Dual temp controller question

[mcsoko]

Might be a dumb question but...

I am converting a garage refrigerator to a fermentation chamber. Since I live in WI and I want to brew year-round, I need to account for about 20 degrees to nearly 100. I was going to purchase the Johnson Controls Digital Temp Controller because it seems to be a popular option. Since I will also need to heat the fermentation space this might not be my best option, right? It doesn't appear to control cooling and heating at the same time. But if went with something like the Rebel Brewer Digital Dual Function Refrigerator Thermostat I'd be able to have both refrigeration and heat source setup at the same time, right?

Thanks!

 

[Double_D]

Most of the single temp options still actually control heating and cooling but only one at a time. I can't believe you'll need to heat and cool on the same day but I've never been to wisconsin.

 

[carlisle_bob]

Hi

Since the fermentation process gives off heat, you may find that both cooling and heating are needed at various parts of the process. You also may want to ramp temperatures. Fiddling the controller around does indeed work, it may be more hassle than you want to put up with.

The easy solution to the problem is something like a STC-1000 controller off of eBay. It will do both heating and cooling. They are reasonably cheap ($25) and there don't seem to be many complaints from people using them.

More complex solutions involve computer control. You can get pretty complex in a hurry going that route.

Bob

 

[adamensis]

I also recommend the STC. I only use the cooling function (I live in Tucson) for my ferm chamber, but wiring in a heating pad or light bulb would be very easy. It's also a very cheap solution. Win-win.

 

[Rbeckett]

The STC is a great controller for a keezer or ferm chamber. I built one into an old work electrical box and tape the sensor to the outside of my fermenter pail and let er rip... No problems so far around 55 degrees.
Wheelchair Bob

 

[carlisle_bob]

Hi

The STC-1000 for $20 delivered is a really tough to beat deal. The only drawback is running in C rather than F. I can read a lot of charts for the money I save....

Bob

 

[mux]

Love my STC1000! Cheap and easy!

 

[beowolf1911]

I picked up the rebel a week ago, I didn't want to have to wire anything and have just about no experience with electronics. It was a bit more pricey than the other options but it was a simple plug and play controller. I picked up a thermowell and am holding the fermenter at 68 degrees, I also put a second fermenter of water in with a LCD thermometer on it to judge the temp the box holds it is only two degrees cooler. I am using the fermenting heater from Midwest supply as the heat source, I am very happy with the setup.