What do I need to start lagering?

I am by no means a techy guy. I didn't know exactly what I was doing as far as electronics are concerned, but I built my temp controller for like $45, digital, and controls heat and cool at once. A Johnson/Ranco is like $160 for a digital dual stage. The wiring is actually very easy. Get the unit on eBay ($25), buy an extension cord ($10), grab a project box from Radio Shack ($7), pick up a wall outlet ($3). Cut wires and strip em. Wire up according to the specs. Put the back on. Plug in. Set. Ferment. D-Rest. Drop. Lager. There is a really good step by step video on YouTube on what to buy and how to build. Works great.



BTW... on mine I didn't put the outlet on the front, but on the bottom and bypassed the face plate, so mine plug into the bottom and looks more stream line:



Another option. Buy all the needed supplies to make this, find a guy in your local home brew club that is good with wiring (bound to be 1 there) and offer him beer or some cash to wire it up for you. $15 to have it built and some home brew is still a lot cheaper than a Johnson/Ranco.

 

keep in mind that brewers have been making lager beer for a few hundred years without the benefit of refrigeration. or electricity, starters or even thermometers. so you can do this in your sleep.

its really not too much of a hassle if you have a basic fridge to hold a carboy and a basic thermostat to hold a temperature. or a cave in Bavaria, take your pick.
Cheers.