external thermostat (what are you using)

I found this http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01A51OLR6/ref=psd_mlt_nbc_B011296704_rb

 

Add me to the homemade STC1000 camp. Very pleased; can't beat the $30 price tag!

 

Just placed an order of 2 Inkbird 308!!!

 

I have the thermostar controller as well. I have had interactions with other controllers, and find this one easy to use, and easy to read. Also the long probe works well in a variety of weld less thermowells. Nothing like buying a probe that is too big for your thermowell.

 

Have you had any issues with this? For whatever reason, I have my set point to 80f and the Heating elements come on, but then I find that they turn off after a short time of being on. The heat light indicator will be on as if it is heating but my heaters don't heat. They have power to them and are turned on but they stop heating. The differential is set to 1 and the current temps are outside of the set value so it should be on. They were working great and now for whatever reason, they aren't working. Thanks!

 

If there is power to the heaters and they are not working you have issues with your heater. How did you determine there is power to them? Fluke meter?

 

Well, the light indicators are on. Also, if i unplug the temp controller and then plug it back in, the heating elements come on but then shut off after X amount of time.

 

Have you tried using another output like a clock just to verify the clock stays on after x amount of time?

 

I've had 2 lamps hooked up to the temp controllers and they have not turned off. I was nervous because i've had several power outages the last 2 weeks due to storms.

 

What are you using as a heater? There might be an internal shut off like used with heating blankets.

 

2 small electrical heaters

 

I would check the manufacturers website and verify that they don't have a safety feature built in to prevent overheating and ultimately fires. I use a heat wrap from northern brewer and it works flawlessly.

 

I have one too, it's just difficult to use on a fast ferment.

 

So it isn't the perfect fermenter they advertise it as?

 

ha ha, no! but i have to say, i do like it. it's a nice version of a fancy stainless steel fermenter at a huge price difference.

 

are there any "safe" small space heaters out there to use with a temp controller?

 

Ink bird 308 works great for 38$. It does heat and cold and the probe is submersible. I've had mine submersed in a glass of water for a couple months in my keezer and has been working great.


I also use a Johnson 419A and like it also. But it was double the price of the Ink Bird.

 

25 watt light bulb in a coffee can.

so homebrew you almost have to.

 

My heating has always worked correctly. Set a 6 - 8 differential and drive a 25w bulb ... coffee can is on my wish list.

 

Have you guys had an issue with the Johnson A419? I've had one for a long time and has now been replaced with Inkbirds. I now have the A419 on my kegerator and the temp is set to 37 F with a 4 degree differential. However, the temperature never reaches 41 or 42. The unit kicks in when it's around 36-37. Almost as if the differential is working in one way. Has anyone encountered this? The reason I'm using the A419 on my kegerator is because the fridge's factory temperature probe is now in the freezer portion of my fridge after my build. So I wanted to read the colder air down at the bottom.