Is this the right thermostat to lager?

[fezzman]

A Johnson Controls Penn Temp Controller.

I just want to make sure I am buying the right thermostat as this isn't coming from a brewshop. I notice in the picture that there is no power cord. Is that type of cord fairly common in hardware stores?

 

[david_42]

Unless they have posted the model number, I wouldn't buy it. Some of the controllers are designed to be hard-wired.

http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/cg/html/refrigeration_controls.htm

 

[Brewnurse]

It looks alot like the one I have , but david_42 is right, check the model number. I just bought one from More Beer(my LHBS) and it is model "A19AAT Type Cooling Thermostat for Portable Applications" . It does have a power cord sticking out the bottom. I was trying to attach a pic but having trouble. I will upload to my gallery. Hope that helps!

 

[boo boo]

I bought the A19ABC24 Johnson/penn controller.
I had to cut the hot side of an extension cord and wire it myself.
Not much trouble if you know anything about wireing.

 

[fezzman]

I bought the A19ABC24 Johnson/penn controller.
I had to cut the hot side of an extension cord and wire it myself.
Not much trouble if you know anything about wireing.

That is what model it is. It is being sold on ebay and is currently only $14.99 with 16 hours left to go...one bid so far. I just wonder at what price point is will not be worth bidding on since I still need to add a cord? I'll probably just let this one go and get a corded model. Definitely going to keep my eye on it just in case if the price doesn't go up too much.

 

[MrSaLTy]

I think that is an analog controller...... not that they suck or anything its just most of them have like a 5 degree temp swing (differential). If you looking for tight temp control, a digital controller is the way to go. They are more money though..... Morebeer has a digital model that is unwired for like 64 bux and the wired version for like 100. I think the analog ones are about 50.

 

[Walker]

That is what model it is. It is being sold on ebay and is currently only $14.99 with 16 hours left to go...one bid so far. I just wonder at what price point is will not be worth bidding on since I still need to add a cord? I'll probably just let this one go and get a corded model. Definitely going to keep my eye on it just in case if the price doesn't go up too much.

$20 is pretty good if you just have to hook up a power cord. If you buy one already corded, it'll cost you $50-$60.

-walker

 

[Walker]

I think that is an analog controller...... not that they suck or anything its just most of them have like a 5 degree temp swing (differential). If you looking for tight temp control, a digital controller is the way to go. They are more money though..... Morebeer has a digital model that is unwired for like 64 bux and the wired version for like 100. I think the analog ones are about 50.

I don't think the +/- 4° temp range makes that much of a difference, honestly. The chamber will swing that much, but the 5 gallons of fluid in the carboy therein will resist the temperature change and will have a MUCH lower differential.

-walker

 

[MrSaLTy]

Thats a good point Walker... I just know that there are some brewers that are really anal about ferment temps and they don't like the 5 degree temp swings. The 5 gallon thermal mass may make it a mute point.

 

[user 4295]

Also, it's a bad idea to set the differential any tighter than 5 ˚F. It will result in a short cycling condition with the compressor, and that will result in the compressor's early demise.

John

 

[MrSaLTy]

Also, it's a bad idea to set the differential any tighter than 5 ˚F. It will result in a short cycling condition with the compressor, and that will result in the compressor's early demise.

John

That is true if you have the prob measuring the temp of the air in the fridge but many people use a thermowell or have the probe taped to the fermenter and insulated so that is measures the temp of the beer itself. It will take a while to raise the temp of the 5 gallons a lot longer that way. And it will take longer for it to drop as well. This should prevent the short cycles.

 

[Walker]

many people use a thermowell or have the probe taped to the fermenter and insulated so that is measures the temp of the beer itself.

I would say that SOME people do that, but I'd be willing to bet that most people just measure the temp of the chamber.

Hmm.... that might make an intersting poll.

 

[Brewnurse]

I have the analog controller in question, and I have the probe just sitting inside the "chamber". For the most part, the temp of the carboys in the fridge stay at the same temp. All the time! I have those thermometers that stick to the side of the carboys and the never change, I have been checking them all day and night. The analog control does allow for +/- 5 F, but I have it set at the lowest setting.

 

[fezzman]

$20 is pretty good if you just have to hook up a power cord. If you buy one already corded, it'll cost you $50-$60.

-walker

Is the piggy-back style cord readily available though?

 

[Walker]

Is the piggy-back style cord readily available though?

Probably not. Good point.

 

[boo boo]

My recorded temps inside my frigde don't vary much AFAIK.

$14 is cheap for one of those. I paid $55 Cdn for one over the counter.

Only had to cut an extension cord and do some basic wireing.