My new Vinotemp configuration

[Diesel]

[SIZE=3]I wanted to post my experiences with my frigador configuration and give back to the forums all the good information that I’ve learned from my other BOTL’s. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]I spend a lot of time on the road and away from home. My wife of 22 years doesn’t gripe at my habit and I aim to keep it that way. For those of you that are married, there is nothing worse than putting unneeded stress on the spouse. Calling her from afar to tell you how much you miss her and following up by having her check how the stogies are sleeping every day doesn’t earn you cool poins. I wanted something very low maintenance that I could go away, even months at a time, and have her just poke her head on everything to ensure my babies are resting nicely.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]I live in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><st1:City w:st="on"><ST1El Paso, </st1:City>and with the temperatures in the summer getting up around 110 at times, the humidity constantly hanging around 25%, I needed something that would keep my stogies at 65-70 degrees and not break the bank trying to cool the house in the summer to accomplish this feat. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]The Vinotemp 28 Bottle was purchased at Target for $199. I truly believe it’s the most bang for your buck for its size unless you’re lucky to catch one on sale or pick up one second hand. It utilizes thermoelectric cooling. This is a good since from what I’ve read, long-term refrigeration and stogies isn’t a good thing. It sucks the moisture right out of your cigars. I’ve had no problems using the thermostat that comes with the systems to keep it at a constant 65 degrees. Do not trust the reading on the door with the vinotemp, it can be off by a few degrees.[/SIZE]



[SIZE=3]I’ve got 3 temperature gauges inside and I use those to monitor the temperature. We’ll have to see how the vinotemp works in the heat of the summer where I keep the house at around 78 degrees. I’ll keep this post updated. So far, I’ve not had to use any type of external thermostat switch contraption. I’m using Oregon Scientific Thermo Clock RMR203HGA and two Oregon Scientific external temp/hyrgro sensors model THGR122NX[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]I purchased 5 strips of 3/8 thickness 4”X36” Spanish cedar from Woodcraft. After taking out the wine racks that come with the vinotemp out, I elected to cut each strip into two 15 and 1/8<SUP>th</SUP> across pieces. This will allow me to have two 4” deep boards per shelf and allow plenty of ventilation. After cutting my 5 strips, I know have 5 shelves.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]I purchased 2 lbs of beads from Heartfelt Beads. Surface area is everything when it comes to beads so I got a few platters from the wife’s cupboards that are just about as wide as the Vinotemp. 1lb up top, and 1lb up top. Overkill but with beads it’s better to have overkill than not enough.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]It’s probably even more of an overkill with my Hydra I picked up. Remember, not wanting to worry about those cigars while I was on the road. That is the idea. Active humidification shouldn’t even have to kick on that often with the beads, except to remoisten the beads and kick on after I open to grab a smoke. We’ll see how this combination works in the long run but I’ve talked with a few members here and many of them have this same configuration and they’re pleased with it.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]I went ahead and got the Hydra Fan Kit which comes with a ribbon cable, a 3 way port, and one fan. I purchased an additional two fans to fill all three ports up. I’ve read on these forums of some other members using 3 pin 12V DC CPU/cooling fans bought at your local computer store that actually push more air. These fans, as part as the hydra kit, are VERY small and I was somewhat disappointed with their size. If I ever replace them, I’ll be getting larger ones. I utilized the fans to screw two of the boards together. Two facing down, 1 facing up, mounted on the underneath.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=3]The Hydra’s DC adapter ribbon cable is fed through the left side of the door. I was afraid to drill out the drainage plug in fear of messing it up. I have not plugged up the drain plug. I believe, and will find out when it gets a little warmer, that keeping it open will combat condensation if that ever is a problem. There is currently only about a 5 degree temp difference between the room where the Vinotemp is stored in and inside Vinotemp temperature (65). This summer, it will surely get as high as 10-13 degrees so I’m going to leave my options open.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]Some pictures of my desktop humidor and a couple of old empty cigar boxes I got to assist me in storage. Quantity is lacking but I hope to soon remedy this. I’ve got two cedar trays on order but they are on backorder until April. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]

[stevieray]

That's a pretty sweet looking setup

[chippewastud79]

Very nice setup there

[nozero]

Nice rig! Thanks for the tips and pics!

[bobarian]

Looks alot like my setup, cept the hydra. You may end up taking out a couple of shelves and stacking boxes for more capacity. I store my singles in boxes as well, they seem to resist the big swings in humidity that sometimes happens when they are exposed. Nice job! Now fill-er up!

[Simplified]

Fantastic looking new box now fill it up!

[jkorp]

That looks real good. I'm interested to see how the hydra works out for you.
I don't want to post much because this is your build thread, but just keep in mind the condensate drain. Your unit will probably run a lot, so it will constantly be pulling moisture out of the environment in the Vino. I would plug the dain and collect the water in an open container. This is what I do and it keeps the water in the environment and allows it to disipate back into the air. I've been set up like this for a while with no problems.

Can't wait to see a pic with it finished and stocked.

[RUDY351]

Thanks for the info. and pics. I just bought the same cooler at Target on friday. I have almost the same situation with the temps in my house in the summer but not as bad. Hope it works out for us.

[Old Sailor]

Very nice setup, can't wait ta see it filled too

[skyhigh340]

Thanks for all of the info. I'm looking at doing a vinotemp with some of my tax return, I'm definitly gonna copy your set up! Thanks again!

[ljh824]

looks great!!

[tym2relax]

Great job and thanks for posting. I am on the verge of going down that path for the very same reason. I have cigars all over the house and get tired of fussing over them. Would be nice to have them all in one place.

Please keep us posted on the Hydra. I would be curious how much time goes by before the 'alarm' goes off.

[redryno247]

very nice post quite informitive, it'll be nice to see how it worked out this summer. Nice job!

[schnell987]

Great post & pics! Looks like you did your research and had some fun building that puppy. Looking forward to seeing your subsequent posts on how it does in the heat of the summer.

Enjoy.

[shilala]

Suhweet. You definately done good.