My new Vinotemp configuration

[zmancbr]

Very sexy setup. I am a cabinet man myself but I must say some of the vinotemp configurations the gorillas on here make look awesome!! You definitely have a nice setup there!!

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by 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

Tfar,

No condensation problems as of yet but it hasn't gotten real hot here in El Paso. Without the AC on, the worst temp I've experienced in my computer room in the late afternoon when the Sun is beating down on this side of the house is 78 degrees. The Vinotemp holds pretty steady at 67 degrees as I have it set for that. The Vinotemp really don't kick on that often after I wet the beads but does kick off more when the beads start losing their moisture. After about a week the hydra will kick in more often and will remain constant for another 2 weeks.

So, to sum it up, it the hydra lasts for about 3 weeks before I'll fill it up and remoisturize the beads at the same time with 5 or 6 sprays of distilled per platter.

*EDIT: RH is about 2% between top and bottom. I've got two Oust fans working it though.

Hope that helps

[Diesel]

[SIZE=3]I wanted to revive this post since I’ve actually been away from home for a few months now and the long term storage, with little interface from the wife, is being put to test. This new information may be important to someone who is thinking about going a similar route.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]Upon a power loss and reset, the Vinotemp’s temperature thermostat goes back to lowest value of 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The Hydra is reset back to it’s default value of 70% RH. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]Colder air cannot hold as much water vapor as warmer air, therefore when the power is loss and reapplied and these values are adjusted, the Hydra has to work a lot harder to keep the RH% at 70%.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]This can be overcome if you don’t have a loved one by utilizing a UPS ([/SIZE]Uninterruptible Power Supply).

I’ve found that setting the temperature of the Vinotemp to the max of 67 degrees[SIZE=3] (I believe, not home to verify) and the Hydra located at the bottom of the Vinotemp to 63.5% RH, it keeps the middle and top shelves around 67% RH. This may be because I’m using the beads as well. I’ve read somewhere that RH increases from top to bottom, or rises. Utilizing the 65% beads assure that if there is a power loss, and the temp/RH values are reset, the RH will hold quite a long time (Untested for duration). [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3] [/SIZE]
Hope this helps anyone looking at going with a similar setup

[louistogie]

Awesome post!

[bartolomeo]

Any update Diesel on your Vino and the results your seeing?

Thanks,

Bart

[Diesel]

It's been a long time since I've been here but wanted to provide an update on the configuration. It seems the longer I use it, the more stable the RH and temperature is holding.

RH% still varies 1 to 2 % from top to bottom but it is stable at all times. I must reiterate that everytime there is a power loss, I have to raise the temp of the Vino to the warmest setting of 67 degrees (defaults back to 55-red wine default) and lower the hydra to 63.5%.

With these settings, I'm seeing my RH between 67-72% all times of the year and it can't be beat.

EDIT: I wanted to point out that the longer my cigars and cedar are held in this environment, the less often I have to reaplly moisture to the beads or refill the active hydra. The last time I've done either has been at least 10 weeks. This may be because I've got approx 300 cigars in it, and haven't added any new stockage since March 09. I have it sitting right next to my computer desk so I do open it at least once a week to let fresh air in and get a wiff of the great aroma. My cigar smoking has slowed down a bit but i'm sure it will pick up soon since I'm going to attempt AGAIN to quit smoking these nasty cigarettes.

[bartolomeo]

Originally Posted by Diesel

It's been a long time since I've been here but wanted to provide an update on the configuration. It seems the longer I use it, the more stable the RH and temperature is holding.

RH% still varies 1 to 2 % from top to bottom but it is stable at all times. I must reiterate that everytime there is a power loss, I have to raise the temp of the Vino to the warmest setting of 67 degrees (defaults back to 55-red wine default) and lower the hydra to 63.5%.

With these settings, I'm seeing my RH between 67-72% all times of the year and it can't be beat.

EDIT: I wanted to point out that the longer my cigars and cedar are held in this environment, the less often I have to reaplly moisture to the beads or refill the active hydra. The last time I've done either has been at least 10 weeks. This may be because I've got approx 300 cigars in it, and haven't added any new stockage since March 09. I have it sitting right next to my computer desk so I do open it at least once a week to let fresh air in and get a wiff of the great aroma. My cigar smoking has slowed down a bit but i'm sure it will pick up soon since I'm going to attempt AGAIN to quit smoking these nasty cigarettes.

Thanks for the update and sounds like you have it perfect for what you want

Bart

[domerthefrog]

For the power loss situation, have you ever considered a small UPS batter backup? It could very easily remedy that situation for power flickers, short powerouttages, etc. But im not sure how often you get them.

Originally Posted by Diesel

It's been a long time since I've been here but wanted to provide an update on the configuration. It seems the longer I use it, the more stable the RH and temperature is holding.

RH% still varies 1 to 2 % from top to bottom but it is stable at all times. I must reiterate that everytime there is a power loss, I have to raise the temp of the Vino to the warmest setting of 67 degrees (defaults back to 55-red wine default) and lower the hydra to 63.5%.

With these settings, I'm seeing my RH between 67-72% all times of the year and it can't be beat.

EDIT: I wanted to point out that the longer my cigars and cedar are held in this environment, the less often I have to reaplly moisture to the beads or refill the active hydra. The last time I've done either has been at least 10 weeks. This may be because I've got approx 300 cigars in it, and haven't added any new stockage since March 09. I have it sitting right next to my computer desk so I do open it at least once a week to let fresh air in and get a wiff of the great aroma. My cigar smoking has slowed down a bit but i'm sure it will pick up soon since I'm going to attempt AGAIN to quit smoking these nasty cigarettes.