DGBAMA
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Found an indoor/outdoor weather monitor that shows temp and humidity. Says good up to 160 deg. Thinking I could place the outdoor sensor inside the chamber. Any thoughts?
weather station for kiln monitoring
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These units communicate by radio waves. Put your transmitter inside your kiln and see if it does talk to the reciever. If your kiln is an old fridge, steel skin, like mine it may not work. If your kiln is wood or foam walls it should work well. As a caution -- high humidity may eventually kill it.
I used one (Accurite, rated to 160ºF functional range) in my small wooden kiln. The signal was always week, and the electrical noise of the water heater thermostat interfered. The alkaline batteries tend to cook fairly quickly, and the device itself (the remote) failed to function after about 1 year (and many sets of batteries).
Bob
Bob
DGBAMA
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Thanks JL. For less than 30 bucks was wondering if it was a good idea.
BarG
Founding Member
I use a deep frier thermometer with an adj. marker for desired temp and regular $3.00 temperature gauge with rh incorporated to maintain humidity. The only adjustments I needed over a month was to position the lid to allow more or less moisture a couple times.
Out of three kilnings 2 last winter and 1 this summer, adding the very small fan and keeping the crockpot at med. temp maintained my temp and humidity.[A refriderator kiln.] The first 2-4 days the lid was comepletly off till all the leaf equalized in moisture. They say third times a charm.
Out of three kilnings 2 last winter and 1 this summer, adding the very small fan and keeping the crockpot at med. temp maintained my temp and humidity.[A refriderator kiln.] The first 2-4 days the lid was comepletly off till all the leaf equalized in moisture. They say third times a charm.
DGBAMA
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Thanks all. Keep input coming. Was looking for a dead freezer to convert but today came across 4 4x8 sheets of 2" thick foam insulation board for free so the build is on....and this way I can build a rack system easier.
Plan was to only air cure this year but our screwy southern weather this year is not going to let that happen.
Plan was to only air cure this year but our screwy southern weather this year is not going to let that happen.
I've used one for several years. My remote lasted 3 years, both outside in the shed for air-cure, and winter-time use in the fermenting kiln. Generally, 2 sets of batteries per year. Temperature always seemed accurate, but RH needs to be checked and adjusted - never correct.
Simple check for Relative Humidity --- Put table salt slurry in a small bowl or cup (mix salt & water to consistency of oatmeal, 1/4-1/3 cup). Place salt slurry and remote in large plastic bag (gallon size Zip-Loc), not touching, seal and let stand overnight. RH meter should read 75%. If it reads near 75%, good to go. If it reads, say 65%, then you know your are 10% off, and will need to add 10% to any readings made by the meter. These RH meters cannot be adjusted, you just have to live with whatever error. If RH is really important to you, check the meter a few times per season, as things can easily vary.
Simple check for Relative Humidity --- Put table salt slurry in a small bowl or cup (mix salt & water to consistency of oatmeal, 1/4-1/3 cup). Place salt slurry and remote in large plastic bag (gallon size Zip-Loc), not touching, seal and let stand overnight. RH meter should read 75%. If it reads near 75%, good to go. If it reads, say 65%, then you know your are 10% off, and will need to add 10% to any readings made by the meter. These RH meters cannot be adjusted, you just have to live with whatever error. If RH is really important to you, check the meter a few times per season, as things can easily vary.
They are handy. I don't know about kilning, but I keep my remote in the shop with the color curing leaf and can keep tabs on temp. and humidity from the house. Easy to get an idea of the average without running back and forth several times day and night to check.
DGBAMA
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No need to be fancy. Do not need to monitor from in the house. I will be happy if it works.
DonH
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I bought this one: http://www.theweatherstore.com/nicerehyth41.html
I really like it. Cost $70 though.
I really like it. Cost $70 though.
I like the looks and operation of that one. The probe would be great, batteries, most electronics, etc. stay outside the kiln.
DonH
Well-Known Member
The other thing I like about it is that it will record highs and lows for any period after you hit Reset.
Cost could even out with a water heater thermostat instead of a Ranco and associated monitoring equipment.
DGBAMA
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I am up and test running. Will start a new thread. Styrofoam kiln. Not as precise as I would like but I think it will do well.
Daaaang. That was fast. Looking forward to the thread.
DGBAMA
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Checkin' her out right here: http://wholeleaftobaccollc.com/forum/showthread.php?3064-DGBAMA-Redneck-Curing-Chamber-Build
workhorse_01
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Just call me a fad chaser fellas. I finished a 4x4x2 today and will hang the VA Gold in it tomorrow.
DGBAMA
Well-Known Member
I look forward to seeing what you came up with.
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