Fermentation Chamber Advice

[clanz]

Hi all,
So I'm slowly building on my brewing knowledge and after a few drinkable brews I have decided to up my game a little with temperature controlled fermentation.  I have bought a 2nd hand chest freezer and have an STC-1000.  What is the best source for heat?  It's only a small chest freezer but I'll get my 33ltr fermentation bucket in it no probs.  Any advice greatly appreciated!

[Gerryjo]

I use a variable reptile heater mat which is spot on for my fridge.
Look at this on eBay  http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/112318468097


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[clanz]

Cheers Gerryjo!  Forgive my ignorance but as that has its own control how would it work with the STC-1000?

[johnrm]

I use a ceramic tube heater. Hey these on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B01BPA08P0?psc=1
You could use a low wattage (40w) incandescent bulb wrapped in foil (not done this myself)
Something like this...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B014MHYMSW/ref=mh_s9_acsd_top_b46moyN_c_x_3_w?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=mobile-hybrid-3&pf_rd_r=N1XMPCNE8RXKZ7E1S2QP&pf_rd_t=30901&pf_rd_p=22826efc-0416-5fd6-95d6-dc0d6dc0eef2&pf_rd_i=3764825031

[Gerryjo]

Cheers Gerryjo!  Forgive my ignorance but as that has its own control how would it work with the STC-1000?

I use it on the inkbird 308 as it has a hot and cold plug.
Connect as normal to your heat output by removing the plug and set the variable switch to halfway but all depends on your wattage output on the heater so just adjust to suit your needs.
The variable switch will control the output of the heater whereas the STC will switch your power on and off until your temperature has been achieved.

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[johnrm]

Don't forget a fan to circulate air!

[Gerryjo]

Don't forget a fan to circulate air!

I haven't installed a fan in my fridge yet although my temperature is within 0.3 degrees of my inkbird but will certainly give it a try although it's generally down to your cubic capacity and as mine is an undercounter fridge with a 25 litre fermenter there's really not much call.
On the other hand if it was a tall fridge I certainly would install the fan but I'll wait till I get one.

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[Chymist]

This guy has a build video for a similar setup as you're describing! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7TbiU-EQaY

[johnrm]

The fan serves 2 purposes.
1. It makes the temp more consistent in the space.
2. Air won't stagnate as much so your chamber won't get as stinky.

[Gerryjo]

The fan serves 2 purposes.
1. It makes the temp more consistent in the space.
2. Air won't stagnate as much so your chamber won't get as stinky.

Good points definitely.Might just get round to installing a pc fan.

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[belfastjacko]

I'm a bit shit wth electrics I mean I can wire a plug but that's about it, will a PC fan work off the mains leccie or do you have to do something to it?

[Acott]

I'm a bit shit wth electrics I mean I can wire a plug but that's about it, will a PC fan work off the mains leccie or do you have to do something to it?

You can wire it to an old 12v mobile phone charger, it's two wires just use a wire connector and some insulation tape

[Gerryjo]

I'm a bit shit wth electrics I mean I can wire a plug but that's about it, will a PC fan work off the mains leccie or do you have to do something to it?

You can wire it to an old 12v mobile phone charger, it's two wires just use a wire connector and some insulation tape

+1 on above but just make sure to keep your polarity correct and that your wattage output on the 12v adaptor/charger is off equal to or preferably slightly larger output than the fan due to the constant load/demand it will have to cater for.

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[Gerryjo]

This type of fan would be sufficient due to its CFM and it's ampere's
http://vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemDescV4&item=152480094704&category=131487&pm=1&ds=0&t=1497951565150&cspheader=1

This power supply is cheaper than a mains adaptor and also gives you the option of an enclosed connection but requires wiring at both sides and as easy to wire as a standard plugtop.

http://vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemDescV4&item=230689466731&category=20705&pm=1&ds=0&t=1497952013061&cspheader=1

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[belfastjacko]

So (idiots guide) cut the bit that goes into the phone off, expose the wire, attach to one of those things and attach the fan to the other side. Seems easy.