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Quick connect for temp probe (stc-1000)

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keithPM

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Feb 3, 2013
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Does anyone have any experience adding a jack/plug setup inline on a temp probe? I searched some threads but none seems to deal with this topic directly.

I've got a couple stc-1000's and I'd love to add jacks to project boxes I have them in, so I could just plug in the temp probes. I know that changing the length of the temp probe cable can shift the temp readings, so I'm assuming the added resistance of jack & plug would do the same.

thanks & cheers...
 
I had a china clone of this device and wired a mini-xlr connector in-line with mine. If you have a few dollars spare in your budget I'd recommend these, you'll appreciate it long-run.

The nominal resistance of the sensors on these is 10K ohms (I recall, open to correction!) so you would have to add a lot to significantly throw that IMHO . At the end of the day, you really must do a calibration with all these temperature devices - it is amazing how far out they can be as even out of the box - so just do this after your changes
 
Agree with all of ^that. An NTC 10K probe reads 10K ohms at the specified temperature (typically 25°C). Meanwhile, contact resistance is typically measured in milliohms, while 20 gauge wire exhibits roughly 10 ohms per thousand feet (so around 10 milliohms per foot). You could go nuts with connectors and wire without seeing any change in temperature reading.

And I had to set the offset on the latest addition to my digital controller fleet to +5.2°F to calibrate the probe/controller. Definitely don't assume anything comes out of the box calibrated...

Cheers!
 
One of the sct-1000 threads showed using a basic telephone jack connector and jack... Seemed to work quite well and easy to install with no special parts.
 
I've used 1/8" mono audio jacks from radio shack on my BCS setup and they've worked great and they're pretty cheap. On the downside, they're not weather/water resistant.
 
I also used a 1/8" mono jack/plug from Radio Shack when building a fermentation chamber controller using the STC-1000. I finished the project last night. But so far the temperature probe seems pretty accurate. Accurate enough for my needs anyway.

Note the red connector on the front of the junction box. Also note that the fridge is not currently plugged in.. cooling is not the problem this time of year.

20131226_190045.jpg
 
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