Different temps in one Fermentation Chamber

[ncowling]

I am looking to build a fermentation chamber. SWMBO gave me a single stage Johnson control unit for Christmas (what I asked for, didn't realize there were dual stage ones). I think this will be fine, as I plan to use it to cool in the summer months, and then switch and plug in a heating bulb for winter (living in Maryland).

My question is this...I typically have two different brews fermenting at the same time. I know the method of taping the Johnson unit's probe to the carboy works when trying to maintain a specific temperature for a batch, but what if there are two different batches? The chamber will be fairly large (enough to hold 5 carboys), so I can play around with building separate insulated walls, etc.

 

[JKoravos]

If you want to precisely control the fermentation temp of two fermenters you need two temperature controllers and two separate cooling sources, or a clever way to use one cooling source to supply both chambers.

 

[BeWilder]

I'm working towards a similar build. I recently acquired an upright freezer and want 5-6 serving kegs on the top shelf with faucet output on the front door. I want the bottom shelf to be a fermentation chamber. The goal is for the top to maintain 38 degrees and the bottom to maintain 68. I'm thinking an insulated shelf with a couple of computer fans cut into it. It's a commercial freezer with airflow pushing down from a fan in the top of the unit. Basically a Son of a Fermentation Chiller tucked into an upright Keezer.

While I'm dreaming, I also plan to implement the Raspberry Pints display, (using a BeagleBone Black), and have temp control built into a touchscreen.

My ambition far outweighs my know-how at this point though...

 

[bsperr]

If you're open to buying a different temp controller, some of the dual stage controllers (like the Love controller from Dwyer) support two temperature probes. Or you could also pick up a few STC-1000 controllers for the same price. You could always use the Johnson controller you currently have for a kegerator.