Thermostar Digital Controller

[Bobb25]

I have been itching to pull the trigger on a digital temperature controller for a recently acquired chest freezer. I had about decided on a Johnson Controls digital unit, when I got an email from one of the large Home Brew suppliers advertising a "Thermostar" digital controller. It looks nifty, but I can't find any online reviews. What do you guys think?? I know that I can build one out of cheap ebay parts, but I would rather focus my attention on beer making.
Bob

 

[Pie_Man]

If you're going to go with a Johnson controller, I recommend the digital one versus their analog controller. I have the analog and it is a pain. I now prefer the STC-1000.

 

[Setesh]

I have a Johnson digital and 2 STC-1000s. I like the STC-1000s MUCH better. The Johnson model is many times as large and programming it is counter intuitive to me. You can also purchase 3 STC-1000s for the price of one Johnson. IMO the only real pro of the Johnson is that it can display in Fahrenheit and the STC-1000 does not in stock form.

 

[ArcaneXor]

I would suggest getting one with an anti-short cycle setting to maximize compressor lifetime. The Johnson A419 digital controller has that, as does the STC-1000.

 

[wilconrad]

Interesting, I hadn't seen this one yet. Looks like a good option, but my one concern would be the lack of dual-stage capability (it has to be manually switched from Heat to Cool mode and you'd have to unplug your heater and plug in your fridge). An STC-1000, by contrast, automatically switches from heat to cool and you leave both the heater and fridge plugged into it at all times.