Homebrewers Association | AHA Forum
General Category => Kegging and Bottling => Topic started by: Me on September 29, 2010, 05:07:18 PM
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So I pulled the trigger on an old chest freezer I found on craigslist. 100 dollars and it works perfect. My plan as of now is to convert it into a temperature controlled chest (and eventually acquire kegerator parts and make a kegerator) . I feel that this is one of the biggest steps towards me making more consistent beers. I've been looking at the options for temperature control units. I have very little electrical knowledge (surprisingly, an economics degree has very little mechanical training), so I am considering using a plug-in system like this:
http://www.micromatic.com/draft-keg-beer/kegerator-conversion-kits-pid-E26.html
or this
http://www.amazon.com/RANCO-ETC-111000-Digital-Temperature-Control/dp/B0015NV5BE
My question(s) is:
Is this going to be a good set up? I've read various forum posts supporting these while others say I will burn out the motor.
Will something like a plug in temperature control work out in the long run for a kegging system down the road?
I'm looking for some knowledgeable opinions to help guide my next step.
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I did what you are doing a couple of years ago, it has worked great and I have never regretted it. I used this temp controller http://morebeer.com/view_product/16666/102282/Ranco_Digital_Temperature_Controller_-_Wired because I thought it was more flexible. For just a few more dollars you can control the temp (within 1 degree, ((some controllers only control within 4 degrees)) going cold or make it control a heat belt to make your beer warmer. This has worked very well when my garage's ambient temp is 55* in the winter and I want to ferment at 68*. It also helps to ramp up to do a dyacital rest. I like the probe because if I ever wanted to use a thermowell, it will fit. It is more expensive, but you only have to buy it once for all of your needs. After I bought it, I looked on the Ranco website and found them a little cheaper, but I can't remember if they were already wired. Either way you go you will enjoy the results of temperature control.
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The morebeer wired ranco is great. It is wired with an actual outlet box, not just power cords wired in. I use a fermwrap taped to the inside of the chest freezer wall with electrical tape to provide the heat.
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My question(s) is:
Is this going to be a good set up? I've read various forum posts supporting these while others say I will burn out the motor.
Will something like a plug in temperature control work out in the long run for a kegging system down the road?
I'm looking for some knowledgeable opinions to help guide my next step.
Good set up? Hell yes! I have 3 freezers and controlers. Go with the Ranco ETC-111000 for fermentation control. 1 degree granularity. I finally found a Ranco 2 stage ETC-211000 on Ebay for $50 (SCORE! ;D) since the spring and fall weather in NC can require cooling or heating over a 24 hour period. The only issue is, like gremlins, you can't get the probes wet. This guy http://www.brewershardware.com/Ranco-Temperature-Sensors/ (http://www.brewershardware.com/Ranco-Temperature-Sensors/) sells waterproof replacement probes for several of the controller brands.
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I use a Johnson A419 controller. I can maintain +/-2 degrees from setpoint which is acceptable.
http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewing/johnson-controls-a419-digital-temp-controller.html
The RANCO will also do the job. Temperature control during fermentation is one of the most critical aspects of the homebrewing process. This is a great investment for a homebrewer. You won't be disappointed with this purchase, I can promise you that.
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Awesome. I'm glad to hear that it has worked out for so many people. After the funds are secured I'm buying the temperature controller.
Thanks forum
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This was posted by forum member richardt some time ago. The unwired Rancos are cheaper, so if you are handy, it only takes a little time. I used the link as guide to wire a Ranco on Sunday, and have a batch in the new freezer now. The Ranco seems more intuitive than the Johnson controller I have.
http://www.brewboard.com/index.php?showtopic=40898
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there all really easy to hook up, I use a Johnson a419 and 3 A350 arrays and a e-bay aquarium 2 stage like this one cheap and works good but does only display C
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mini-Digital-Temperature-Controller-Thermostat-Aquarium-/280564870449?pt=AU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment&hash=item4152f82d31
check out my ferm box
http://s142.photobucket.com/albums/r81/henrythe9th/ferm%20box%20build/
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Another place to get your Ranco temp controller:
http://www.pexsupply.com/pex/control/category/~category_id=1614/~refine=201614+100165
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there all really easy to hook up, I use a Johnson a419 and 3 A350 arrays and a e-bay aquarium 2 stage like this one cheap and works good but does only display C
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mini-Digital-Temperature-Controller-Thermostat-Aquarium-/280564870449?pt=AU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment&hash=item4152f82d31
check out my ferm box
http://s142.photobucket.com/albums/r81/henrythe9th/ferm%20box%20build/
Wow!! That is one heck of a setup!! ;D