Which Temperature Controller?

[aeonderdonk]

I am in the market for a temperature controller since I will be inheriting a fridge from my parents this spring.

I am looking at two options from Austin Homebrew Supply - both Johnson Controllers. One digital, one analog.

Here is the analog for $70 - http://www.austinhomebrew.com/product_info.php?cPath=178_40_366&products_id=1214

Here is the digial for $80 -
http://www.austinhomebrew.com/product_info.php?cPath=178_40_366&products_id=12193


Or would you recommend an alternative one?

 

[CodeRage]

Personally I like to use the auber pid controllers. they are a little more work to install. i also like the configurability and having current temp read out. The PID, thermocouple, and an extension cord to hack up ought to set you back around $70.

 

[Montanaandy]

I have both the analog and digital (analog purchased a while back for my chest freezer and digital recently purchased for my lager freezer). I have actually had better luck maintain temps with the analog unit than I have with the digital for reasons unknown. I have thermometers in both freezers but the temp varies much more in the freezer with the digital unit even though I have programmed it to stay at 50' and to vary no more than a few degrees from that temp. I have the analog temp probe on the hump in the one fridge and the bottom of the fridge in the other which may have something to do with it but I don't know. Montanaandy

 

[bbone66]

I like the probe on the digital one better. (fits in thermowells) I have a Johnson analog and it works great but bought the dual control Ranco so I could heat and cool.

 

[Bulls Beers]

I just got the JC digital controller for Christmas. It works great. When I dial it in for one degree, it's right one.

 

[maida7]

here is a deal on a Ranco digital controler You will need to wire in a plug and output but it's only 60.00 If your not into wiring then they sell a prewired version for 75.00

I just bought a dual controler from these guys for 100.00. It shipped within seconds and the shipping was very reasonable. I placed the order on Tuesday and the tracking has it at my hometown post office today (Friday). I call that good service.

 

[NAVET]

Coderage,
You said you prefer Auber Instruments PID COntrollers. Which one do you have that you like so much?

 

[CodeRage]

For fermentation controls I use the universal one with mechanical contacts. Either one of the universals would work well. I think I mentioned earlier though that mounting the controller is a little more work, you cant just plug it in and toss it behind the fridge like the RANCOs. I must confess, I am an industrial controls guy and they look like something you would find in a plant so they visually appeal to me more as well. There is nothing wrong with using a RANCO either, just a personal preference.

 

[NAVET]

Any concerns regarding either 1/16 or the 1/32 DIN or will either one work? Any opinions of hte models with the ramp / soak option?

FYI I am a complete electrical stuff idiot. I know enough not to lick my fingers and try to put them in an outlet. Forks however.....

 

[CodeRage]

I haven't used the 1/16th but looking at the spec sheet it will be fine. Don't forget you will need to get a thermocouple or RTD and a 12awg extension cord

 

[michael.berta]

I like my Johnson. In fact...I never leave home without it....

 

[Wade E]

Glad I read this post, I didnt know the probe wasnt supposed to get wet< I havent used it yet but it wont be long, now I have to order some of that thermo well.

 

[user 42322]

CodeRage: After reading this thread on Monday, I ordered one of the 1/32 Universal Auber PID controllers. Just got it in the mail today. Do you have any suggestions for how best to mount the unit in the side so it looks nice?

 

[CodeRage]

if you are using a collar I would put it through that. The other safe spot would be the lid. Putting it through the side walls you are going to have problems with coolant lines. Take pics, let us know how it turns out.

 

[user 42322]

Finally got around to installing the Auber unit. Looks pretty nice, I think. I'm using it with this little Coca-Cola fridge I found. It works pretty well, but it has a fan which is on even when the compressor isn't running, so it's loud. I'm using the temp controller so I can just set the fridge for full blast and have the fan running as little as possible. I made the little plastic shield for the perimeter 'cause the corners of my cuts look like crap. Wasn't really expecting that the wall was made of 1/4" plate!