stamandster
Well-Known Member
So I've been looking to make or get a cheap temp controller for my fridge. I saw the thread on the Hunter home thermostat build and decided to try it myself 
I got the Filtrete (by 3M, cheapest dual mode un-programmable, digital thermostat) at HD on sale for $13, the 24a/240v SSR was about $5 on ebay, $5 for the 110vac to 5vdc/1000ma adapter (Job Lot, tiny!), $10 for the PVC box (4x4x4) from HD and free 14ga wire from work and 26ga @100ft speaker wire for $5 from HD (on sale).
Currently it's not setup to have a heat and cool, just cool. Hence the use of Y and RC only. It was a little frustrating because at first I didn't know if I needed the extra 5vdc adapter since the instructions said it could use the on-board battery (2 x 1.5v AAA's). But that didn't have enough oomph to switch the SSR.
Also, don't hook up a 5v for power to the thermostat itself. It will over power it, there's no regulator. You won't be able to see the screen properly. I used double sided tape to secure the SSR to the bottom of the box and thermostat to the front. I had to put the plug in at an angle in order for it to fit properly because of the type I used. It had no center screw (but I wanted a flush look and grey! oh well...)
If anyone wants to see inside the box let me know.
I got the Filtrete (by 3M, cheapest dual mode un-programmable, digital thermostat) at HD on sale for $13, the 24a/240v SSR was about $5 on ebay, $5 for the 110vac to 5vdc/1000ma adapter (Job Lot, tiny!), $10 for the PVC box (4x4x4) from HD and free 14ga wire from work and 26ga @100ft speaker wire for $5 from HD (on sale).
Currently it's not setup to have a heat and cool, just cool. Hence the use of Y and RC only. It was a little frustrating because at first I didn't know if I needed the extra 5vdc adapter since the instructions said it could use the on-board battery (2 x 1.5v AAA's). But that didn't have enough oomph to switch the SSR.
Also, don't hook up a 5v for power to the thermostat itself. It will over power it, there's no regulator. You won't be able to see the screen properly. I used double sided tape to secure the SSR to the bottom of the box and thermostat to the front. I had to put the plug in at an angle in order for it to fit properly because of the type I used. It had no center screw (but I wanted a flush look and grey! oh well...)
If anyone wants to see inside the box let me know.
