Mangrove Jacks heating pad and thermostat

[alsch890]

Hi there,

As winter is in full flow now and I still have one more ale to brew before switching to pilsners for a couple of months due to lower temps I am looking at investing in a heating system to keep the FV at least at a fermentable temperature. I've had to move a a pale ale from the cellar into the pantry and it is struggling to get above 15 degrees. US-05 is even sluggish to get going!

I found these (both in stock at the czech supplier I use):

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07HKJL19D/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07FRQ1VP7/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

and was wondering if anyone knew whether I could attach two heating pads to this, using an multi-socket adaptor or extension lead? Obviously I would only be able to attach the sensor to one FV but presumably theyd be around the same ball park if necxt to each other? Taking into account a variance for heat created during the process?

I've looked for inkbirds as they seem to be popular on here but not sure they are stocked over here and with EU plugs (although i could use a UK multi-adaptor with travel plug I suppose).

cheers,

alsch

 

[Dutto]

It will help your FV's to keep a stable temperature if you insulate them against the ambient temperature.

When I'm using a Heat Pad in the garage in winter I use this insulation cover for my FV.

It was knocked up out of a Lild Exercise Mat. A short connecting tube between two FV's sat side-by-side (using a double thickness of insulation resting against an uninsulated section of each FV) would give a fairly constant measure of the temperature in both of them.

One of the reasons I love this hobby is that it brings out the inventiveness in people and never has the saying ...

"There is more than one way to skin a cat!"

... been more apparent. Enjoy!

 

[Ghillie]

I found these (both in stock at the czech supplier I use):

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07HKJL19D/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07FRQ1VP7/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

and was wondering if anyone knew whether I could attach two heating pads to this, using an multi-socket adaptor or extension lead? Obviously I would only be able to attach the sensor to one FV but presumably theyd be around the same ball park if necxt to each other? Taking into account a variance for heat created during the process?

You could "assume" that both FV's will react in a similar manner of course, why not - I'm sure they'd be very similar. But - those heat pads and that temperature controller are expensive for what they are.

This is way cheaper and would throw out a lot more heat than both of them heat mats. Obviously the kicker with the tube heaters are that they only perform well in an enclosed space. If you can find an old fridge (it doesn't even have to work) or have space in a small cupboard then that would be a decent option:

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-5...0001&campid=5338413729&icep_item=131051286327

I've looked for inkbirds as they seem to be popular on here but not sure they are stocked over here and with EU plugs (although i could use a UK multi-adaptor with travel plug I suppose).

eBay and Amazon would deliver to Prague would they not? Inkbird plug and play controllers do exist with European plugs and sockets:

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-5...0001&campid=5338413729&icep_item=223194167818

If you're handy and confident enough with electrics, you can build your own for dirt cheap with something like an STC-1000:

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-5...0001&campid=5338413729&icep_item=253819521148

Just mount it inside an old tupperware box or something; or even buy an enclosure if you feel upmarket. You have the option to wire in the heater direct (fused of course), or use standard euro sockets or even euro trailing sockets if you wanted.

 

[Dutto]

Sorry, but I forgot about what SWMBO called my "Contraption" as seen below ...

Made out of a few old garage shelf units, heated by a 40w Tube Heater and temperature controlled by the thermostat on the end of the heater it could hold two FV's or (as shown) a load of bottles and an FV.

It sat on the worktop and I used it for well over a year before I got myself a Brew Fridge. Here's a link to the type of Tube Heater I was using ...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00LPHIMW0/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Insulated by old quilt covers, the whole "contraption" cost me less than £20 so I recommend that you ignore my last Post and go for your own "contraption" instead.

Enjoy!

 

[alsch890]

It will help your FV's to keep a stable temperature if you insulate them against the ambient temperature.

When I'm using a Heat Pad in the garage in winter I use this insulation cover for my FV.

View attachment 17242

It was knocked up out of a Lild Exercise Mat. A short connecting tube between two FV's sat side-by-side (using a double thickness of insulation resting against an uninsulated section of each FV) would give a fairly constant measure of the temperature in both of them.

One of the reasons I love this hobby is that it brings out the inventiveness in people and never has the saying ...

"There is more than one way to skin a cat!"

... been more apparent. Enjoy!

Love the look of that. I do have something similar but a bit more lo-fi and untidy made from an old sleeping bag and some loft insulation but at the current temperature in the cellar even that is not enough without a warming source :-(