STC-1000 vs Johnson Temp Control

[beardown2489]

I am building a fermentation unit soon.

I just ordered a STC unit and began research on how I would set it up.

I gotta say, a little intimidating for someone who doesn't work with electricity much. Sure the price is 15 bucks rather than 80 but it's obvious this is why. The STC-1000 is just the actually apparatus that controls the temp, but the user has to set up all the wiring.

Am I correct that the Johnson controller is vastly easier to setup? From what I can tell, the Johnson is ready to go out of the package. No foreplay needed. I'm wondering if it may be worth it to just shell out the $ and go for the Johnson.

Any input or advice would be appreciated.

 

[TechyDork]

If you are not comfortable with the DIY then yes the Johnson is your best bet. With that said there is a great thread on here with how to wire up a controller using the STC-1000.

 

[revco]

I think your assessment is correct. It's not a particularly complicated circuit, however, and there's plenty of diagrams out there that show you things like "put wire nut here" etc. I've built six of them now and could probably do it with my eyes closed.

The kits you can find in the Sponsor Showcase aren't that expensive and provide everything you need outside the STC to set it up, minus a soldering iron and solder. It's a good way to go for a really professional setup. I did mine in my own boxes and finally replaced it with the kit hardware, much better solution overall and it takes much less time to set up. Even then, it's still half the price of a Johnson controller.

It might not be for you, though, and that's perfectly understandable. Wiring isn't for everyone, but it's really not that hard.

 

[FirstAidBrewing]

The Johnson controller is ready to do what you need out of the box; it will kick on at temperature X and power a fridge to cool it down to temperature Y.

The white paper is a bit convoluted but if you need to adjust the jumpers to change functionality, it's easy enough to figure out if you ever have to.

 

[beardown2489]

Thanks.

I have not done soldering in over 10 years in some high school shop class.

I should really join a homebrew club. That way I'd have some guys and girls to borrow stuff like this from instead of having to go out and purchase something I'll rarely use.

 

[rhythm]

I have not done soldering in over 10 years in some high school shop class.

For what it's worth, I didn't do any soldering when I wired up my STC-1000 controller. As far as what connects to what, there are diagrams galore here to help make it easy to know how to wire it up. I can send you diagrams and pictures of my project if you want.

No matter which way you go, a temperature controller will be something you'll use every time you brew. Great thing to have!

-Greg

 

[NadoHawk]

Thanks.

I have not done soldering in over 10 years in some high school shop class.

I should really join a homebrew club. That way I'd have some guys and girls to borrow stuff like this from instead of having to go out and purchase something I'll rarely use.

I use mine on every brew since putting it together. The STC is better because, at least the version I have, it is dual heat/cold. Had it done in a morning with help.

 

[beardown2489]

I use mine on every brew since putting it together. The STC is better because, at least the version I have, it is dual heat/cold. Had it done in a morning with help.

I meant the solder more than the STC.

I am just gonna do it. I should be able to figure this out. I'll let everyone know when it's complete.

I'm really excited to get my fermentation dialed in.

 

[beardown2489]

Being in Chicago, I am certainly going to use the heating component come winter. Lots of temp swings this winter surely affected my beer

 

[BigFloyd]

http://www.amazon.com/Elitech-All-Purpose-Temperature-Controller-Thermostat/dp/B008KVCPH2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399600729&sr=8-1&keywords=stc-1000

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f170/stc-1000-setup-beginners-433985/#post5538096

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/ebay-fish-tank-controller-build-using-wal-mart-parts-261506/


https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/ebay-aquarium-temp-controller-build-163849/

 

[nettekdl]

I am absolutely atrocious at electrical and i wired an stc in about an hour with help from a very helpful YouTube video, they are really quite easy to wire.

 

[Iceman2197]

I vote the stc. pretty easy to build and there are videos that help with the build. I have a few of them my oldest one is 4 or 5 years old and works like a champ. and its always being adjusted for my fermentation chamber/huge chest freezer, and a big plus is the heat/cold if your using a freezer for fermentation in winter I have to run a heater to keep temps up

 

[beardown2489]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008KVCPH2/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20



https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f170/stc-1000-setup-beginners-433985/#post5538096



https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/ebay-fish-tank-controller-build-using-wal-mart-parts-261506/





https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/ebay-aquarium-temp-controller-build-163849/



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7I-iwFLykxs

Thanks for the responses. That YouTube clip is the one I had watched right before creating the thread. His little warning was what got me to hesitant, but I'm getting more confident now.

My father actually had a soldering iron I didn't know about. I've gone through a lot of material and it really doesn't seem difficult. I think the guy was more giving a general reminder that anytime you deal with things like electricity, its smart to take precautions and not do anything until you understand it.

I think I get it now.

I'll post a few pics once this thing is completely. Hopefully in a few weeks.

 

[SteelManCM]

I got by DIY kit for the STC-1000+ from Brews by Smith. They also have a pre-assembled version. I like the fact that the STC can heat and cool to keep temps where you need them. The options for the pre-built STC that he has are:

STC-1000+
STC-1000+ with tri-color led to show when it is heating or cooling (you can see this from a distance)
STC-1000+ with dual temperature probes
STC-1000+ with dual temperature probes and tri-color LED
STC-1000+ PRO Model

For the same price as the Johnson controller, you can have the STC-1000+ pre-built and shipped to you and it does both the heating and the cooling.

No, I am not affiliated in any way with Brews by Smith, I am just a very happy customer. I have emailed him back and forth on the STC and other projects and he answers quickly.

http://www.boostbysmith.com/stc1000.html

 

[SeeMont]

I have built two STC-1000 controllers with no problems at all. I am good at soldering but have yet to solder one of them. The hardest part is prepping the box.

 

[MattyIce]

I vote STC! I built this double unit for less than the cost of one Johnson.

 

[VegasBrew1]

STC is the way to go. Soldering is easy, wire nuts even more so. I didn't even invest in a project box. Just a 2 hole wall plate ground out to accept the STC. Then place a 2 outlet jack in the other hole (break the jumper so one is cool, one is heat). I did solder, and wrapped the connections with electrical tape. Hooked up to a mini fridge, and I can cold crash to my hearts content. I'm a cheap brewer, on account of myfundzalow. But if it works, no worries.

You can wire it. Read, read some more, then do it. Lots of helpful people here and on youtube. Cheers.

 

[rekoob]

I have both, actually I have two Johnsons, a single stage and a dual stage. I got them from a guy in the business so they didn't cost me all that much and that was years ago before the STC was around. I have sense picked up an STC as a back up or for another project. If I was starting out these days I would go with the STC just cuz of the cost.
Good luck.

 

[ahariton]

I am absolutely atrocious at electrical and i wired an stc in about an hour with help from a very helpful YouTube video, they are really quite easy to wire.

x2

No soldering required

 

[Sailingeric]

I ordered one of these from Amazon.. I think it is the same as the STC but gives temp in Fahrenheit and can do either heat or cool http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F05UI8O/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20 I got one to go with a freezer I am getting delivered Saturday, but I just ordered a second one to provide heat to my bucket wrap heater if it gets a too cool at night in the brewing shed since we still dip down in the mid 40s.

 

[yeastylad]

x2

No soldering required

x3

I used this thread on here https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=433985 and have built 2 so far, one for my keezer, one for my ferm chamber. So much cheaper. I did have a DOA unit from Amazon, but they replaced it v. quickly.