STC-1000 Build Advice

[aprichman]

Just ordered an Igloo FR520 5.1 cu ft. to use as a fermentation chamber. My plan is to use an STC-1000 clone (Inkbird) to build a temperature controller. I've watched a few videos and decided to use TryToDIY's video guide:

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7I-iwFLykxs[/ame]

I was wondering if someone who has built one of these could make sure I'm grabbing all the right parts. Also does anyone know what gauge wire is inside a basic power cord like the one in my link - needing to pick up a wire stripper.

Inkbird Temp Controller
Hammond ABS Project Box (7.5" x 4.3" x 2.2")
8 foot power cord
Gardner Bender Wire Connectors (25 pack)
Pass & Seymour 20 Amp Duplex Receptacle
Brainerd White Duplex Cover

Thanks!

 

[day_trippr]

What you listed would work fine, but, fwiw, I prefer "modern" style duplex outlets sans any face plate, as the outlet needs only a simple rectangular cut-out in the project box to be more than presentable.



As for your power cord, the listing says it's 16 gauge, which is fine for that length or shorter when powering a "normal" fridge or freezer (maybe not so much for a 30cf Sub-Zero ).
If you were to go longer I'd recommend 14 gauge...

Cheers!

 

[GilSwillBasementBrews]

Yeah for my cord I just hacked the receptacle end, of an old computer plug. (Who doesn't have a couple laying around somewhere)

Edit: heck day tripper's pic even already had the receptacle(male ) so I wouldn't have had to even hack it off lolol

 

[aprichman]

What you listed would work fine, but, fwiw, I prefer "modern" style duplex outlets sans any face plate, as the outlet needs only a simple rectangular cut-out in the project box to be more than presentable.

View attachment 286282

As for your power cord, the listing says it's 16 gauge, which is fine for that length or shorter when powering a "normal" fridge or freezer (maybe not so much for a 30cf Sub-Zero ).
If you were to go longer I'd recommend 14 gauge...

Cheers!

Wow - that's a clean looking build, very nice! What are the "channels" ports on the right side for?

 

[aprichman]

Yeah for my cord I just hacked the receptacle end, of an old computer plug. (Who doesn't have a couple laying around somewhere)

Edit: heck day tripper's pic even already had the receptacle(male ) so I wouldn't have had to even hack it off lolol

I donated most of my old PC stuff to a place called Free Geek in Portland, OR before my wife and I moved to Corvallis. I had a couple of power supplies I could have broken down to get a male receptacle for this project.

However, in my good wisdom I did tuck away a power cord which I hope I can use - "18AWGX3C" is printed on the cable if that means anything? I'm trying to build this as cheap as possible since SWMBO is already not thrilled with me buying a chest freezer for beer. Looks like I'll be hacking the end off and harvesting wire from a chunk of the cord. One trick I saw on another video was to zip tie the cord on the inside of the box so it can't be tugged out.

 

[GilSwillBasementBrews]

I donated most of my old PC stuff to a place called Free Geek in Portland, OR before my wife and I moved to Corvallis. I had a couple of power supplies I could have broken down to get a male receptacle for this project.



However, in my good wisdom I did tuck away a power cord which I hope I can use - "18AWGX3C" is printed on the cable if that means anything? I'm trying to build this as cheap as possible since SWMBO is already not thrilled with me buying a chest freezer for beer. Looks like I'll be hacking the end off and harvesting wire from a chunk of the cord. One trick I saw on another video was to zip tie the cord on the inside of the box so it can't be tugged out.

18AWG means 18 gauge wire while not being an electrician I'm pretty sure lower gauge = thicker wire. I think you'll be fine with 18gauge wire. If I am wrong 100's of people will point out any glaring mistakes.

 

[day_trippr]

Wow - that's a clean looking build, very nice! What are the "channels" ports on the right side for?

Thanks, the basic layout is something I've used for a few controllers.

Those are receptacles for three DS18B20 temperature sensors, and that unit is one of my BrewPi wireless "minions".
It has an Arduino Uno controlling a dual-channel relay board and communicates with the host RaspberryPi over Bluetooth.
Here's the front.


The probes track beer temperature, chamber temperature, and room ambient temperature, with the first two contributing to a PID-like control algorithm.

I use these on both of my brewery fridges as they're too far apart for wires but close enough for rock-solid Bluetooth communication.
They work kinda like an STC-1000 but can be accessed over the network for programming, can do fancy temperature profiles, and provides temperature charting...

Cheers!