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idiotek


Registered: 02/06/04
Posts: 40,728
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Re: Let's See Your Homebrew Setup! [Re: Maverick]
#18836480 - 09/13/13 11:11 AM (10 years, 5 months ago) |
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http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Free-shipping-Electronic-Digital-temperature-controller-Willhi-WH7016C-Thermostat-switch-AC-220V-With-NTC-Sensor-BKE061/507013_571166632.html
That's the model I use. It's a single-stage dual-purpose so I can actually use it to heat as well, were I to switch a couple of settings and plug a heat pad or tape into the outlet it controls and remove the fridge. The only real downside besides having to do a bit of wiring (which I enjoy doing) is having to translate the temps from Celsius to Fahrenheit - which is about as easy as printing off a chart.
They make easier ones that are just plug-n-play but they cost 3x as much.
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/JOHNSON-CONTROLS-Remote-Bulb-Thermostat-4E047?Pid=search
There are several variations in models similar to that one by the same manufacturer in a variety of prices depending on where you find it for sale. I've seen them in the $60s before but I don't like the analog aspect so much. I've found my digital one to be within 1 degree or so of accuracy plus I can set it to run on a 10 minute delay to prevent my fridge from short-cycling and eventually damaging the compressor.
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stonesun
Sclerotia Aficionado




Registered: 05/22/09
Posts: 5,444
Loc: 64º08'00"N 21º56'00"W
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Re: Let's See Your Homebrew Setup! [Re: idiotek]
#18837101 - 09/13/13 02:04 PM (10 years, 5 months ago) |
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That is a very good price for that digital controller. I use a cheap (scored for $35) analog one on my lagering freezer and two LOVE controllers on my sculpture. I don't like those bulky digital Johnsons or Rancos though, especially because the price tag on them, but have bought one Ranco for my kegerator. I'm thinking of buying another LOVE or the one in your first link, and actually build it into the wooden collar in my kegerator. I'd look sweet...
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Maverick
Lover of Earwigs!




Registered: 12/18/05
Posts: 13,438
Loc: Valleys of Willamette
Last seen: 2 hours, 33 minutes
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Re: Let's See Your Homebrew Setup! [Re: stonesun]
#18837148 - 09/13/13 02:14 PM (10 years, 5 months ago) |
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How do you cook it up to the fridge? Do you have to solder it in or anything?
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idiotek


Registered: 02/06/04
Posts: 40,728
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Re: Let's See Your Homebrew Setup! [Re: Maverick]
#18837301 - 09/13/13 03:02 PM (10 years, 5 months ago) |
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The Willhi controller requires a little bit more technical knowledge to implement, but those Johnson controllers plug in, you plug the fridge/freezer into it, and then stick the probe inside wherever you want your thermostat reference point to be. Set the temps you desire on the controller and walk away. By "technical knowledge," I mean you have to make about 3 wire joints up and make a couple of device connections. No solder, minimal equipment needed.
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