Temperature Controller

[Zen27]

I recently purchased a Pre-wired Ranco Dual Stage Digital temp controller for just under $150. I then learned about another dual stage controller with more capability for a comparable price (Fermostat). Should I return the Ranco and get the Fermostat? Will they both last for the same number of years reliably? Please help.

 

[iijakii]

Rancos aren't bad units. I think $150 is a bit steep, but do what you want. The STC1000+ units can be had preassembled for the $80 range and they're pretty slick. That said, I don't use a tenth of the features the STC1000+ have. The cooling and heating delay is very nifty though.

 

[Gameface]

I'm looking at replacing my rancos with stc-1000s, fwiw.

But my rancos have been working reliably for several years. I have three single stage rancos at the moment.

 

[dk21]

I'd give some thought about whether or not you need or want the extra features that the Fermostat provides. If I remember correctly, it allows programming temperature ramping, which is nice if you're away from home or just don't want to have to change the temperature manually. For what it's worth, I bought my dual-stage Ranco before a number of the more automated solutions were available and it works really well.

 

[Zen27]

Thanks for all of your replies, I appreciate the help

 

[day_trippr]

The Ranco single and dual stage controllers work just fine, with the caveat that neither provides an anti-short-cycle delay function. This can be countered by solid probe placement and thermal isolation, using thermal mass to provide hysteresis such that short-cycling is precluded.

They are simple controllers, however, so if one interested in higher functionality, the various "STC-1000+" devices are hard to beat right now...

Cheers!

 

[Natdavis777]

I have a Johnson 419 single stage I will be swapping out for an STC 1000. Nothing wrong with the 419, I just want/need dual temp control for cheap. I have the know-how to wire it up, so I dont feel I need to spend the 100+ on other controllers. Though those controllers are tried and true.