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Project: YATC - Yet Another Temperature Controller 
Purchase:
Please vote for our YATC temperature controller using the link below.
Summary: This temperature controller can regulate conditions for food and alcohol fermentations. When connected to a chest freezer YATC can out perform any upright Energy Star refrigerator by 2x. It makes use of a standard wall plug which allows the user to connect anything from a chest freezer (cooling) to a light socket (heating). Plug in a freezer and the controller will regulate the temperature below the desired set point. Plug in a heating device such as a light socket and the controller will keep the temperature above the desired set point. Using the efficient design of chest freezers and running them at warmer temperatures (35F) can reduce electrical utilties by up to 10x. This is a must have for people living off-grid. No need to spend $2,000 on a energy star upright fridge which consumes 10x the energy of a $200 chest freezer + controller enhancement. The extremes of summer and winter can make controlling temperature on fermenting foods difficult. I've found the following uses for a general purpose temperature controller in my life:
The design is completely open with source code, schematics and circuit layout all made available. Videos:
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Specs:
- 3-digit 7 segment LED digital display
- Tolerance: +/- 3 degrees (adjustable in firmware to 1 degree)
- Temp Range: 0F - 255F
- Heating versus cooling is set to 65F (over 65 is heating under 65 is cooling)
- Temperature output fahrenheit
- Max Swiching Amps: 15A @ 120VAC
- Circuit Power Supply (included): 5V / 1A
- IEC 120VAC Wall plug (included)
FAQ:
Question:How does YATC know hot or cold.
Answer:When the temperature is set to 65F or higher the controller
assumes a heating device is plugged in. When the temperature is set
below 65F it assumes a cooling application.
Question:What kind of power does this work with?
Answer:This temperature controller supports the following power configurations:
- 120VAC, 50-60Hz, 15A
- 220VAC, 50-60Hz, 10A
- 12VDC, 10A
Question:How does this temperature controller connect to a chest freezer
Answer:The controller connects to the freezers power cord
using a plug-in outlet. No soldering or crimping required. There is a
additional cable included with the device that plugs into the wall
and a temperature sensor which is placed in the freezer. The
temperature controller acts much as a thermostat and makes no
connection to the chest freezers internal controls. This means that
YATC can be used in combination with any existing refrigerator or
chest freezers.
Usage:
- plug black DC adapter plug into wall and controller
- use up/down buttons to set the desired temperature on the controller (35F is default)
- press both buttons simultaniously to save temperature
- place temperature sensor into chest freezer or ice chest
- plug freezer or heating device into controller
- plug black AC cable into wall outlet
Step by Step Assembly:
Note: This kit makes use of mains power - 120VAC. Do not plug 3 prong IEC cable into wall socket until assembly is complete and circuit is verified to work.
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Step 1: Blank PCB | |
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Step 2: Place and solder 7-segement Display (D1) | |
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Step 3: Place and solder Capacitors (C1) and (C2)
Note: These capacitors are polarized. The negative stripe must be over the round circuit board pad. The positive side goes over the square pad. |
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Step 4: Place and solder IC Socket (28 pin) (U2)
Note: There is a dimple in this device that needs to be oriented on the right side of the circuit board. |
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Step 5: Place and solder 10 pin ISP header (J1) | |
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Step 6: Place and solder 1k resistor | |
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Step 7: Place and solder Diode (R1)
Note: The black line must be on towards right side of the circuit board. |
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Step 8: Place and solder Diode transistor 2N3904 (Q1)
Note: The transistor and temperature sensor look identical, be sure to read the print. Also note the orientation. The transistors flat side is facing the IC socket.
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Step 9: Place and solder both tall push buttons (S1,S2) | |
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Step 10: Place and solder 3-pin header for sensor (J2) | |
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Step 11: Place and solder spade connectors (CONN2, CONN3) | |
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Step 12: Flip circuit board, place and solder 5V regulator (U1) | |
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Step 13: Place and Solder barrel jack (CONN1) | |
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Step 14: Place and solder relay (U3) | Note: The footprint is a little off so the pins come pre bent (sorry!). |
Warranty:
Limited Warranty
In accordance with manufacturer, guarantees to the original purchaser
that products chosen from our site will be free from defects in
materials and workmanship for a period of 90 days from the
purchase date. If you discover what you believe to be a defect,
send it to us for inspection. We may either repair, replace, or
return it to you at the sole discretion and direction of the
manufacturer. Of course, normal wear and tear,alteration, or misuse,
(as determined by the manufacturer) is not covered by any warranty.
Except as provided above, no warranty of merchantability, fitness
for particular purpose, or any other warranty express or implied.
Liability:
Each product offered on this site, specifically including this
temperature controlling unit, must be used according to the
manufacturer's instructions and only for the specific purpose for
which it was designed. Holy Scrap shall not and is not responsible
or liable for any consequential damages, injuries, paralysis, or
death arising from the use or misuse of the products purchased from
us. By making a purchase on this site, you(the customer) and your
heirs assume all responsibility of ownership, risks of use,and agree
to hold harmless,Holy Scrap.com, its owners, managers, employees,
and heirs for any damage, incident, or action,involving the product
purchased.
Files:
- schematic (pdf)
- src (bz2 tarball)
- gerbers (zip)
- schematic (gschem format)
- pcb (pcb format)
- laser cutter file (eps format)
- custom symbols and footprints (gschem/pcb)
- case design 3D (sketchup)
Parts:
Questions:
Purchase: