Fridge controllers

[Chris]

Which do you think is better out of the two Ross sells, and why?

MM Fridge Controller Kit

MM Fridgemate Temp Controller

http://www.craftbrewer.com.au/shop/default.asp?CID=20

[rwh]

Fridgemate is more versatile because it has both heating and cooling modes. The Fridge Controller has a better probe, but you can buy that separately for the fridegemate too.

There's an awesome HOWTO for the fridgemate as well...

[Kevnlis]

I like the fridgemate. Easier to wire and has the heater function (not that I will probably ever use it). I am not sure the big probe is necessary as in my mind you are either leaving the centre of the brew a bit warmer, or the outside a bit cooler. I have had good results with my Fridgemate and will buy another soon.

[Kevnlis]

Fridgemate is more versatile because it has both heating and cooling modes. The Fridge Controller has a better probe, but you can buy that separately for the fridegemate too.

There's an awesome HOWTO for the fridgemate as well...

Unfortunately that wiring diagram is for the old model. Make sure you use the current documents for wiring your Fridgemate!

I should make a post about how I did mine.

[Rod]

I use a fridgemate , mate

I stick the small probe on the fermenter using blu tact

works for me

the reading on the led only varies by +/- 1 °C

[rwh]

Unfortunately that wiring diagram is for the old model. Make sure you use the current documents for wiring your Fridgemate!

Care to tell me where the updated wiring diagram is? The wiring diagram in my HOWTO is taken directly from the PDF on the MashMaster site. The only change in the new model is an additional point on the relay side which you disregard anyway as it's not connected to anything (as Frank pointed out in his comment on the HOWTO):

Just an update:
A new model was shipped with an extra connection, copoint 3 on the relay side. Please disregard this and wire to points 1 and 2 as per previous instructions. The other points remain on the same layout except they have been renumbered because of the addition of point 3.

[Kevnlis]

Actually the instructional PDF MM sent to me tells me to disreguard #2 and to use #1 and #3? I did not do that, I used #1 and #2 and it is working fine...

This is why I was going to do an up to date tutorial on how to do it...

But if you are confident every person that visits will read through to that update then I will just give it a miss. Did not mean to step on your toes, the tutorial was very informative!

[James L]

my fridgemate should be in the post as we speak (along with a nice assortment of hops)... Just need to buy another fridge...

[beerdrinker]

fridgemates awesome!!! just make sure the probe is taped on to the fermenter not just hung in the fridge

[James L]

valid.... i'll do that...

you wouldnt belive how hard it is to find a decent all fridge (no freezer) that is about 300L in WA... crazy....

[Kevnlis]

valid.... i'll do that...

you wouldnt belive how hard it is to find a decent all fridge (no freezer) that is about 300L in WA... crazy....

I got mine as new for $50. Was the best find I ever had with brewing equipment!

I use a 2in x 2in x 6in piece of styrofoam I got from some packaging, I filed out a little slot in it for the temp probe and I then rape tape that to the side of the fermentor.

I can post pics if that is clear as mud for ya

[Tipsy]

you wouldnt belive how hard it is to find a decent all fridge (no freezer) that is about 300L in WA... crazy....

I was shocked at prices for all fridge models and ended up getting a chest freezer. The fridgemate works just as well on a freezer.

[Kevnlis]

you wouldnt belive how hard it is to find a decent all fridge (no freezer) that is about 300L in WA... crazy....

I was shocked at prices for all fridge models and ended up getting a chest freezer. The fridgemate works just as well on a freezer.

Far more efficient, you can build a collar if the chesty is not deep enough to accomodate your kegs. The collar also acts as a great place to mount the shanks if that is the way you are going.