My second STC-1000

[user 163849]

I actually have no real pressing need for a second temperature controller. I bought the second STC to keep as a spare in case the first one gave up on me.
But I decided to go ahead and build the second controller which makes it an even better spare, instant replacement with no wiring to do at the time of failure of the one that is in service.

I decided not to fool with trying to cram everything into a tiny little box like I did the first time and started laying things out on piece of steel plate that happened to be laying in the floor of my shop. The plate is approximately .080 inch thick, heavier than needed by a long shot but it will work. After I positioned everything where I wanted it on the plate, I cut out the holes needed and cut off the excess length of the plate, then removed the old paint and applied whatever paint I had on hand.

I just got around to wiring it up before I stopped for lunch today. I still need to find or build a box for the face plate to mount to but it is only lacking a power cord to be a working temp controller as it is.

This is what I have done so far.

 

[DurtyChemist]

Why 4 outlets? Spare parts or controlling two fermentationist?

 

[user 163849]

Why 4 outlets? Spare parts or controlling two fermentationist?

The receptacle which is "marked" by the red screw is for heat. The one marked with the blue screw is for cool. The other two are simple convience outlets which are always on.

I included the always on duplex outlet this time because I found myself using an outlet strip between the power source and controller with my older build. This one should eliminate the need for that.

Higher priority chores have come up so completion of this project will be delayed (as usual).

 

[user 163849]

Well, it is enclosed now. Here you can see them both.

View attachment 1442600064185.jpg

 

[Brian77095]

Ya know.. STC-1000s are so reliable that your second one is practically useless to you. Especially since you went ahead and wired it up so nicely....I happen to not have even one and would be more than happy to put that useless one you have to good use!!

Really like the design and you can always use extra plugs!

 

[user 163849]

Ya know.. STC-1000s are so reliable that your second one is practically useless to you. Especially since you went ahead and wired it up so nicely....I happen to not have even one and would be more than happy to put that useless one you have to good use!!

Really like the design and you can always use extra plugs!

I think I had better hang onto it myself but I appreciate the offer to take it off my hands.

I think I like the layout of this one better than the first one I built. It is likely that this one will become the primary and the other will be the standby/extra. I do also have a mini fridge in the garage which I normally use as a beer fridge but now with a spare controller I could ferment two buckets in the big fridge and a third at a different or the same temp in the mini..

Oh, and it is now fully enclosed and I even put a coat of spar varnish on it.

 

[user 163849]

After being informed that my plan to put a freshly brewed Irish Red in the fridge with a Stout that had already been in there for 5 days and fermentation had already slowed on it was a really bad idea. Because the Stout needed to warm a bit and the Red needed to cool.

So I came up with the lame brain idea (left over chemo brain?) of insulating and heating the Stout with foil bubble insulation and a heating pad, using one controller to handle the cooling for the Red and the other to control the heating pad for the Stout, controller set for the different ideal temps of the two buckets. Lame as the idea may have been it seems to be working just fine. And contrary to my expectations the fridge actually runs less often than before. Probably due to the efficiency of the insulation around the heated bucket and the resulting decreased air space of the cool portion of the fridge. It did look all kinds of wrong when first set up and one controller was heating while the other was cooling.

So even though I previously stated that I had no pressing need for a second temperature controller, it turns out I was wrong. I just did not know about it yet!

 

[SippinSudz]

My first STC-1000 is on its way up to Canada. I've collected all items but a junction box($25) here [emoji33]

I won't be wiring it to the electrical engineer state you have, but some solder and quality plugs etc will suffice.

I enjoyed your post! Thx

 

[user 163849]

My first STC-1000 is on its way up to Canada. I've collected all items but a junction box($25) here [emoji33]

I won't be wiring it to the electrical engineer state you have, but some solder and quality plugs etc will suffice.

I enjoyed your post! Thx

Well, thanks for all that! I know what you mean about the ridiculous price of enclosures! That is why I decided to build by own out of whatever scrap material was laying around.

After using both of my units I prefer my free standing design with everything but the power inlet on the front as it is much more convenient for me to use. And there is something to be said for laying out the components on an oversize sheet of metal, then cutting it to size rather than cramming everything into a existing size and shaped space and then crowding the wires into a tight space. This was a fully functioning controller before the box was even constructed.

I'll have to take exception to your comment on my wiring though. It has been my experience that most electrical engineers are horrific wiremen. I am no engineer! LOL

 

[SippinSudz]

What's the chance of moisture and the elements effecting an STC if enclosed like you have, in a non waterproof fashion?

I plan on keeping my STC in an enclosed box, possible a waterproof junction(still needs holes for power etc/maybe caulk it) or an enclosure like yours, and keep it outside.

It will be in a dry area, but subject to mild -10°c occasionally this winter.

Just not sure if temp/humidity would have an effect inside any enclosure for the STC

 

[user 163849]

Well if it were subject to splashing or being submerged I reckon moisture could get inside. The older of my two units is in a well ventilated cast aluminum enclosure. The one which I just built, though far from water tight, would be more likely to remain dry in a wet enviroment as it has no vent holes.

The elements are not much of a concern on top of the fridge in my garage. The main purpose of the enclosure on the latest one is to help it stand upright. All the components are mounted on the steel plate. It would be completely functional without the wooden box.For my purposes there is no reason to seal it up. But that could easily be done with a bit of silicone caulk.

 

[user 163849]

Sorry,I missed the part about wanting to mount it outside. For that I would probably mount the STC inside a rain tight nema box.
Both of mine are intended for indoor use.

 

[SippinSudz]

Just picked it up from the post office.

I purchased off eBay saying 110v.. It has shown up and the sticker on the STC says 220v, also the manual says 220v

I'm guessing I have to purchase a 110 to 220 step up converter?...

 

[user 163849]

Just picked it up from the post office.

I purchased off eBay saying 110v.. It has shown up and the sticker on the STC says 220v, also the manual says 220v

I'm guessing I have to purchase a 110 to 220 step up converter?...

Yes, it will need to be supplied with the name plate voltage, a transformer would work, or you will need to exchange that one for what you actually ordered. If the one you have is properly labeled it will not work at 110 volts.

 

[SippinSudz]

Well... He refunded me my full amount. Then told me to keep it as he messed up and assumed all his STC's were 110v.

Now I need to find a step up converter for cheap [emoji19]

 

[SippinSudz]

Hey all,

I've received the wrong product in the mail. Ordered a 110v STC1000, received a 220v. He refunded me 100% and said keep it.

So, if i plan on continuing with a temp control box and wire up a Box with a socket, using a Step up transformer from 110v to 220v into the STC-1000 to power it... What is gonna happen to my chest freezer and heating source which already run off 110v if they're plugged into the sockets that I've wired this 220v STC into...

I'm wondering if I should just sell this 220V STC1000 and order a 110V

Please help with some suggestions


This is a new post I've created looking for so help

 

[day_trippr]

You would only use the 220VAC output of the step-up transformer to power the STC-1000's internal logic.
You would still route your 110VAC hot feed to the two relays and use their outputs for your Cooling and Heating devices.

Don't try to share the 110VAC neutral with the step-up transformer output - bad juju...

Cheers!

 

[SippinSudz]

Right!
Makes total sense.

Thanks for the tip!

 

[SippinSudz]

View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1443793436.257010.jpg

I've got everything wired in BUT the #2 terminal spot.

Do I snip and make a seperate white (neutral) and run that to a side in the electrical socket from #2 or does neutral of the output of the transformer that already has the black(hot) into #1 go into #2

I'm stuck, and won't be able to get help from the technicians until this evening.

 

[day_trippr]

The outputs of the step-up transformer only go to controller terminals 1 & 2 (in either order). They must not connect to anything else.

If you leave the neutral side bridge on the duplex outlet intact you can add the short neutral jumper wire as shown between outlet and transformer input.

If you simply follow the diagram exactly, it will work...

Cheers!

 

[SippinSudz]

Simply following the diagram was my issue. I had little/no idea how to read each individual line. I will connect the neutral from transformer input into my last open neutral of the outlet.

Thank you for helping!

 

[SippinSudz]

View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1443845248.584133.jpg

 

[day_trippr]

Well done!

Cheers!

 

[user 163849]

Looks good from here.