Adding connector to NTC temp probe | HomeBrewTalk.com - Beer, Wine, Mead, & Cider Brewing Discussion Community.

Homebrew Talk

Help Support Homebrew Talk by donating:

  1. Dismiss Notice
  2. We have a new forum and it needs your help! Homebrewing Deals is a forum to post whatever deals and specials you find that other homebrewers might value! Includes coupon layering, Craigslist finds, eBay finds, Amazon specials, etc.
    Dismiss Notice

Adding connector to NTC temp probe

Discussion in 'Fermenters' started by emjay, Jun 28, 2011.

 

  1. #1
    emjay

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jun 28, 2011
    I'm using a temp controller much like the one used in the eBay temp controller thread. Except I simply wired it into an extension cord rather than putting it into an enclosure.

    The temperature probe has two wires that connect directly to the terminals. I want to clean this up a bit, so I want to put it into an enclosure, but I also don't want any wires to simply run through a hole. Rather, I want to connect the wires to some sort of male connector, and have a receptacle mounted in the enclosure, with wires running from THERE to the terminals.

    But, while I've done a fair amount of wiring, and can do it myself no problem, I'm unsure of a few things. For instance, what would be the best connector type to use? I'm thinking maybe using a TRS (headphone) connector, and using the left-right stereo lines for the two wires I need. Or maybe a BNC connector? Basically, I'm not sure if stuff like these will allow it to function properly. Is there another type of connector that is more ideal?

    Also, will adding the slightly additional length of wire, as well as the connectors, mess with the accuracy of the temperature readings because of increased impedance or anything? I'm fine with having to recalibrate it, but that's only possible if only the offset is affected. If the slope is also affected significantly, it would make the whole thing rather useless.

    Any help would be hugely appreciated.
     
  2. #2
    Catt22

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jun 28, 2011
    You can extend the probe wires without significantly affecting the accuracy or the calibration. There are limits, of course, but it's on the order of hundreds of feet with the proper gauge wire. Your short run will be no problem at all.

    I use a standard 1/4" mono headphone type connector. You could use the stereo version, but the mono was available and just what I needed. Works great and does not interfere with the readings or calibration. It's convenient to be able to plug and play, then stow when not in use.
     
  3. #3
    emjay

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jun 28, 2011
    How do you use the mono with two wires?
     
  4. #4
    Catt22

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jun 28, 2011
    There are two terminals on the mono jack. Stereo versions have four. The probe has two wires and its not polarity specific.
     
  5. #5
    emjay

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jun 28, 2011
    Oh, fantastic. Thanks a lot. It will be nice to be able to easily disconnect all the wires from the box.
     
  6. #6
    audger

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jun 28, 2011
    you can pretty much use any connector you have ever seen. a favorite seems to be XLR microphone ends. i like the 1/4" headphone jack though, never though of that one, and would probably be much cheaper.
     
  7. #7
    bellinmi88

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Mar 17, 2015
    Would 22/2 non insulated wire be okay for this? I plan to use the XLRs since I already have a few.
     
Draft saved Draft deleted

Share This Page

Group Builder