Which A19 controller?

[DaddyP]

Does anyone know what controller series of the A19 is typically used? Such as the one a person would get from Northern or Midwest? There are local dealers in Phoenix and want to know what I'm asking for. Should be A19xx-x combination. Thanks in advance.

 

[weirdboy]

A419ABC-1C or A419ABC-3C

That will be a 120V AC model. You will also need to cut up an extension cord and connect it up to the controller, since they come from the factory with no power connector or connector to plug in a fridge/heater/whatever, and while you are connecting that stuff you will want to mess with the jumpers to set them appropriately for your application.

 

[DaddyP]

Thank you, but was asking about the A19 series I'll use that info if I go that route.

 

[weirdboy]

I am pretty sure the ones sold at Norther Brewer and Midwest are A419s.


Ah do you mean the analog controllers?

 

[DaddyP]

Indeed they do, they are the digital ones. I'm interested in the analog version.

 

[DaddyP]

Anyone?

 

[DaddyP]

bump

 

[Catt22]

One of these would be my pick. I have three of the A19AAF-20C model and they have proved to be rugged and reliable. I also have two of the digitals that I like a lot:

A19AAF-20C (fixed differential)

A19ABA-40C (adjustable differential)



here's a selection chart:

http://www.industrialcontrolsonline.com/pdf/specifications/family1324-specifications.pdf

 

[DaddyP]

Thank you much sir, that helps narrow things down tremendosly.

 

[Catt22]

Thank you much sir, that helps narrow things down tremendosly.

Happy to be of help. FYI, these controllers can be used for either heating or cooling. The internal switch is a double throw and you only need to move the hot lead to the alternate terminal. The third terminal is hidden by a small plastic plug. I don't know why they don't tell you this in the manual, but I suppose they want to sell more controllers.

 

[DaddyP]

Good information to know. Might have to make a note on the controller for that. I doubt I'll need heating much here since it rarely ever gets below 60, much less 65, in our house.

 

[DaddyP]

I have decided to order a controller from Midwest instead. Seems I'll get more for my money for the controller and a few more items. But I will post up the controller info for others future references. The variety of controllers are abundant.

 

[cwi]

Why would you want an analog over a digital Johnson controller?
The only upside is slightly lower cost, and if that is justification, the 2 stage digital aqaurium controllers on Ebay are only $25. With an old power cord (male end), outlet, a box, and 30 minutes DIY; you have a 2 stage (heating AND cooling with no switching jumpers) controller for ~$30. There is a (lengthy) thread on the aquarium controllers.

 

[DaddyP]

I have taken note of the aquarium controllers, but mainly for the reasons of ease of use and known reliability, did I decide on the analog controller. I don't see needing heat control in my climate as a must have right now, the chamber is inside tucked in the closet. The controller was $54, shipping was $20, that was with a total of 8 items. At this time, worth my time and expense.

I will admit I have a lot more to learn, as I have only been brewing now for 8 months, all extract/specialty recipes. So, I am willing to soak up more info as I let this hobby take me over.

 

[cwi]

Just so you are aware, the analogs usually have no compressor protection (ASD), a high minimum (~3F) differential, and a mechanical capillary bulb type temperature sensor that requires careful handling.

As for reliability, there hasn't been a failure of the aquarium controller reported to date. There are several reports of Johnson digital controllers dying, however. I think warranty covered it.

Without ASD, the probe needs to be protected from temp changes, like opening the door, to prevent the compressor from be activated shortly after it has just run. This (hot starting) can cause compressor death in a very short time.

For the easiest fermentation temp control, placing the probe directly on the fermenter and setting the diff to ~1F is the most common approach. That is not possible with the high diff controllers, since the temp swing is too great. A common solution for the high diff controllers is to place the probe in air, and compensate for the heat of ferm by adjusting the fridge temp 6-10F below desired ferm temp. This offset has to be adjusted during the fermentation to account for more/less active phases.

If you want an analog style controller, there is no need to spend money on one- there is already one mounted in your fridge/freezer. The stock temperature range of 37-45F is adjustable to the mid 60's F range via a screw on the back of the thermostat. It just needs to be calibrated against a known thermometer, just like the analog A19s would.

 

[cwi]

I will admit I have a lot more to learn, as I have only been brewing now for 8 months, all extract/specialty recipes. So, I am willing to soak up more info as I let this hobby take me over.

I think if a request for advice on whether to buy an analog or digital controller was posted, there wouldn't be a single recommendation for the analog.

The 2 stage controllers can come in handy even when used indoors. There are beer styles that ferm in the 80F's. Their real strength is when they are used in a garage.

 

[DaddyP]

Just as a follow up, the analog Johnson Controller is model A19AAT-2.

I've got one batch bottled and one fermenting since ordering it and putting it to use. Seems to be spot on so far.

 

[JRems]

I'm surprised no one suggested a ranco, for the price it's hard to beat and has the same functions. I got mine for $41 off amazon, it came from patriot supply in NY. They now have them listed at $46

 

[Catt22]

I'm surprised no one suggested a ranco, for the price it's hard to beat and has the same functions. I got mine for $41 off amazon, it came from patriot supply in NY. They now have them listed at $46

The Ranco lacks some of the functions of the Johnson digital A419. AFAICT, the Ranco does not have an anti-short cycle delay. No choice of set point + diff or set point -diff, no adjustable offset, etc. It also seems that the Ranco's have a higher failure rate than the Johnsons do judging from the posts I've read on the topic. IIRC, the aquarium controllers also lack some of those same features. Not a big deal, but some things to consider when making the purchase. I've had excellent results with both the Johnson digitals and the analog versions. I have three of the analogs and two of the digitals. Most of them have been in continuous use for a very long time.

 

[cwi]

The Ranco lacks some of the functions of the Johnson digital A419. AFAICT, the Ranco does not have an anti-short cycle delay. No choice of set point + diff or set point -diff, no adjustable offset, etc. It also seems that the Ranco's have a higher failure rate than the Johnsons do judging from the posts I've read on the topic. IIRC, the aquarium controllers also lack some of those same features.

The aquarium controller, the dual stage at least, has all of those features. The set point + diff and set point - diff uses the same 'diff' value, but it kind of has to work that way since it is dual stage (turns on heat or cooling depending on need). There are more sophisticated controllers, like some Loves, that have a hysteresis parameter which will turn off the heating/cooling at an offset from the set point after activation. This parameter can be used to control temp overshoot due to heat/cooling carryover, but is a bit overkill for brewing.