For those using the Johnson Controls A419, Newbie Help

[mobrewdude]

I'm quite new to homebrewing and after my first batch, decided to convert my chest freezer to a temp-controlled fermentation chamber. I purchased the pre-wired (since I have very limited electronic/wiring experience) Johnson Control A419 (A419ABG-3C). It's set to cooling, cut-in and I did some research on here for the settings. My goal was to set to 62 degrees for an ale ferment (knowing I would likely have to adjust it as things got started).

My Initial settings:
Setpoint: 62 F
Differential: 3
Anti-Short Cycle (ASD): 7
OFS: 0
SF: 0 (output de-energized on fail)

My issue is this,
When the chest freezer reaches my setpoint temp, the green light on the A419 box comes on however the freezer does not start. Temps continue to climb to room temp (approx 73 degrees) and the freezer never comes on. I've tried adjusting the differential lower, and the ASD both ways but the result is the same. I've checked the jumper settings in the box, the cord connections and everything appears snug and in order. If I remove the A419 completely and plug the freezer into the same wall outlet it immediately powers on and begins cooling, indicating to me that power is good and the internal settings in the freezer are working correctly (the freezer is fairly new and was in "normal" use until this conversion).

The only other thing I notice is when I first plug the A419 in, it gives the display test with all the display illuminated then a secondary display of "C03" before giving the regular operating display. I can't find any explanation for this in the literature that came with it. Does it sound like I have a defective unit or am I missing something here?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[cvstrat]

If you plug a lamp into the control instead of the freezer, then play with the setting you can see if it's actually working at all. Just bring the differential to 1 degree if you can get it that low, then bring the set point to your room temp. Then move it up and down a few degrees to see if it kicks on and turns the light on. If not you might have a defective unit. If so try calling the place you bought it from they probably hear questions about it quite often.

 

[mobrewdude]

I just tried that also with no result, it looks like it's a defective unit. Beverage factory had the best price when I was shopping around for the controller and it looks like their customer service is also top-notch. They have another on the way for me.

Thanks for the help!

 

[weirdboy]

It could be it's just not wired correctly, but at least they have another one coming out to you.

Also, glad to hear that they are sending a new one already. I had an issue with a tower I bought from them a while back, and it was like pulling teeth to get them to send me a replacement $.10 locknut that was stripped.

 

[mobrewdude]

The internal wiring matches the wire diagramming and the jumpers match for my application but it's for sure a no-go, at least without diagnosing what's wrong inside the unit. So far customer service looks promising. Hopefully your experience sorted them out I'll know for sure in a few days.

 

[mobrewdude]

The replacement came a few days ago and works great! Batch #2 is bubbling away!