Need Help with Johnson Temp Control

[craig_reed]

I just got the Johnson temp control and I can't make it keep my ferm chamber at 65.

I set my set point to 65 with diff of 3.

I tried changing from "cut in" to "cut out" and still both going to down to 45 degrees.

Any help?

 

[Jorn]

Was going to start a thread asking a similar question. Think I will piggy-back to this one.

How do you calibrate the control? I have my control set to 32* and the inside of my fridge is reading 50*

 

[kh54s10]

Simple questions first. Re read all the instructions and make sure everything is hooked up correctly. I often take a break then go through everything from the beginning and find the problem. I'm sure you have already done this and can give no further advice, but on the off chance...........

 

[LakewoodBrew]

you might want to take a picture of your setup including all connections, temp probe location and whatnot. then maybe someone can give you some pointed advice. otherwise you will likely just get random guessing.

although, reading the instruction manual is a good place to start if not done already.

 

[craig_reed]

Thanks guys. Yes I read through all the instructions and I think it may currently be running. Opened it up and made sure all the pins were in the right locations.

Currently waiting for it to heat to ambient temp of (70) or so... If all goes well it should kick the fridge on once it hits (69) degrees.

 

[craig_reed]

Here is a picture of my set up. It is a energy drink fridge I found that fits one fermenter perfectly.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq34/craigbomb/IMG_0161.jpg
I plan to attach the read out the the right side of the fridge either with velcro or something else.. not sure.

Haven't tucked the wires away or anything until I figure out if it is working correctly.

 

[LakewoodBrew]

can't really see the connections from the picture, but it appears correct. t-stat plugged in to wall, fridge plugged in to t-stat, temp probe inside fridge. you should be able to adjust the temp setting to get it to kick on and turn off for a test.

 

[slowbie]

Are you running it empty? If so, put a carboy full of water in there or something. The lack of thermal mass will make your temps go crazy if it's empty.

 

[craig_reed]

Are you running it empty? If so, put a carboy full of water in there or something. The lack of thermal mass will make your temps go crazy if it's empty.

Ahh, yeah I was running it empty.

I let it go overnight, I figured it was probably still full of some cold air and elements from running at 43 degrees for so long.

Woke up this morning, checked the temp and it is square at 65. I think it is going solid. I will still put an empty carboy in there filled with water though

 

[Jorn]

Grrr. Stupid me. My fridge thermometer was bad. So much for analog. Picked up a digital and my 50* reading went down to 38* in an hour or so.