Freezer Temperature Controller

Chris Craig · May 08, 2012, 07:07:20 PM

Quote from: "brew"Major bummer - ordered this one (just one output, not two)

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/New-AC110V-Digit ... 460253e733

Seems "broken" - only 15.99 but still, takes weeks to get another one...

Weird, display works fine, but when the "Work" led lights up, and the relay "clicks" on, there's still 0 voltage output... I even measured direct on the relay out pins and 0 voltage there as well. I wonder if its even possible to get the cover off the relay and look at the insides of it?

I know carmstrong ordered 2 of the two output controllers. He planned to use one for his keezer. Maybe he'd trade you...

Chris Craig · May 08, 2012, 07:10:48 PM

Just to be sure...You know that controller needs external power, right? It acts ONLY as a relay. You need to connect it to a power outlet.

brew · May 08, 2012, 07:15:18 PM

Heh heh! An important question! Is it plugged in? Yeah I think I got that part... The LED lights come on and everything!

Speaking of which, did you use a 3 prong plug on yours? Did you wire the grounds together from the wall plug to the load plug?

Thanks - I'll check with carmstrong...

Chris Craig · May 08, 2012, 07:18:06 PM

Quote from: "brew"Heh heh! An important question! Is it plugged in? Yeah I think I got that part... The LED lights come on and everything!

Speaking of which, did you use a 3 prong plug on yours? Did you wire the grounds together from the wall plug to the load plug?

Thanks - I'll check with carmstrong...

No, I know it's plugged in, but the heater has to have it's own source of power.

I did use a ground.

brew · May 08, 2012, 07:24:16 PM

Hmmm - please I hope I just hooked this up wrong...

I'm having a hard time tracing the wires in the photo's... so power to the device, but the power out pins are acting like a switch?

Chris Craig · May 08, 2012, 07:50:24 PM

This is what you want...http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/ebay-fish-tank-controller-build-using-wal-mart-parts-261506/

Chris Craig · May 08, 2012, 08:20:54 PM

I just looked this up. According to the specs it's max operating current is 220mA. If you're using this with a freezer, then that likely won't be enough. The one I got was a 10amp version.

chrismccull · May 08, 2012, 08:44:55 PM

Brew,

I have one like Chris' if you want it. I was planning on building a fermentation chamber, but, probably won't until the fall. I can always order another one.

chrismccull · May 08, 2012, 08:46:18 PM

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/ebay-aquarium-temp-controller-build-163849/

brew · May 08, 2012, 09:08:33 PM

So this is just grim - one of my wires going to my "out" plug was bad, and when using my voltmeter on the relay / output, I was using the tip of the red lead on one side of the relay, which seems to be having difficulty - when I put the red lead on my meter on the cone below the tip it starts to work again.... grim... I discovered it after taking apart my plug and using a real receptacle. I don't get it as my meter has always worked really well just touching the tip of the leads...

Chris C. - I never noticed the 220mA rating on the unit - strange because the controller and relay are marked as 5A units on their casings. Chris M - I may take you up on your offer? I'll PM you?

Richard · May 08, 2012, 09:26:39 PM

I'm guessing that's 220mA for the controller... I wouldn't bet my house on it though.

Chris Craig · May 08, 2012, 09:38:53 PM

Quote from: "Richard"I'm guessing that's 220mA for the controller... I wouldn't bet my house on it though.

I'd be your house on just about anything

Richard · May 08, 2012, 09:46:42 PM

It's not MY house, asshole

When the wind blew today, I swear my room upstairs was swaying an inch or two. This place won't be standing in ten years.

HappyHax0r · May 09, 2012, 01:30:46 PM

The 250mA rating is likely on the trigger side of the coil, the output side of the relay is very likely much higher. It's not often that relays that can do 120 or 240v are rated in the 250mA range. Just saying.

Brew, what points are you touching exactly with the meter? It might be the two points you're touching are electrically common points when the relay is on, in which case the reading of 0V is correct and the meter isn't faulty.

-- Brent

HappyHax0r · May 09, 2012, 01:33:58 PM

Quote from: "Richard"It's not MY house, asshole

When the wind blew today, I swear my room upstairs was swaying an inch or two. This place won't be standing in ten years.

We should have a house-falling pool guys. I bet he's off by a factor of 5

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