actual). You would have to do a small amount of wiring and find a thermocouple to read temp but it would be very accurate.

Jonnio · Aug 23, 2008

You will have to do a lot of wiring for that Watlow controller, the relay can only handle 1/2 amp. True they are better for industrial environments, but for keg fridge type applications the lack of an enclosure and the amount of wiring just isn't worth it.

I got a Ranco off e-bay - there are some out there for less than the $45 OP found.

Gabrew · Aug 23, 2008

Thanks everyone.

Is the ranco difficault to wire?

Thanks

mmb · Aug 23, 2008

Gabrew said:
Thanks everyone.

Is the ranco difficault to wire?

Thanks

It's pretty easy.

http://pumpkinpicker.auburnbrewclub.org/2008/01/27/wiring-a-ranco-etc-111000-000-single-stage-rheostat/

Here's a good walk through.

Gabrew · Aug 23, 2008

Looks awesome.

thanks mate

OxBrew · Aug 27, 2008

Another +1 (well 4) for the Ranco's. Easy to wire cheap and easy to program. PID controllers are great but a PITA to program.

Which of these two temperature controllers is the better choice?

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Which of these two temperature controllers is the better choice?

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