Cheapest Plug in temperature cotroller

[Bachhus]

Hi guys, I've searched and cant seem to find the latest information on what is the best deal for a plug in style temerature controllers? I have a 14sf freezer I want to use for bottle storage but don't want to hack it up in hopes of reselling it later when I upgrade.

I've read there are pre-wired ones or un-wired ones, either are fine I don't mind wiring it. I am just looking for the best deal out there on these.

Thanks for any sugestions
Mark

 

[samc]

http://www.wortomatic.com/articles/Remote-Sensing-DIY-Controller-for-Less-Than-$25

 

[Hex23]

This is a cool thread for an inexpensive no-frills build: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/ebay-aquarium-temp-controller-build-163849/

And I think this is the style of temp controller that project is using: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mini-Digital-Temperature-Controller-Thermostat-Aquarium-/190490199253

I'm not sure what's the minimum cost you'll spend on an enclosure and connectors.

I happen to have an Auber SYL-2352P PID because I like using the ramp and soak for gradually bringing a lager down to lagering temps. But of course it's more expensive. Auber does have some simpler PIDs for less than $50.

Johnson and Ranco are pretty popular controllers. They're not quite as cheap as the aquarium controller, but still generally affordable.

 

[Electro4]

I just built one of these and works like a champ. Reads in Celsius but doesn't bother me now that it's set. I ordered the controller from eBay seller quality_link2000 for $17. Total of around $45 into the project for a nice 2 stage controller.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/ebay-aquarium-temp-controller-build-163849/

 

[Bachhus]

Thanks for the links. I was hoping for a cheap plug and play one. Is the only benefit to a Johnson A419 style http://www.pexsupply.com/Johnson-Co...age-Digital-Temperature-Control-120-240v-SPDT that everything is already in a package and you just run the plugs?

For some reason I thought there were some commercialy available ones for under $50 but I can't find them.

 

[Hex23]

I am not aware of any that are completely ready out of the box for < $50, but what you are asking for seems very achievable - sounds like there's a hole in the market. For now I think the only way to get under $50 is to do some wiring. I see now some threads saying that the aquarium temp controller can be assembled for under $40: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/dual-110v-temp-controller-120-decent-price-225344/

 

[Bachhus]

Thanks for the replies! I actually went through and read all 101 pages of the aquarium heater thread last night and plan to go that route. I hate the idea of converting C to F but geez for $24 shipped you can't really go wrong with that. It would be $50+ for a Love then you would have to buy a SSR on top of it to do the same thing.

As usual you guys guided me to the right choice.
Thanks again
Mark

 

[drez77]

It would be $50+ for a Love then you would have to buy a SSR on top of it to do the same thing.

As usual you guys guided me to the right choice.
Thanks again
Mark

Why would you need a SSR with the Love? They can handle a 15A load with no external relay.

 

[Bachhus]

Really, for some reason I had it in my head they only had something like 3amp max. Oh well, I havn't ordered anything yet, luckily I don't have to have this thing up and running anytime soon.

Mark

 

[jfowler1]

Personally, I prefer the digital controllers, but you can get an analog plug and play for around $55.

http://morebeer.com/view_product/16663//Analog_Temperature_Controller

Most of the online HBS have a similar product in that price range. Only downside (other than being analog) is that the probe is wider than the digitals, and I do not belive it fits in most carboy thermowells. I could be wrong. If you are only using it to control the temperature of a fridge or freezer, that shouldn't be an issue.

Joe

 

[greenandgold]

What about the WIN100 by Lux? Looks to be an out of the box solution for around $33.
Anyone try one fo these?