Need help with thermostat for ferm chamber.

[DocFrye]

Hello.

I am a long time lurker who is beginning to build a fermentation chamber for my two new 12.5 gallon Spike Brewing conical fermenters.

I just scored an older stand up Frigidaire freezer for the cooling aspect. I will build an insulated box to extend the freezer and make a large enough chamber to hold both fermenters.

I would like to know what temperature controller most people recommend. I would like it to be able to turn on/off the refrigeration AND the heat.

I will have quite a few more questions coming up... i.e what is the best way to heat, how important is a moisture barrier (and where do I install it,) etc. However, I would like to figure out the electronics of this build first.

I appreciate any help. I have learned so much from this site and the helpful people here.

I am an intelligent man and a quick learner, but I have VERY LITTLE electrical experience. Ideally, I would spend the extra money on a ready to use unit than to try to DIY circuits etc.

Thanks,
David

 

[rebel_scum]

http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/...on-controls-a419-digital-temp-controller.html

I've been researching these controllers for days- if you don't want to do any minor electrical work this seems like the best bet so far that I have come across.

Only drawback I see is it doesn't swap from cooling to heating automatically, you have to move a jumper inside the case to go into heat mode. Should be fine if you are only using cool in the summer and heat in the winter.

There was another one that had dual cycles on a HVAC site I visited, it was about 40 bucks more than that one and had great reviews.

Hth!

Jeff

 

[DocFrye]

The A419 looks like a great choice for me (read electrically challenged.) However, do you happen to have a link for the dual cycle one? It seems like one less thing to worry about, if I do not have to manually switch from heat to cool. The fermenter will be in my un-heated Michigan garage, and there are definitely days that we need to use both the heat and the air-conditioning around here.

Thanks!

 

[sdgenxr]

If you wanted to try the DIY route, this would work for you. Just ask questions and post pictures if you need help.
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/eb...roller-build-163849/index405.html#post6024764

 

[mamies]

I built mine using an STC-1000 I purchased on Ebay whoch connects to a heatmat and freezer. Unfortunately there was a little wiring involved.

https://www.craftbrewer.com.au/shop/details.asp?PID=4931 is similar to what I made but already done. Surely there are hombrew shops in the states that sell this.

 

[DocFrye]

I ended up ordering a Ranco ETC-211000-000: 2 Stage Prewired Temperature Controller from ETC Supply. 2 stage, already wired, plug and play. I'll report back how it works.

 

[mamies]

That's the way to go. If you aren't confident in wiring it up then why not just get a pre made one.

 

[rebel_scum]

The ranco is the one I was referring to at that very website lol.

Sorry I didn't see the question till I checked my emails today- glad you found it regardless.

I went with an STC 1000, but only because of the way I want to flush mount it. The wiring isn't too tricky and the whole shebang only costs about 40 bucks.

Post how the ranco works out for you, I am considering using one on my upcoming kegerator project

Jeff