Temperature controller probe

I finally have the space for a chest freezer, so I'm going to buy a digital temperature controller as well. Ideally, I'd like one that has a temperature probe that can be safely submerged directly into the beer. Does something like this exist? Is it possible with this temperature controller? http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/review/product/list/id/2335/

Sorry if this has been an over-asked question. Searching on the website did not get me diddly.

 

I don't know if anyone makes one with a probe that can be submerged. Most can't. You can use a thermowell or you can tape the sensor to the outside of the fermenter and cover with a cloth or something to insulate it from measuring ambient. I find that I only get a degree or two of variance this way.

No, the Johnson a419 sensor can not be submerged.

 

Go with a thermowell. You can position it to measure from near the center of your fermenter, and it's quite accurate that way. I can't speak on the Johnson sensor, but the sensor for the STC-1000 fits nicely inside a 0.250" I.D. thermowell. Brewer's Hardware makes nice, seamless stainless steel thermowells.

 

Okay, I'll probably do that. Thanks!

 

Unless you're look at the rate of cooling or looking at when to add something because it needs to be a specific temperature (and can't wait) you can just get any digital thermometer and put it in your fridge. It doesn't need to be in contact with the wort or whatever you have in there. After a few hours everything will reach equilibrium.

 

A keg of beer is not going to reach terminal temperature in a few hours - and especially not if the compressor is short-cycling because its probe is reading air temperature...

Cheers!

 

I'm not actually going to be kegging (yet). For now I'll be using the freezer and temperature controller for fermentation. I understand that the fermenting beer temperature can be a few warmer than the air around it, so I want to take the guess work and messing around out of controlling fermentation temperatures. No more frozen water bottles in a big tub of water will be nice too.

Would anyone recommend a specific kind of temperature controller? I was looking at the northern brewer one (link in first post), but if there is a cheaper and equally good model I'd like to know!

 

Search the forum for STC-1000. You can get one on Amazon for $18 but you have to wire it yourself. There are threads here on HBT that explain the wiring. I have two and have approximately $25 in each one. This includes the controller, project box, duplex outlet, and wire (which I got from a damaged extension cord).

If you can wire a little then this is the way to go. Cheap and dual stage so it will control a heat source and a cold source.

 

Many people have success taping probe to side of fermentor w/ some type of insulation over the probe. Of course if you have more than one fermentor this wont work.

 

You really don't need to mess with submerging the probe into the beer, whether it be naked or inside a thermowell. There have been some HBT members who have taken simultaneous readings and compared the difference between doing that and simply taping it to the side of the fermenter and insulating over it. The largest difference was a mere 1*F (warmer in the middle) at peak activity.

Having the probe in the air isn't an accurate way to measure the fermentation temp during the active, exothermic part of the process.

 

What I do is put the temperature probe on the most recent fermentor in the chamber. It is going to generate the most heat because of vigorous fermentation.

 

My electronics knowledge is shaky at best. Do you think a total noob could do it without risk of fire or electrocution?

 

I agree, the STC-1000 is a great controller for the money. I have one I wired myself, and couldn't be happier. I also tape the sensor to the side of the fermenter, cover it with foam, and then tape the foam to the bucket.

There are several wiring diagrams to use when wiring a STC-1000 controller. I put mine into a 2 gang plastic outlet box, and have no fear of ever getting zapped.

 

This may help -

http://www.amazon.com/All-purpose-Temperature-Controller-STC-1000-sensor/dp/B00862G3TQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382149071&sr=8-1&keywords=stc-1000


http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f170/stc-1000-setup-beginners-433985/#post5538096

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/ebay-fish-tank-controller-build-using-wal-mart-parts-261506/


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



http://brewstands.com/fermentation-heater.html