Temp controller

Just wandering what is the temp controller of choice. A Johnson A419 type or a digital aquarium type. Both look good and should do the job of keeping a keezer at the correct temp. Both also look to require about the same steps to install

I went with this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Controls-A19AAT-2C-Temperature-Controller/dp/B0002EAL58

The analog dial wasn't calibrated exactly, but paired with a digital thermometer I was able to dial it in exactly.

If you are just kegging I'd say go with what fits your price point. If you want precise lagering control get a something digital with an adjustable differential.

Ranco, Johnson, Love, e-bay aquarium-type,...

lots of everything here - Pick what you like and then search on that item for any assistance needed.

My fermenter is controlled by a Love TSS2-2100
and my kegerator by a Love TS-13010

For a keezer, if you're looking at only cooling, all you need is a single stage controller. If you want to later use the controller for a ferm chamber, get a dual-stage controller.

Dual stage controller for $59.00

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0057APR3I/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

I bought a Johnson A419 and it works fine. If I was going to do it again I'd buy the Love TSS2-2100 and a single probe:

http://www.dwyer-inst.com/Product/T...witches/DigitalPanelMount/SeriesTSS2/Ordering

It's also the most techy way to go because of the enclosure/outlet build and lots of variables. But, heating & cooling control from the same probe at the same time can theoretically keep a fermenation very controlled.

^^ That's not a bad price for that controller! I just wired one of the eBay aquarium controllers for about half that, but it's not rated for 20 amps!

Does anyone know if the $20 controllers on eBay are any good for a basic keezer?

new2brew1221 said:

Does anyone know if the $20 controllers on eBay are any good for a basic keezer?

Click to expand...

They are, and you don't even need the STC-1000 model. The Willhi model is a single-stage, but if you're just using it for a keezer, then you don't need a dual-stage like the STC-1000.

I got my single-stage controller for $14.28, shipped. Got it on the earliest estimated arrival date. Temperature readings seem accurate. Had a nice stainless steel (I think, metal either way) probe too. Here's a link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/290704096237

Hi

The STC-1000's are down to about $17 delivered. They are nice if you eventually decide you need to both heat and cool (like for fermentation or a garage keezer). They are a more flexible controller than the most basic Johnson's. Features like adjustable cut in / cut out and compressor restart delay are useful weather you heat of cool.

The relays in the STC's are rated for 15A at 110V. That's about all you are likely to get out of a normal wall plug. My 15 cubic foot freezer only pulls 5A. I'm not real sure what sort of keezer would need more than 15.

Bob

carlisle_bob said:

Hi

The STC-1000's are down to about $17 delivered.

Bob

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Out of curiosity, where can I look for the STC-1000 at $17 delivered ?

On eBay it's more like $23-24 and more. Not a big issue, but maybe I'm missing good deals online.

callback79 said:

Out of curiosity, where can I look for the STC-1000 at $17 delivered ?

On eBay it's more like $23-24 and more. Not a big issue, but maybe I'm missing good deals online.

Click to expand...

That's old info. They're going for the price you found now. Unless you want a single-stage like I described above. Then you can get one for less than $15 shipped.

IMHO, the anti short cycle delay feature (like in the Johnson A419) is nice to have and something worth looking for in a controller for refrigeration equipment (compressors).

An Auber 2342 will handle 10A, plenty for a keezer, and is $24 less than the Johnson. http://www.auberins.com/index.php?m...s_id=1&zenid=f225e3433ba1bf07b96fdaee9b85f542

Hey,

I'm using a small insulated wooden box big enough for two carboys. Inside, I have a brewers' heating pad. I'm keeping the temperature inside to about 10-20F above ambient. I'm wild brewing.

Should I get a two stage or one stage and which controller should I get if I want to mount it in a project box?