fermentation chamber

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Teufelhunden

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Hey guys I am going to build a fermentation chamber out of my mini fridge. My question is will a Johnson temp controller work on these fridges. It is just the basic style. I sized it up today an if I take out the front panel, my carboy fits fine. My only concern was the temp controller.
 
All the temp controllers do is hook into the power source and turn the fridge on or off based on the probe's reading. All you have to do is wire it in, or buy one pre-built if you're not handy and the money tree is in bloom. :mug:
 
A couple questions.
Are you planning on cooling and heating or just cooling? Have you alredy bought the controller?
 
If it is just for cooling a Johnson will work just fine. You could also get a Ranco or a Love TS controller. Any of those will do the job for you. The first two are prewired and plug and play very easily. The Love requires wiring but looks nicer in my opinion.
Look around online and you should be able to pick the one you want to go with.
Hope that helps, cheers.
 
I took a 4cf mini fridge, removed the door and connected it to a big foam box, using a Johnson controller for the temp.

It works great, I have 8 gallons of Dunkelweiss thumping away in it now, and will have an Amber Lager in it on 12/12.

:rockin:
 
Here is a cheap digital Ranco that I bought. Many use them around here just like Johnson or Love controllers. It comes unwired but it's honestly extremely easy to wire and took 15 minutes with an extra extension cord I had around. When it was all said and done I got a digital temp controller for cheaper than most analog Johnson controllers. Just giving you the option if you have considered a digital controller.

http://www.climatedoctors.com/Items...ETC-111000 Microprocessor Temperature Control

Instructions to wire it up. I followed these.
http://www.brewboard.com/index.php?showtopic=40898
 
If it is just for cooling a Johnson will work just fine. You could also get a Ranco or a Love TS controller. Any of those will do the job for you. The first two are prewired and plug and play very easily.

BEWARE...RANCOS DON'T ALL COME PRE-WIRED. Know before you buy.

Instructions to wire it up. I followed these.
http://www.brewboard.com/index.php?showtopic=40898

My instructions are WAY better. I wired mine up in about 10-15 minutes.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/how-ranco-two-stage-etc-wiring-instructions-145370/
 
I wanted to let everyone know that the Ranco controller does not come from the factory pre wired. If you find one that is pre wired, the company selling it has done the wiring.

I bought my controller from www.climatedoctors.com also, they provided fast shipping and where very friendly when I had questions.
 
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