cabinet style humidor cooling

[catfishm2]

Thanks for explaining that guys. I'm reallly getting tired of running the A/C wide open all summer. This may be just what I'm looking for, since buying a custom built unit is out of the question right now.

[joesetx]

Well I have been lurking here for a while and after reading a lot of good threads on wine cooler conversion I bought a cheapy $99 Magic Chef at the Ooops better not.

Like a lot of guys on here have noted I found the temperature range was just not right. When the compressor came on it would chill the cigars too low and allow them to climb bak into the upper 70's before kickng in again. Also the humidity is all ove the place. When the compressor comes on the back metal surface becomes cool and moisture condenses on it. Taking moisture out of the air in the fridge-a-dor.

In order to control the temperature I used a Johnson Controls A419 temperature controller. For 50 bucks unwire or something like 60 wired it acts just like an extension cord that you plug your fridge into. When the temperature probe reads the correct temperature it will switch off the fridge. You can control the temperature of your wine cooler to within one degree of 70F. And it makes it a lot easier to get to the desired relative humidty.

[altbier]

wouldn't a wine coolr suck the humidity out of the cigars?

[Mr. White]

Originally Posted by Franksmith

Whew.... Jokieman, you got the right find there Bro.

Definitely going to be looking into a few of those. That, a thermostat and my already good RH control and I think I will have it set!

Thanks for the link

Yep it's the exact same technology they use in the thermoelectric coolers you can buy from igloo and coleman. For small spaces these are more cost efficient than a regular freon based cooler. And with some simple modifications, you can strap this into just about any humidor.

The link I gave is for one that is already pre-built, but if you want bigger/smaller, check around as there are companies that sell the plates to just about any size you want.

These are also used for cooling down overclocked computer CPU's as well with much success.

[Franksmith]

My only challenge is trying to figure out how many to use for my humi which is about 40 square ft. I'm thinking three of them... any thoughts or suggestions out there?

[RcktS4]

Originally Posted by joesetx

Well I have been lurking here for a while and after reading a lot of good threads on wine cooler conversion I bought a cheapy $99 Magic Chef at the Ooops better not.

Like a lot of guys on here have noted I found the temperature range was just not right. When the compressor came on it would chill the cigars too low and allow them to climb bak into the upper 70's before kickng in again. Also the humidity is all ove the place. When the compressor comes on the back metal surface becomes cool and moisture condenses on it. Taking moisture out of the air in the fridge-a-dor.

In order to control the temperature I used a Johnson Controls A419 temperature controller. For 50 bucks unwire or something like 60 wired it acts just like an extension cord that you plug your fridge into. When the temperature probe reads the correct temperature it will switch off the fridge. You can control the temperature of your wine cooler to within one degree of 70F. And it makes it a lot easier to get to the desired relative humidty.

Joe - Where did you buy your controller? I can only find it for $70 and up - and that's more than I'm really willing to pay.

Does anyone know of a good way to find a replacement thermostat for the fridge? I have no problem wiring it into the circuit myself, but I'm having trouble finding a line voltage thermostat to replace the crappy one that came with my magic chef.

ANY suggestions would be appreciated

[poker]

Originally Posted by RcktS4

Joe - Where did you buy your controller? I can only find it for $70 and up - and that's more than I'm really willing to pay.

Does anyone know of a good way to find a replacement thermostat for the fridge? I have no problem wiring it into the circuit myself, but I'm having trouble finding a line voltage thermostat to replace the crappy one that came with my magic chef.

ANY suggestions would be appreciated

http://www.homebrewers.com/product/500326

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/pro...?ItemKey=2E816

[RcktS4]

Originally Posted by poker

http://www.homebrewers.com/product/500326

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/pro...?ItemKey=2E816

Just what I was looking for - Thanks poker!

[jgrimball]

Originally Posted by poker

http://www.homebrewers.com/product/500326

Does this work that good?

[poker]

Not sure but I have heard of folks using it.

[MocoBird]

Originally Posted by poker

http://www.homebrewers.com/product/500326

Veeeery Interesting!

I have looked and have been unable to find a plug in the wall thermostat.I wonder if I could use this to regulate the temperature in my office ( where I keep all my cigars ) by plugging the window air conditioner into it. Then I could set it at 66-68 degrees and just leave the probe out in the room Any body have any experience with this piece of equipment? Would love to hear from you if you do.

[poker]

Moco, I would think it would but it would depend on the current rating on the regulator/thermostat vs. the current draw of the air conditioner. As long as the air condition draws less than the current the thermostat is rated for, it should work I would think.

[MocoBird]

It’s a real small unit. Cost about 100 dollars at Home Depot Im thinking that if you can plug a refrigerator into it my little air conditioner should be no problem. I'll have to get a hold of them and check out the current rating on it. Thanks for the response Poker!

[MocoBird]

FYI........
The Controller will drive up to a 12 amp (110 volt) refrigerator or freezer. The air conditioner is 4.8 amp so I should be good to go. Thx's again....

[rumballs]

Has anyone succesfully set up any of these systems?