Help converting a side by side fridge to a fermentation chamber and kegorator

[fork]

So I got a side by side fridge model ED25UE to ferment in the fridge and serve kegs out of the freezer. It is controlled by two knobs, which I assumed were connected to two thermostats, however, this assumption was wrong. The freezer control knob is connected a linkage that opens a damper between the fridge and freezer in the upper back corner. I planned on just wiring my two stc1000 temp controllers in place of the two thermostats but that seems out the window. My guess was that the freezer thermostat called for cold and made the compressor run, and the fridge thermostat when calling for cold would open a damper, but the freezer knob is the damper and the fridge, a thermostat. Does anyone know the logic of how these things work, so I can start to figure it out.
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[fork]

I found this online
" On older refrigerators and some new refrigerators, the freezer control controls a damper that slows down or speeds up the rate that the air enters the fresh food section. So if you turn the freezer up, all you do is block airflow going to the fresh food section so that the refrigerator runs longer and the freezer gets colder. Normally it is best if this control is set midway and left there. On newer refrigerators with an electric damper control, the damper automatically opens and closes the damper, as needed depending on the temperature in the fresh food and freezer sections."

This makes is seem like it will be tough to manage the temp of both, mostly the freezer. I'm considering wiring a controller to the fridge thermostat but putting the temp sensor in the freezer, therfore controlling the compressor and freezer temp with what used to be the fridge thermostat. Then wiring the second controller to some fans to get cold air from the freezer to the fridge.

 

[Schlimly]

Here are couple threads for side by side conversions.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/fridgenstein-side-side-kegerator-fermentation-chamber-289241/

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/sibe-side-kegerator-fermenting-chamber-conversion-243671/

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/my-side-side-kegerator-fermentation-chamber-build-341355/


Wire one stc-1000 in place of the thermostat. As you saw that will control the compressor and cool the freezer. Just run your thermo couple into the freezer compartment and use that controller to handle the serving temps.

Since you do have a second stc-1000 you can use it to control cooling and heating in the fridge compartment. Wire it to a couple fans mounted between the freezer and fridge compartments to pull cold air from the freezer when you needed to drop the temp, and use a small heater/reptile bulb to provide heat if/when needed.

 

[cas3439]

I agree with Schlimy except I would use a 200 watt heater from Walmart. It even has a fan.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Lasko-Products-My-Heat-Personal-Heater/16503222

If you need some more links, there is one I did last year with a lot of pics and the other is my first build with just a couple of pics of the finished product. Just looking at the control unit, it looks like my first build with a Kenmore Fridge.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/side-side-fermenter-keggerator-316056/

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/side-side-kegerator-288792/