Just tuned my wine cooler...

[kzx87]

I just rigged this up tonight and so far, the A419 kicks on the compressor at 70 and shuts off at about 65, but the temp drops to about 62. Seems like a lot of temp swinging considering this controller is supposed to have a 4 degree variance. Although, this is assuming my thermohygrometer is dead on which it probably isn't, and my wine cooler is completely empty. There also isn't any beads until tommorow. I'm gonna be putting in 1.5lbs of 65%. I've got 2 Oust fans, but they seem to hardly move any air. Perhaps a high CFM fan? I'm pretty sure there is around a +/-5 degree difference between the top and bottom of the case.

So, ya, just checking to see if this progress is normal and if a full cooler of smokes will stabilize the temperature variance a bit. Or you could just call me anal retentive and to try not and worry.

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

How big is your wine cooler. Check out this source.

You will get a better indication of the stability of temperature and humidity once you get the cooler set up and have cigars in it.

Doc

[kzx87]

An update..

I've noticed that I got a different version of the 419 controller. It's not digital so I don't have as many options to work with. (I got it off of page 2 of the "haier cooler" sticky thread). I've since relocated the probe behind the cooler plate and it seems to be working alot better. Temperature is holding steady between 64-66, but the humidity is swinging still, but not as bad as originally. As I write this I'm still waiting for the mailman to drop off my 1.5lbs of 65% beads.

I've come to the conclusion that this is not a science and the temp probe needs to be as close the plate as possible. Once you've got it mounted, it's a matter of tuning the controller until you get it where you like.

I love that almost sick feeling like you just wasted alot of money because when it ends up working just right its all that more gratifying.

edit - WOO HOO! The postman rang the doorbell with my beads as I posted this thread!

[Badkarma]

Sounds like it's X-Mas in the summer!!!!!!!!!!

ROFL

[mels95yj]

I would do the computer fan mod instead of the 2 Oust fans. Search for Mocobird's thread. There's two different sides of the fence with the fans. Some cycle their's 10 to 15 minutes every couple of hours with a timer. Then there's the side I'm on where the fan runs 24/7. The main question is are you planning keeping any singles laying out in the cooler? If yes, then I would worry more about the humidity. If you're going to store all cigars in boxes, then stick a remote sensor in a box and see how much it flucuates. Inside the boxes stays steady. Outside the boxes flucuates about 5%-7% during the cooling cycle. All of mine are in boxes, so I'm happy with my setup.

BTW, yes the humidity will be more constant with boxes in there. Right now, there's nothing to buffer it. Enjoy!!!

Also, I would seperate the 1.5lbs into at least two different parts. I just use the cheap, pink pantyhose from WallyWorld.

Mel

[Mister Moo]

Go to Target and check out the Hawaiian Breeze (110VAC) fan for $5.99. It is a bargain if it fits well in your cooler.

[kzx87]

I got some empty boxes, 2 for $1, at the local shop, and I broke up the 1.5lbs into 3 parts, 2 on the bottom, 1 on the top. Right now the temp is 66.4 and the humidity is 63%. Everything is looking good now and my buddy got me a box of Arturo Fuente's to go inside it!

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

Here's what I did for a supplementary fan. I converted a PC fan. Instructions here.

Doc