Final update (I hope): I think I have it all troubleshot....
Glad it is all working as it should. At least you were able to troubleshoot and give feedback. That's way better than "it doesn't work."
I put a folded paper towel over the probe and two sweaters over the mead's carboy...
I put a piece of 3/8"-1/2" thick soft packaging foam over the probe, and a rope around the whole carboy to keep it in place. I guess a bungee would work.
What are the sweaters for? You think the carboy gets cold? Isn't that what we want?
I also moved a bunch of beer bottles into it from a storage closet in my basement and from the kitchen fridge, freeing up a lot of space.
Is this a chest freezer? How do you stow bottles in there, in boxes?
Finally losing my post-migraine irritability.
Finding what causes migraine helps in avoiding them. Bright, single light sources, e.g., harsh light without adequate fill, triggered mine. Even a computer screen in a dark room is a menace.
Sitting down to celebrate with a kolsch, which I can now start brewing my own in my new freezer.
Although it's way better than nothing or babysitting messy swamp coolers, fermenting chambers like these can only handle one temperature at a time, so there are some limitations on what you can do. For example, lagering at low temps for extended time (2-3 months) prevents fermenting ales in the same space. Even cold crashing for 2 days interrupts the normal flow. Are you planning your brewing schedules very carefully?
I wish there was an easy solution, like a 3-6 cavity, independent temp controlled fermentation/conditioning/lagering setup for $300-$500. "
packet's" thread on his DIY glycol chiller setup has brought forward some great ideas.