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Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2017 07:28
by redzed
Today I got back to working on the new coppa cabana. Used an infrared thermometer to locate the coolant lines which run along the sides an top of the unit. Worked really well, so I marked a spot on the roof of the freezer for the exhaust fan and cut out a 2 inch hole. All went well, then I started cutting in the same place fron the inside, and instantly the light went out! I cut through the wires! $hit! If only I was another half inch back! Now I have to work inside a 2 inch hole, dig out more styrofoam and try to splice the four wires.
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Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2017 20:52
by fatboyz
I'm building one from a small milk dispensing stainless unit. should I put a vent in the top?
basically it's one of these 2 bag units.
https://www.google.ca/search?q=bulk+mil ... DdYQsAQIIA

Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2017 04:30
by redzed
Hmm, What are the dimensions and how exactly is it cooled?

Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2017 05:54
by fatboyz
It has its own refrigeration system, compressor etc. Fairly small as I don't have too much room. Inside is 2'x32"x12". Will be perfect for salami. Cables for the controller sensor can come in the bottom milk outlet as can the hose from my humidifier. There's no fan so may need to rig up something for some air flow.Should fit some coppa, speck, a pork shoulder and 6-8 long chubs of salami. It's pretty tight in my shed. Removing the wood stove to fit this in. Don't need the stove now that I have gas heat.

Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2017 17:43
by redzed
Air flow is important, but it needs to be at a very low velocity. Putting a fan in a small space like that can result in case hardening. The biggest issue that you more than likely will have in your setup will be excessive humidity, so you will have to open and close the door a number of times each day or install some sort of ventilation.

Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2017 02:16
by fatboyz
Sounds good Red. I can easily rig up a vent and small exhaust fan on a timer.

Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2017 19:20
by redzed
Well I am deflated. :cry: Yesterday I finally worked on the new curing chamber. Using an infrared thermometer as a guide where to drill, I cut out a 2" hole in the center of the top for ventilation, drilled a 1/4 hole for the Auber humidity and temperature sensor, and a hole in the floor of the unit to run an electrical cord to run an auxiliary fan. I only had one hole left and that was to run the power from the Auber control to the humidifier. So I used the thermometer to determine where I should drill, and carefully went in with a small bit and all was well. Then I proceeded to push through with a 1/4" bit and heard that sickening sound sssssssssssssssssssss. :shock: :oops:

So that is my sad story of the day. Now I gotta go out and look for another fridge or upright freezer. There aren't any currently advertised in the usual places for used appliances. I need something pretty quick as I have two cullatelo and some speck that will need to be hung in a chamber soon.

Loaded up and ready for a trip to the transfer station.Image
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Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2017 19:35
by LOUSANTELLO
At least you heard a sssssss. I heard nothing and just thought i cut thru a round support brace. Lol

Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2017 00:08
by harleykids
That's why I ran everything thru the door, and not thru the sides or back. Easier to chase wires, and not going to hit anything critical! Only wire I ran thru the chamber was the very top corner back to front, to run my power cable.

Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2017 04:49
by redzed
Yes will be taking anither approach with the next one.

Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2017 04:52
by harleykids
Let me know if you need me to take some pics of how I ran my wires, etc and I can send pics to you if you have questions.

Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2017 05:54
by redzed
Thanks, will do when I get back to it.

Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 17:16
by redzed
I meant to post an update of my new curing chamber long ago but have been somewhat occupied with too many other things. :lol: It's been running now for a while and still in the evaluation and test mode. I am having more issues with high humidity with this unit which I did not have with my old curing chamber. A dehumidifier might be necessary. Below are some pics.

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Danby frost free all fridge, 66in x 30in. The black vent on the top of the door is the exhaust vent and the white one on the bottom is the intake. Both are operated by 12v. CPU fans, running on a multi speed adapter. The fans kick in every hour for five minutes. When I load new product they run continuously, but after a few days I run them on 8v to lower the velocity. Based on my experience with my previous conversion attempt, there are no holes drilled in the sides or top of the refrigerator.

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Exhaust fan on the inside top of the door


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Intake fan on inside bottom of the door.

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Electrical supply to CPU fans.

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Auber temperature and humidity controller and monitor with wireless sensor. Both are mounted on a magnetic knife holder attached to the side of the unit without any screws or adhesives.

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Auber wired sensor and monitor wireless sensor on the inside wall of the chamber. The wired sensor brought in through the back wall of the fridge.

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Unit sits on an appliance tray primarily meant for a washing machine. This prevents water from leaking onto the floor if the drip tray under the fridge cannot keep up with drying the condensed water vapour. This is usually a problem since the power to the fridge is by passed to the external control and the heating element on the drip trayworks only on when the compressor is running. So it's therefore disabled, and does not evaporate the water efficiently.

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What I like about this unit is that I can utilize the full height of the interior for hanging product. A good portion of the bottom goes right down to the floor, making it possible to hang from two levels.

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 00:51
by Bumper
Neat job. I have a freezer fridge combo with half the hanging space of yours at the moment, but it was essentially free - other than controllers and humidifiers - from when my wife and I moved in together and merged goods). I haven't drilled anything as intend to trade it for another second hand free standing fridge like yours.

I recall you built a dedicated fermenting chamber but can't find the thread. Would you mind post a pic and specs when you get a moment or the link to the build. It is clearly essential as I am restricted to one batch one product at the moment.

I am guessing large esky, heater and humidifier with controls Or can you get away with less investment for the fermenting stage?

Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2017 01:02
by StefanS
redzed wrote:I am having more issues with high humidity with this unit which I did not have with my old curing chamber. A dehumidifier might be necessary.
I think that it will be necessary - I have had similar issue and small dehumidifier resolve that problem. Just emptied my today and after 3 weeks there were only about 0.75l of water.
redzed wrote:Unit sits on an appliance tray primarily meant for a washing machine. This prevents water from leaking onto the floor if the drip tray under the fridge cannot keep up with drying the condensed water vapour. This is usually a problem since the power to the fridge is by passed to the external control and the heating element on the drip trayworks only on when the compressor is running. So it's therefore disabled, and does not evaporate the water efficiently.
Chris - you can always use my idea for replace door bell with condensed water :lol:
redzed wrote:and monitor with wireless sensor.
- my experience showed that it is not sensitive enough to be trustworthy -
Anyway - if you will decide to install dehumidifier - it mean that second humidity controller is needed - in that case IMO better is get second temp/humid controller - so you will have second monitor too.
Isn't there some problem with too much air circulation?
After all - very nice job Chris.