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Author Topic: Tempature control for fermentation chamber  (Read 5998 times)

Offline Tony O

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Tempature control for fermentation chamber
« on: September 10, 2011, 12:36:54 am »
I picked up a Beverage Air counter top glass door fridge to use for a fermentation chamber. The 6 gallon carboy fits perfectly. I need advise on a good reliable tempature controlller for this unit. Mostly it need to control the refrigerator but in the winter I may need it to control a small heater too.

Thanks for the advice.

Tony

Offline tschmidlin

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Re: Tempature control for fermentation chamber
« Reply #1 on: September 10, 2011, 01:54:56 am »
You can google "dual stage temperature controller".  Here is an example of one I haven't used.
https://morebeer.com/view_product/16664
Tom Schmidlin

Offline Thirsty_Monk

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Re: Tempature control for fermentation chamber
« Reply #2 on: September 10, 2011, 07:34:51 am »
You can google "dual stage temperature controller".  Here is an example of one I haven't used.
https://morebeer.com/view_product/16664
At Tom mentioned you need to get dual stage temp controller. One from Morebeer works great 
http://www.pexsupply.com/Ranco-ETC-211000-Two-Stage-Temperature-Control-w-Sensor-120-240V-Input-11632000-p
If you are handy you could wire it by yourself.
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Offline tom

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Re: Tempature control for fermentation chamber
« Reply #3 on: September 10, 2011, 10:59:36 am »
I am always in favor of 2 single stage controllers (same price as one double-stage and much more versatile).  http://compare.ebay.com/like/120586443603?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar
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Offline euge

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Re: Tempature control for fermentation chamber
« Reply #4 on: September 10, 2011, 12:08:34 pm »
I am always in favor of 2 single stage controllers (same price as one double-stage and much more versatile).  http://compare.ebay.com/like/120586443603?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar

+1 This is a nice one and very affordable even if you buy two. Importantly, the sensor cable is a wire not a a thin tube that can be crimped and subsequently ruined.
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Offline oscarvan

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Re: Tempature control for fermentation chamber
« Reply #5 on: September 10, 2011, 01:37:36 pm »
I am always in favor of 2 single stage controllers (same price as one double-stage and much more versatile).  http://compare.ebay.com/like/120586443603?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar

+1 This is a nice one and very affordable even if you buy two. Importantly, the sensor cable is a wire not a a thin tube that can be crimped and subsequently ruined.

I have two of the two stagers and the sensor is also a wire. Looks like two singles is cheaper though, however the ease of the attached outlet on the two stage is worth something. Check link for my setup.

http://www.woodenshoemusic.com/WSBW/Fermentation.html
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http://www.woodenshoemusic.com/WSBW/WSBW_All_grain_Setup.html
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Offline Tristan

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Re: Tempature control for fermentation chamber
« Reply #6 on: September 20, 2011, 09:03:45 am »
The two stage thermostats are great.  You might be able to get by with a single stage.  I have a slightly different situation.  One of my freezers is out in the garage; I use this freezer most often as a temp controller because it is in the same spot I brew.  In the winter it gets cold enough in my garage to freeze.  I switch the Johnson digital thermostat to heating and connect a heating blanket.  I found the type of heating blanket without an auto-shut off and it works really well while using minimal power.  When the weather gets warm enough in the spring then I switch the thermostat  back to cooling and plug in the freezer.

Edit:  This is the model I use:

http://www.austinhomebrew.com/product_info.php?products_id=12193
« Last Edit: September 20, 2011, 09:05:24 am by Tristan »
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Offline davidgzach

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Re: Tempature control for fermentation chamber
« Reply #7 on: September 23, 2011, 02:30:21 pm »
I have two Johnson A419's for my beer cooler and my lagering fridge.  They have exceeded my expectations.

Dave
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Offline bluesman

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Re: Tempature control for fermentation chamber
« Reply #8 on: September 23, 2011, 02:49:44 pm »
I'm planning to buy a Ranco dual stage temperature controller so I can heat and cool using one controller. I also use Johnson A219 controllers for my kegerator and lagering chest which work very well. Either Ranco or Johnson are great choices.
Ron Price