Ferm Wrap and Fridge ... can they share a thermostat?

[jambafish]

I purchased a Therm Wrap Heater, and I also have a fridge with a Temperature Controller (http://mountainhomebrew.com/browseproducts/Temperature-Controller-Analog.html). I didn't realize the Therm Wrap needed a thermostat and I'm wondering if I can use the Temp Controller for both or if there is a cheap DIY alternative?

 

[eichlerguy]

Is the Therm Wrap inside the fridge? If so I'd expect you'd need a two-stage controller: http://morebeer.com/view_product/16664/102282/Ranco_Digital_Two-Stage_Temperature_Controller_-_Wired

 

[jambafish]

It is in that it will be wrapped around the carboy. I like the dual stage solution, but I recently purchased the single stage controller for a pretty penny so wondering if there is a DIY solution or if anyone knows of a cheap solution?

 

[jwalker1140]

You should be able to buy a single stage temp controller on ebay for less than $20 that will be perfect for a DIY project like this. You'll just need to put it in a radio shack project box and wire it up. I recently did this with a dual stage controller that I bought for $25 (total cost of project, including box, outlets, etc. <$35). Do a search on this forum for "ebay aquarium temp controller build" and you'll see over 250 pages of notes about this. I've found that dual stage is necessary for holding a tight range (I use a Brew Belt inside my mini fridge), even when the ambient temp is so warm that I would expect only cooling to be necessary. Good luck.

EDIT: One note about buying a controller on ebay - make sure you buy one that's 110v and not 220v. Also, the dual stage controllers on ebay only display in Celsius so I just printed out a little conversion chart and taped it next to the box. No biggie.

 

[jambafish]

Thanks for the information, I'm checking it out!!

 

[jwalker1140]

No prob. I just did a quick search on ebay. Of the ones I glanced at, the prices of the dual stage controllers were actually cheaper than the single stage controllers once you factor in shipping. In which case, I'd buy the dual stage version and just wire up the heating side for your Ferm Wrap and leave the cooling side unwired. Shouldn't be a problem at all. Or better yet, wire up both sides and return or sell your analog controller.

 

[jambafish]

You read my mind. Already did that yesterday.

 

[jambafish]

Just an FYI. I purchased the ETC-111000-000 Digital Temperature Controller from ETC Supply. They gave me something different from what I ordered (I wanted outlets rather than cords), but when I complained they said they'd look into the problem then never wrote back.

In August it stopped working. I contacted ETC, but again they never responded.

Moral of the story: ETC Supply . . . no bueno. I'm back to where I started.