Fermentation Fridge for Idiots...

[Jules T]

I have been given an upright fridge freezer which I am hoping to convert into a fermentation fridge.

The downside is that I haven’t got much of a clue where to start

I’ve looked at a few posts on the forum and picked up the very basics i.e. I’ll need a temperature control unit with a probe (STC 1000 seems to be pretty popular) and a heat source (tube heater). Presumably the control unit will switch the cooling mechanism part of the fridge on when the temperature is to high and turn on the tube heater when the temperature falls to low. I hope I’ve got it right so far !!
Now I’ve also seen that typically a combined fridge/freezer with two compartments will work off one single compressor(?) how does this manage to cool the two compartments to different temperatures and can this be modified so that both operate at the same temperature?
Assuming what I’ve got can be used to convert into a fermentation fridge then what do I actually need to do to install the STC? Presumably I bypass the f/f’s thermostat with the STC?
Does anyone know of some links to easy to follow detailed instructions that show a complete idiot what to do

Thanks

[AnthonyUK]

Hi Jules,
This thread is a good place to start - viewtopic.php?f=6&t=64736&p=680934&hili ... 00#p680934
There are a number of diagrams there which should be useful.
You don't normally need to make any mods to the fridge unless the built-n thermostat is faulty.

[Jules T]

Cheers Anthony,

So from what you are saying (referring to the fourth wiring diagram down in the thread you suggested) build the unit with a relay and two 13amp sockets and all you need to do is plug the heater into the 'heat' socket (no sh1t Sherlock!) and fridge plug in the 'cool' socket without having to do anything to the fridge itself?

Then presumably its a case of drilling a hole through the side of the fridge freezer (hopefully not drilling through anything vital) and threading the probe into the fridge or freezer compartment?

Is this then job done

Will this then control both compartments to the same temperature

Sorry, so many questions

[AnthonyUK]

The STC-1000 has a relay rated at 10A so should be fine.
I've never used on in a fridge freezer but I'd imagine you'd need to make a port between the two and have a fan circulating air between the two. Probably more trouble than its worth TBH.
You could use the STC on the fridge and see what temp the freezer gets down to. It could be useful for storage etc.
I routed all cables through the drain hole so no drilling involved. The sensor will easily fit through the seal as the cable is pretty small gauge.

One thing to check in the freezer is that there are no coolant pipes between the shelves

The STC works as you describe. Just plug in and go.

[Jules T]

I've done some further investigation and there is what I think is a chiller plate in the freezer compartment (on top)

So will the bottom compartment get cool ?