Fermentation Chamber:

[Hop Bomb]

Ive finally got my fermentation fridge on the go. Ive got a heat pad as my heat source but I think it may be too hot or too slow to lose heat once it cycles off. The fridge has a fermenter with 30 litres of pbw in it & Ive an empty carboy too just for the test. (my probe is wrapped in foam)

What is your setup on the stc1000? What are you using for heating (ive read a 60w ceramic heater is good)
Im at 1c differential & 5 min lag time (f3?) Its cycling from heating to cooling right now so Ive plugged out the heating side for now as the ambient temp outside is enough to heat I think. 

Any advice appreciated as Im brewing tomorrow & would like to have it all dialled in by then. Thanks.

[johnrm]

A bulb in a metal roses tin.

[imark]

I've similar setting on the stc1000. I use a 30W bulb and have my temp probe taped to the side of a piece of Styrofoam. The probe side is wedged against the side of the fermentor (so it's reading the temp of the vessel...not ambient) half way up by a triangle of plywood. Works great and doesn't cycle much.

[Hop Bomb]

Low watt bulb in a tin it is so. Cheers. What have ye got your F2 & F3 set to?

[johnrm]

Mine is at this...
F1 5 Target Temp
F2 2 Variance
F3 3 Refrigeration Delay?
F4 0.0 Temp variance

[christhebrewer]

100w bulb with a bunch of foil under it works really well.

[Ciderhead]

Light bulbs are for lighting rooms.
Ceramic heaters are for heating them  :

[johnrm]

Here you go...
http://alturl.com/kpwnf

[Ciderhead]

Well spotted mine was more expensive than that

[christhebrewer]

A light bulb is even cheaper!

[pob]

or a happy medium, the ceramic bulb (it can be a bit tight in some fridges to fit the heat tube);
   
50 WATT CERAMIC HEAT BULB / LAMP ES FIT - REPTILE
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/50-WATT-CERAMIC-HEAT-BULB-LAMP-ES-FIT-REPTILE-/200851359924?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Reptiles_Spiders_Insects&hash=item2ec3ac88b4

approx €10, does need an ES (Edison Screw) light fitting though, not the standard/everyday BC (Bayonet Cap).

[christhebrewer]

Damn! I think I paid a lot more that in Woodies, think it might have been €2.99!

[Ciderhead]

My fermenting beer doesn't like light.

[Taf]

I've also finally got a temp control fridge set up. I don't have a heat source yet, so will need to figure out what is best in relation to that, as space is a bit tight.

Where are people placing there temp probe? I have mine in a jug of water at the moment, but my only worry about that is the water in the jug won't be quite the same as the FV, due to heat given off during fermentation. It's got a pale ale in there at the moment, done with a dried packet of West Coast Ale yeast, and the suggested range is 17 to 20, so I have it at 18.5. Should I lower it down a bit more, as I am hoping to have a nice clean ferment in order to let the hops shine?

[Rats]

Can one use "Heating Cable"? I have about 10 meters left of mine.