Lets talk temperature control and the difference between the STC 1000, which is a temperature control mechanism that requires a small amount of wiring to get the system up and running. The STC-1000 is widely available on-line and varies in price depending on place of purchase. And the Inkbird ITC-308 a easy to install play-and-play temperature control unit that requires no wiring by the user. Firstly, lets take a look at the STC-1000.
So What does it Do?
The STC 1000 has a temperature probe that sends relevant data back to the controller which sends heat via a chosen heat source (heat belt, heat pad etc.) Alternatively, utilizes a cold source (the fridge) depending on what temperature you set. Thus allowing the user to maintain a fairly even temperature for long periods of time.
How Does It Work?
Inside the box, are two 10AMP 12Vdc SPST-NO sealed relays that function as automatic light switches. When the temperature probe indicates that your wort is hotter than you set the unit, the cooling switch is activated, and when it is too cold, the heating switch is activated.
OK, so what do you get when you order the STC 1000?
an LCD display that shows the temperatures and navigational buttons for various functions, 8 wiring connectors at the rear and 2 clips to help secure the unit to your set-up. Temperature probe which measures approx. 2 meters as well as instructions although there is no mention of how to wire the units to your fermentation chamber of choice. I won’t go into how to wire up a STC 1000 in this video, as although it is a relatively simple process to be on the safe side you should get a certified electrician in case you’re not confident.
Buttons/Functions and how to Set them up.
To the right of the screen, there are four buttons: On/Off — hold the button down for 3 seconds to turn the unit on or off. It also serves as a ‘finalize’ button, allowing you to confirm your settings.
S — This is the ‘settings’ button. To enter the Functions menu, hold for 3 seconds.
up/down — used to change settings. The STC 1000 has 4 functions: F1 is to set the temperature value and has a set range of -50C to 99C.
F2 — is the difference set value this has a range of 0.3C to 10.0C. F3 is the compressor delay time and has a range between 1 to 10 minutes and finally…
F4 — which is the Temperature Calibration value and has a range of -10C to 10C. To access the functions, hold down the ‘S’ button for 3 seconds; once you see ‘F1’ on the screen, release the button and use the up/down keys to scroll through F1/F2/F3/F4. Once you’ve selected the desired function, hold down the ‘S’ button and use up/down to change the value. When you’ve decided on a value, let go of the ‘S’ button and press the on/off button to finalize it.
The inkbird ITC-308 is a multi-stage pre-wired digital thermometer, or ‘plug-n-play’ if you will. No wiring is needed here. It also comes in a wi-fi digital version which means you can keep an eye on your fermentation temperature when you’re not even there via your phone. Multi or dual stage temperature control means it can control both a cooling and heating source.
How does it work?
There are two readouts on the control. PV is written on the top. This is an abbreviation for “Process Value,” and it displays the current temperature. The second reading is SV, which stands for Set Value. It displays the temperature that has been set. Below those readouts, two lights indicate whether the controller is calling for cooling or heating. There are three buttons on the unit: SET, up, and down. Hold down the SET button for 3 seconds to enter the settings menu. A quick press of the SET button cycles through the available settings, while the up and down buttons change the values. The parameters are as follows:
· TS = Temperature Set Value and has a setting range of -50C to 100C
· HD = Heating Differential Value and has a setting range of
· CD = Cooling Differential Value with a setting range of
· AH = Alarm High Limit and has a setting range of
· AL = Alarm Low Limit and has a setting range of
· PT = Compressor Delay and has a set time range of 1 to 10 minutes
· CA = Temperature Calibration and has a set range of
· CF = Display in Celsius or Fahrenheit
STC 1000 Pro’s and Con’s
PRO: affordability — the STC 1000 can be purchased from a large number of on-line outlets and can be bought from as cheaply as $6.99 to approx. $34.99 from some outlets.
simple to wire-up — comes with a set-up diagram and plenty of on-line support.
durable design — the STC 1000 has a tough exterior and sturdy design, will not break if accidently dropped.
CON: Temperature probes — these can malfunction is not properly utilized or exposed to excessive moisture.
wiring — requires some wiring assembly before use.
Inkbird ITC-308 Pro’s and Con’s
PRO: no wiring required — plug-in and go
wi-fi capability — comes in a wi-fi version, so you can see the temperature on your phone.
accuracy — accurate to within .05C+- when tested during calibration with a regular thermometer in water reading 0C
CON: Temperature probes — like the STC 1000 the temperature probes are susceptible to malfunction is moisture is allowed to get into them.
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