How to Modify a Thermostat to Control a Fan for a Fermentation Chiller

In this video, I'll show you how to modify a Hunter 42995 thermostat, interface it with a computer fan powered by a 12V power supply, to create a temperature controller for a fermentation chiller.

Examples of this type of fermentation chiller on youtube:

Here's my favorite so far, made by ligon29 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0Jp-u5mvi0

Here's another great one, by OPE08 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXGUrmvedIo

Here's a fine looking single fermentation chiller by brewyourown4life http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb226sT6qEc.

Filmed with a Kodak Zi8
Edited in Windows 7 with Windows Live Movie Maker

Free Royalty-free Music by DanoSongs.com "The Wire"

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• diy
• how
• to
• how-to
• howto
• homebrew
• home
• brew
• brewer
• homebrewing
• beer
• fermentation
• chiller
• chamber
• thermostat
• computer
• fan
• 12v
• 12
• volts
• automated
• temperature
• contoller
• 2AA
• Hunter
• 42995
• Walmart
• all
• grain
• all-grain
• fermentator
• coopers
• craigtube
• steeljan
• snyder
• yt:stretch=16:9
• instructions
• electronics
• crafts

[19chazz76]

wow creative...im going to use this idea for my home theater component rack for better cooling...thanx for the idea..

[steeljan]

@19chazz76 Sure thing, it should work out just great for ya. You can use a super silent fan and keep it all cool and quiet. If you use a dust filter with it, you can also keep the dust out of your components. Cheers!

[MCRAUTOM]

Nice work. I am putting one together this weekend.

[steeljan]

@MCRAUTOM How did it turn out? Work okay for ya?

[nhebert999]

Ok I am a wiring moron. I took the neg from the power source and put it on RH. Then took the positive from the fan and put it on G. The thermostat I got is a LUX DMH110 $20. Switched the fan to on and powered up. Then put the fan to auto and cool....nothing. Switched it to heat and that works. What am I missing....or do I have a bum thermostat.

[steeljan]

@nhebert999 It means the thermostat is set higher than your room temperature right now. I think the default temperature is typically 78F.

Set the thermostat temperature far lower than your room temperature, then flip on Auto and Cool. It will take a few seconds, so wait for it, ah, 15-20 seconds.

There's a couple of other things we can check, but let's see if this works first.

[Skinnbones33]

Awesome!!! been working on a pc grow case, but its getting colder than i'd like, this may very well solve my problems!!!

[nhebert999]

I meant positive from the power source to the RH

[nhebert999]

test

[steeljan]

@terpsichoreankid Well, go for the gusto, build the shell right the first time. I'm still living with my thin foamboard, have to change the ice twice a day and baby each new batch with extra ice, a wet towel in the ice pan, and etc. I've got a lead on a gigantic cooler that will hold 2 fermenters with ice and my controller setup, if that falls through, I'm off to the hardware store for 3" foamboard and sealant. Great! Cheers!