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The STC-1000 temperature controller allows you to manually program, within a small margin of variation, the temperature of a fermenter or conditioning vessel placed inside a refrigerator, freezer, or appropriately sized cooler.
In essence, the STC-1000 controller turns on the refrigerator until the interior reaches the programmed temperature and shuts it off once the defined limit is reached.
Once the temperature starts to rise again, the controller turns the refrigerator back on, and so on continuously, maintaining a controlled temperature range according to specific requirements.
Basic Considerations
It is important to consider the proper placement of the thermometer probe inside the refrigerator. Ideally, with adequate sanitation precautions, it should be placed inside the wort or surrounding the fermenter.
For external placement, the refrigerator temperature should be 2°C below the desired fermentation temperature, since the fermentation process itself generates heat. That is, if you want to ferment at 21°C, the controller should be set to 19°C.
A dual STC-1000 controller, for both cooling and heating, also allows you to program the reverse process, using the refrigerator as an insulating chamber to manage higher temperatures.
For this purpose, an internal heater or heating tape wrapped around the fermenter would be necessary. Its operation is equivalent: the heater turns on to raise the temperature and turns off when it reaches the defined limit.
This temperature control allows you to brew any type of beer regardless of the season, making it a small investment that adds great value to the brewing process.
Required Materials
1. STC-1000 Temperature Controller
Always make sure the operating voltage matches that used in your country, preferably with both cooling and heating options. The controller includes mounting brackets that allow it to be fixed directly to the enclosure.
2. Weatherproof Enclosure
All components will be installed inside this 220 x 170 x 120 mm enclosure, which can be easily found at electrical supply stores.
3. Double Outlet
If the controller has both cooling and heating options, a double outlet is recommended. This is where the refrigerator and/or heater will be plugged in.
4. Electrical Cable
A 3-conductor cable of at least 2.5 mm². You will need about 2 meters to connect the controller to the power outlet, and 1 meter for the internal connections between the outlet and the controller.
5. Plug Connector
The standard 3-pin male plug connector that connects to the power supply.
6. Electrical Tape
Necessary to insulate electrical connections. It is also recommended to solder these connections with tin for added safety.
Required Tools
The following tools, at a minimum, will allow for a better installation.
1. Screwdriver
Needed to secure the outlet to the enclosure, install the plug connector, and connect the controller cables.
2. Pliers or Wire Cutters
Required to cut cables and tighten connections.
3. Dremel Tool
For cutting holes in the enclosure and outlet.
4. Voltage Meter
Recommended but not essential; used to verify the connections between the outlet and the controller.
SAFETY NOTE
The use of gloves and safety glasses is recommended. Working with electricity requires special precautions to avoid electric shock that could cause harm to people or damage to the controller equipment.
How to Connect the STC-1000 Controller
First, cut the openings in the weatherproof enclosure, taking into account the dimensions of the controller and outlet; use the Dremel, a drill, or whatever is available.
It is always better to make smaller openings and carefully adjust until the components fit into the enclosure without forcing them.
The controller comes with orange tabs that allow it to be secured to the enclosure without screws or additional hardware. The outlet uses a pair of bolts that must be tightened to fix it in place.
This type of enclosure has rubber grommets that can be drilled through to feed the power cable in and route the probe cable that takes the temperature reading.
Finally, each outlet on the enclosure should be labeled so you know which one is for the refrigerator and which is for the heater.
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