[babalu87]

LOVE controller is just buttons, easy peazy

[mikeypedersen]

Do most people use the single stage (heat or cool) or the dual stage (heat and cool) controllers?

I have the dual stage for summertime and for when I have lots of stuff in primary.  My chest is in the north facing garage which most of the winter is very cold.  So I need the heat in the wintertime, except for when there is a bunch of stuff in primary and the temps are trying to run away, then I need the cold cycle.  In the summertime, we get 30 - 35 degree temperature swings from day to night time, but it normally runs the cold cycle.  I feel like it is really helpful to have both cycles, but a lot of it probably depends on where you live.  If you're in Florida, you probably don't need the heat cycle!

[majorvices]

Since I have my fermentation chambers (deep chest freezer) in my garage now I go with dual stage and the heat wrap with thermowell. Really works great even when the temp is in single digits outside. If your fridge/freezer will be indoors the single stage is all you need.

[mr_jeffers]

I live in Maine, and my unheated basement is sitting at 52`F right now.  I doubt I'd move it out to the garage.

[Thirsty_Monk]

I live in Maine, and my unheated basement is sitting at 52`F right now.  I doubt I'd move it out to the garage.

So you could go with single stage if you do not mind replugging heat/cooling source.
http://www.pexsupply.com/Ranco-ETC-111000-Single-Stage-ETC-Temperature-Control-w-Sensor-120-240V-Input-11627000-p
This is a cheapest Ranco single stage I have seen.
Not sure what is shipping.
It also needs to be wired so you have a cable/wire nuts cost.

LOVE controllers are around $50 + probe that is $10 (I think) and wiring.
Love controller does not have external housing.
May be babalu87 can chime in.

[ndcube]

I got one of these to house it in.  I think this is the size I got and it just fit perfectly.  Didn't make it waterproof so it lives outside.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062283
$5

I went with the TS2 because when I got it the TS3 had a 2 month wait list.  The TS3 has a higher inductive load rating IIRC.
http://www.dwyer-inst.com/Products/Product.cfm?Group_ID=149&Product_ID=316&sPageName=Intro
$52.50 (The TS3 is $50).

I got the brass probe.
http://www.dwyer-inst.com/Products/Product.cfm?Group_ID=303&Product_ID=551&sPageName=Ordering
$6

...then there's shipping for the switch and wiring costs.


All well worth it for me.

[babalu87]

LOVE controllers are around $50 + probe that is $10 (I think) and wiring.
Love controller does not have external housing.
May be babalu87 can chime in.

$65 gets you the whole shooting match, probe included

Mine is velcroed on my lagering keezer 

[mr_jeffers]

So you could go with single stage if you do not mind replugging heat/cooling source.

I found a couple used A419 controllers at the shop that my boss said I could have.  I was thinking about setting one up to run the freezer and one to run the heater (lightbulb, heatpad, etc).  Anyone think of any reason not to do it this way?

[beerocd]

So you could go with single stage if you do not mind replugging heat/cooling source.

I found a couple used A419 controllers at the shop that my boss said I could have.  I was thinking about setting one up to run the freezer and one to run the heater (lightbulb, heatpad, etc).  Anyone think of any reason not to do it this way?

At the same time? 
They'd fight each other.

[dhacker]

FWIW, I know a number of folks who have problems with Ranco controllers. The dreaded E2 error seems to be a chronic issue with these. If you have a Ranco controller and haven't experienced the E2 error yet, you likely will at some point.

[mr_jeffers]

What's the model #'s of the 2 stage controls?  I seem to be having trouble finding them online.

[Thirsty_Monk]

What's the model #'s of the 2 stage controls?  I seem to be having trouble finding them online.

Here you go:
ETC-211000-000
http://www.rancoetc.com/ranco-etc211000000-stage-p-105.html?

[toastedman]

So you could go with single stage if you do not mind replugging heat/cooling source.

I found a couple used A419 controllers at the shop that my boss said I could have.  I was thinking about setting one up to run the freezer and one to run the heater (lightbulb, heatpad, etc).  Anyone think of any reason not to do it this way?

   i use the A419 for fermenting box, i only change it over once a year, cool in summer, heat in winter, only takes couple min to switch it over, pull the jumper off 2 pins, put on the other 2 pins , never a problem.  
    

[theDarkSide]

What's the model #'s of the 2 stage controls?  I seem to be having trouble finding them online.

Morebeer.com has them already wired if you're not comfortable doing that kind of stuff.

http://morebeer.com/view_product/16664//Ranco_Digital_Two-Stage_Temperature_Controller_-_Wired

[homebrewgamecock]

I have a Ranco 2 stage and Johnson Controls.  I like the Johnson Controls better, plus it is less expensive.  I have had the E2 error on my Ranco.  Thankfully it's on my kegerator, not my chest freezer for fermenting.

http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewing/brewing-equipment/fermenting-equipment/fermentation-temperature-control/johnson-controls-a419-digital-temp-controller.html