rendo
WTF
- Joined
- 19/11/08
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- 656
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Hello All,
I have a dilemma, (I am not an alcoholic) I have some refridgeration/thermostat decisions to make and I am seeking the infinite wisdom of the AHB group (especially LethalCorpse).
I was given a vintec temp controlled wine fridge a few weeks back. 5deg to 18deg. SWEET HEY...Well not exactly, as I found. Two problems:
1.Firstly take a look at the pic, It is a 2 compartment wine fridge, so it has that dirty great big permanent (well...kinda) shelf in the middle. Fermenter wont fit!
2. The fridge doesnt work properly. By this I mean the top compartment is showing EE (second E is a reverse E) so it isnt getting a temp reading, which means the fridge/therm doesnt know what temp it is, hence the compressor doesnt start. So I dont really know if the compressor is working, but I am pretty sure it does. I have pulled the electrics apart and replaced the temp sensor probe, that didnt fix it. (and I was convinced it was going to be the temp sensor probe). I wish I new the error codes of the Vintec fridges.
Whilst trying to fix #2, I figured out that I can take that middle shelf out, solving problem #1, if I really want to...so lets not worry about that for now.
Now, problem#2. It just so happens that this morning I ordered a digital thermostat from ebay. I am intending to make a "fridgemate" as per the many other discussions in AHB, essentially an extension lead which has a temp controlled 'switch' which the fridge plugs into. I have been on the lookout for a donor fridge or a cheapy on ebay.
Then I got thinking.... I am pretty sure the Vintec compressor works. I took a look at the wiring diag of the fridge and it refers to the elec display as the thermostat, essentially it is. SO I thought, why dont I wire up the digital thermo I have ordered from ebay to take the place of the existing thermostat and power the compressor that way. Properly and safely done, of course. (very fussy about that).
Would that work? (assuming the compressor is fine). Is there any problems that some of you can see? I am willing to give it a go. Attached are some pics.
Essentially my plan (from a wiring diagram perspective) is to remove the current thermostat from powering the compressor. Then power it with the new thermostat. Also, keep the existing electrics/fans running whilst the new thermostat is working (easy done). Remove the dirty big shelf in the middle so I can fit my fermentor in.
(I have thought of calling Vintec to get it repaired. Will probably cost a bomb. The fridge is worth well over $1000 brand new). Then once repaired, sell it on ebay, I should get a few hundred for it. These $$'s could then fund a bigger fridge, which I can make a fridgemate for.....but it just wouldnt be as fun. Will call Vintec tomorrow, but I am keen on the plan above.
There....I am out of breath...
I have a dilemma, (I am not an alcoholic) I have some refridgeration/thermostat decisions to make and I am seeking the infinite wisdom of the AHB group (especially LethalCorpse).
I was given a vintec temp controlled wine fridge a few weeks back. 5deg to 18deg. SWEET HEY...Well not exactly, as I found. Two problems:
1.Firstly take a look at the pic, It is a 2 compartment wine fridge, so it has that dirty great big permanent (well...kinda) shelf in the middle. Fermenter wont fit!
2. The fridge doesnt work properly. By this I mean the top compartment is showing EE (second E is a reverse E) so it isnt getting a temp reading, which means the fridge/therm doesnt know what temp it is, hence the compressor doesnt start. So I dont really know if the compressor is working, but I am pretty sure it does. I have pulled the electrics apart and replaced the temp sensor probe, that didnt fix it. (and I was convinced it was going to be the temp sensor probe). I wish I new the error codes of the Vintec fridges.
Whilst trying to fix #2, I figured out that I can take that middle shelf out, solving problem #1, if I really want to...so lets not worry about that for now.
Now, problem#2. It just so happens that this morning I ordered a digital thermostat from ebay. I am intending to make a "fridgemate" as per the many other discussions in AHB, essentially an extension lead which has a temp controlled 'switch' which the fridge plugs into. I have been on the lookout for a donor fridge or a cheapy on ebay.
Then I got thinking.... I am pretty sure the Vintec compressor works. I took a look at the wiring diag of the fridge and it refers to the elec display as the thermostat, essentially it is. SO I thought, why dont I wire up the digital thermo I have ordered from ebay to take the place of the existing thermostat and power the compressor that way. Properly and safely done, of course. (very fussy about that).
Would that work? (assuming the compressor is fine). Is there any problems that some of you can see? I am willing to give it a go. Attached are some pics.
Essentially my plan (from a wiring diagram perspective) is to remove the current thermostat from powering the compressor. Then power it with the new thermostat. Also, keep the existing electrics/fans running whilst the new thermostat is working (easy done). Remove the dirty big shelf in the middle so I can fit my fermentor in.
(I have thought of calling Vintec to get it repaired. Will probably cost a bomb. The fridge is worth well over $1000 brand new). Then once repaired, sell it on ebay, I should get a few hundred for it. These $$'s could then fund a bigger fridge, which I can make a fridgemate for.....but it just wouldnt be as fun. Will call Vintec tomorrow, but I am keen on the plan above.
There....I am out of breath...