My new Vinotemp configuration

[Diesel]

Just an update. I received some advice to place the Hydra at the bottom of the Vinotemp, platter of beads in the middle and up top. From what I was told, Relative Humidity rises. This hopefully will give me a more even spread of RH throughout the Vinotemp.

On day two of seasoning. All that cedar is smelling awesome and the hydra is kicking on a lot less. I suppose all that cedar is slowly absorbing the moisture.

[Fishbeadtwo]

Great post and pics, please keep us updated on the project!

[Mtmouse]

Nice looking setup.

[Dgar]

Very nice looking set up, I hope your stogies stay nice and cool this summer.


Me, if I put beads on a platter, I would have those things rolling evreywhere.

[Diesel]

I was in the Fort Bliss Post Exchange today and noticed they had two of the Oust Fans left. I've read elsewhere that many members believed these were going to be discontinued so I went ahead and grabbed the last two.

I'm seeing quite a difference in the RH from the bottom to top even with the Hydra at the bottom, beads in the middle and top sections. It may just take time for all that wood to season properly but I figured I might want to grab these Oust Fans to assist in circulating the RH.

I'll keep everyone posted on my progress.

[jkorp]

My Vino runs about 3% higher at the bottom versus the top, and that's with one Oust fan. It's not a problem, just get the RH window right. My bottom runs 67-69% and the top runs about 64-66%, good in my book

[ljh824]

Originally Posted by Diesel

I was in the Fort Bliss Post Exchange today and noticed they had two of the Oust Fans left. I've read elsewhere that many members believed these were going to be discontinued so I went ahead and grabbed the last two.

I'm seeing quite a difference in the RH from the bottom to top even with the Hydra at the bottom, beads in the middle and top sections. It may just take time for all that wood to season properly but I figured I might want to grab these Oust Fans to assist in circulating the RH.

I'll keep everyone posted on my progress.

I was at Bliss a few months ago. Ate at the little German place on base. Not bad.

[MrStogie]

What an unbelievable setup you have there. The only mod I've made to the vinotemp was adding spanish cedar shelves to replace the metal shelves that came with the wine fridge.

[Shaun Raney]

Originally Posted by Diesel

I was in the Fort Bliss Post Exchange today and noticed they had two of the Oust Fans left. I've read elsewhere that many members believed these were going to be discontinued so I went ahead and grabbed the last two.

I'm seeing quite a difference in the RH from the bottom to top even with the Hydra at the bottom, beads in the middle and top sections. It may just take time for all that wood to season properly but I figured I might want to grab these Oust Fans to assist in circulating the RH.

I'll keep everyone posted on my progress.

The fans are no longer on the website they have a new design that requires no batteries at all.

[Little General]

I just talked the wife into the same setup... When it comes in I'll hit you up for some advice.

[shilala]

I have oust fans in my vino's now, but that's just because I was too lazy to wire in fans.
It's be nice to have a couple nice quiet muffin fans with a fan speed controller on them.
It's also be nice to have some led strips running up the sides out in front so I can turn them on and actually see whats in there.

[montecristo#2]

Finally got around to taking a picture of my new vinotemp.

I am using 1.5 lbs of 65% beads spread out in several locations. So far the humidity is stable at 65%, which is perfect. I didn't plug the drain, but I also haven't turned it on yet. No need as the temp is less than 60F in my house these days. Luckily for me, the RH is usually between 60-68% in my apartment, so I really don't need it to do much.

Eventually, I might want to replace the shelf on the bottom to gain some extra storage space. I have two boxes on top that are for singles/misc sticks.

[Chewie]

I've got the identical setup as Diesel. 2 lbs beads, Hydra, Woodcraft Cedar shelves. Well, the cigars might vary

Could not be happier!!! Just my , definitely keep the hydra on the bottom of the fridge and use some fans to push the air up and around the fridge.

I also debadged my fridge

[Soprano3695]

Nice setup...I'll be getting one setup soon before summer rolls around.

Thanks for sharing.

[tfar]

Diesel,

great set-up. Can you report back on long term reliability? Did you get any condensation problems with the hydra in there? Is the RH stable? Do you still have Rh differences between top and bottom? How often does the hydra kick in, if at all?

I am wondering whether I need a hydra for when I am gone for longer periods. That's why I am asking.

Thanks,

Till