Temperature Monitoring for the chiller

[User00038]

My fridge runs a defrost routine on a regular basis - it can be programmed via the controller. Looks like your freezer might be doing something similar, albeit hopefully not a full defrost.

Thanks - yes, it does look like it must be something like that, since it is so regular and the shape of the curve pretty much identical each time. But I can't work out the benefit of warming to -14. But then, thinking about your comment, maybe there is a heater to defrost the evaporator that causes a local rise above 0C.

 

[VSS]

Managed to get WiFi out to the larder, so now wanting to get temperature monitors for both chiller and freezer. Apparently the Govee sensors as recommended in the OP by @willie_gunn are only suitable for use down to -4 degC, which rules them out as the freezer is running at -22 degC

Has anyone else got a recommendation for a freezer temperature monitor?

 

[willie_gunn]

In the Q&A on Amazon, Govee say the devices work down to -20C.

"Q: Is this unit suitable for monitoring a freezer?
A: The working temperature for this WiFi thermometer is from -20 ℃ to 60 ℃ (-4℉ - 140℉). It's not recommended to use the device in environment of high humidity rate for a long time(over 80%, in which water is in a condensation state). "

A quick search suggests these look like alternatives, which work down to -40C:

Amazon product ASIN B0BYSNRHW6

 

[VSS]

In the Q&A on Amazon, Govee say the devices work down to -20C.

"Q: Is this unit suitable for monitoring a freezer?
A: The working temperature for this WiFi thermometer is from -20 ℃ to 60 ℃ (-4℉ - 140℉). It's not recommended to use the device in environment of high humidity rate for a long time(over 80%, in which water is in a condensation state). "

A quick search suggests these look like alternatives, which work down to -40C:

Amazon product ASIN B0BYSNRHW6

Thanks. I messaged Govee, and they said it's not designed for use at temperatures below -4 °C
The other one that you've just linked to is what I'm now considering. Seems a bit pricey, but it does include two sensors which is what I would need anyway (one for chiller and one for freezer).

 

[User00038]

This is from my 3 Govees - forgive my imaginative nomenclature!

I've only had them a few weeks but working so far.

 

[VSS]

This is from my 3 Govees - forgive my imaginative nomenclature!

I've only had them a few weeks but working so far.

View attachment 330163

That's helpful, thanks.

 

[sikadog]

You are correct about the defrost they are either time or temperature.

 

[pjohn]

Govee Wi-Fi Thermo-Hygrometer

Monitor humidity and temp levels in your greenhouse, incubators, or wine cellar wirelessly and get highly accurate readings accessed on the Govee home app.

uk.govee.com

22.99 plus five pounds off 1st order if you sign up

 

[mack02]

Excellent tip thanks, also cheaper to buy 2 singles rather than the pack of 2 if anyone else is after multiple units.

 

[ancientways]

Just found this thread, looking for a way to log chiller temps whilst I am away from home. Govee ordered with the fiver off, thanks for posting

 

[weblyish]

Just want to check a few things before I get a few Govee for my chillers and dehydrators

Shows as 2xAAA batteries, is there no option to plug the sensor unit in?
I can easily run a usb cable in and would prefer that but if not, whats the battery life like?

Govee seems to be what people suggest but if there's something else that works I'd appreciate being pointed in the right direction
would need to do 0-80C range and usb powered if possible

 

[ndjfb00]

Thought this might be of interest to others who keep a close eye on the carcasses in their chillers.

I have been using a temperature logger in the chiller for some time, which does a great job of tracking the temperature in the chiller throughout the day and producing a useful report for the larder records. However you have to be within Bluetooth range of the logger to be able to access the data. Whilst normally fine, my real job typically involves quite a bit of travel, which makes keeping an eye on the logger something of a challenge. Therefore I've been thinking for a while about finding a way that allows me to monitor the temperatures remotely.

Then last week I received the questionairre from my local authority for the renewal of my Food Business Operator registration, and a question in there about temperature checking gave me the incentive to find a more elegant way of doing things.

I had a look on Amazon and found these WiFi temperature and humidity loggers. For a penny under £28 I thought it was worth a try, so I ordered one which was delivered a couple of days ago.

Amazon product ASIN B08Y8XHNL8
Having downloaded their App onto your phone, you initially use Bluetooth to connect your phone to the logger to do some basic configuration - Celsius or Farenheit, the min/max temperature range to monitor, the refresh rate, etc, - and also to link the logger to your home Wifi network. Once that's done, they just pop the logger into the chiller and off you go.

The App then lets you see the temperature inside the chiller, updated every 10 minutes (this is configurable for a longer refresh rate if needed).

View attachment 308914

View attachment 308915

View attachment 308916

You can see in the last screenshot above how the logger initially cooled down when placed in the chiller, as well as a couple of "blips" when I've had it open for cleaning, moving the carcass, etc.

You can export the data in a report if you want to maintain a permanent record, and also set up a timed report (every month, etc) to make life a bit easier still. Also you can set a min/max temperature range, with automated alerts if it goes beyond this.

Now when at home I can be monitoring the chiller temperature without having to pop down to the larder. In my case the larder is at the end of the garden, in an old brick outhouse. I was worried as to whether the WiFi signal from the house would be strong enough, so I checked using my phone first before ordering and there were a couple of Wifi bars, certainly sufficient enough for doing a Google search or looking at New Posts on SD. Since installation the logger has performed faultlessly, refreshing the reading on the phone every 10 minutes. My chiller has a double-glazed door, which might help in terms of picking up the WiFi, but I did read about others who were using the loggers to monitor the temperature inside laboratory fridges and freezers without problems. No alerts as yet, but it gives some peace of mind to know that I'll be told about any as soon as they happen.

Extending this, I have also inserted a "smart plug" between the fridge plug and the socket itself. This also hooks up via an App on the phone (albeit a different App to the one above that controls the temperature logger). This now means that, should the chiller be empty and switched off, I can switch it on after I've shot an animal so that by the time I get home it is already down to the right temperature.

Hope this helps others, and if you've got any questions I'll do my best to answer them.

Thanks posting that, you have rekindled some quiet old memories going back to 2000 whereby I was involved in designing a product exactly as you describe only then we were using very rudimentary web-based technology and obviously dial up modems for temperature monitoring. I think the regulatory body back then was called HASAP or something similar. We managed to sell a contract into the National Trust specifically for their tea room chillers but it soon died a death, the market simply wasn't ready for that technology then.

Interesting to see how much and even more capable a monitoring product costs now on the market!

 

[75]

Just want to check a few things before I get a few Govee for my chillers and dehydrators

Shows as 2xAAA batteries, is there no option to plug the sensor unit in?
I can easily run a usb cable in and would prefer that but if not, whats the battery life like?

Govee seems to be what people suggest but if there's something else that works I'd appreciate being pointed in the right direction
would need to do 0-80C range and usb powered if possible

I don't recall the last time I changed batteries in mine - probably 4+ months ago? Battery life is not an issue.

 

[VSS]

I don't recall the last time I changed batteries in mine - probably 4+ months ago? Battery life is not an issue.

I have two monitors. One in the chiller and one in the freezer.
Battery life in the freezer is considerably shorter.

 

[weblyish]

I have two monitors. One in the chiller and one in the freezer.
Battery life in the freezer is considerably shorter.

I wonder how it'll get on in the dehydrator at 65?
(Spec says 60 but for 20 quid I'm willing to risk it)

 

[VSS]

I wonder how it'll get on in the dehydrator at 65?
(Spec says 60 but for 20 quid I'm willing to risk it)

65°C?
What are you making in there then?
I set mine at 35°C for biltong.

 

[weblyish]

65°C?
What are you making in there then?
I set mine at 35°C for biltong.

Jerky

I do Biltong as well sometimes but that cures. jerky just dries and I want it cooked as I live on it up a mountain a long way from a flushing toilet

 

[willie_gunn]

Thanks posting that, you have rekindled some quiet old memories going back to 2000 whereby I was involved in designing a product exactly as you describe only then we were using very rudimentary web-based technology and obviously dial up modems for temperature monitoring. I think the regulatory body back then was called HASAP or something similar. We managed to sell a contract into the National Trust specifically for their tea room chillers but it soon died a death, the market simply wasn't ready for that technology then.

Interesting to see how much and even more capable a monitoring product costs now on the market!

Yes, it is amazing to see how the technology moves on. What would have been considered state-of-the-art a couple of years ago is now outdated.

 

[willie_gunn]

Just want to check a few things before I get a few Govee for my chillers and dehydrators

Shows as 2xAAA batteries, is there no option to plug the sensor unit in?
I can easily run a usb cable in and would prefer that but if not, whats the battery life like?

Govee seems to be what people suggest but if there's something else that works I'd appreciate being pointed in the right direction
would need to do 0-80C range and usb powered if possible

The batteries last around 6-9 months, and you can set the App up to get a notification if the battery level is getting low. The sensors can't be plugged in, but to be honest I'm not sure that would bring any real advantage. Out of interest, why would you prefer it to be USB-powered?

 

[wytonpjs]

The batteries last around 6-9 months, and you can set the App up to get a notification if the battery level is getting low. The sensors can't be plugged in, but to be honest I'm not sure that would bring any real advantage. Out of interest, why would you prefer it to be USB-powered?

Fit and forget? I run 2 wBox wi-fi remote temp sensors in my chiller and primary game freezer. Been using them for nearly 10 years without issue and no battery changes or fear of batteries running out. Data directly available anywhere in the world on my iPhone and exportable for record keeping purposes. Keep it simple..................... I am