STC-1000 compatible probes & Battery Powered Thermo*METER* ideas

[kenc_zymurgy]

I like to standardize components, so I can have spares and buy in larger quantities, and also learn any 'quirks'. I already have two STC-1000 style temperature controllers. I'd like to buy some spare probes (I'll probably put 1/8" audio plug/jack connectors on them to make swap out easy). I'd also like to buy some cheap, battery operated thermometers (no controls), to use around water w/o shock hazard (monitor mash, sparge temperature etc), and to not need to find an outlet, and use these standard probes (NTC 10K/3435 Beta).


I found these probes on ebay, $5 for 5 shipped:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/5pcs-NTC-10...812?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3ce128abec


And a few cheap thermometers:

F and C, ~ $5 or less shipped, but have a backlight, so a bit more current (20mA), 4-25V, so a 9V battery with a switch should last a long time I think. Maybe I can switch out the backlight.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fahrenheit-...363?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e94e6379b

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Celsius-Fah...151?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5413f4306f

http://www.ebay.com/itm/WH5001-Cels...344?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e9db6b3b0


And this even cheaper one - takes an LR44 coin cell, LCD and no backlight, but only C, no F:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/T110-Digita...ter-with-2m-Probe-50-C-to-70-C-/281117134723?


Does anyone have any experience with these, or other suggestions?

Also, here's a controller, cheaper than an STC-1000 - just $6.26, looks similar to STC-1000, but only does hot OR cold, no auto switch between the modes. Not sure if it same probe or not, likely is. I might write the seller to ask.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blue-12V-He...075?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3399fb6eeb

TIA - kenc

 

[kenc_zymurgy]

Hmmm, no feedback?

Oh well, I ordered the probes, some 1/8" stereo TRS plugs/jacks (like headphone jacks), and 2 each of the thermometers (2 with the back-light and external power, 2 with no backlight and a coin cell power).

Slow boat from China, but I'll report back when I get them and test them.

I didn't order the controller, I've got 2 STC-1000 style, so I'm pretty well set.

-kenc

 

[ImNoExpert]

I have no helpful feedback, but I'm interested.

 

[Sidman]

I ended up using rj14 (telephone) connectors for my Stc ferm project and I have been very pleased with the ease of swapping them out.

 

[GotPushrods]

I've used 1/8" audio plugs for these 10k ohm thermistors, works great. Just make sure to recalibrate the controller after changing lengths / soldering new connections if needed.