I know this was discussed before

[BILL H]

I think have seen some threads in the past on constructing a walk-in crab cooler using a window A/C unit. The trick was getting the temperature down below the level of the unit's thermostat. I thought someone had come up with a good idea to do this.

A couple of buddies have a hunting cabin, and they are interested in cooling deer while they are there for a week at a time when the temperature is warmer than they would like. One of their son's saw a commercial controller that could do this trick for $300. I told them I was sure the clever guys on this board had come up with a cheaper way to handle the problem.

Am I right, or have I been dreaming again?

Thanks.

[rmamechanic]

Basic wiring is required. Just purchase a T-Stat that is rated from 30 to 90 degrees and t-stat wire. Remove the existing stat and wire in the new one. A word of caution the new stat should be mounted as far as possible from the unit and not where the unit will blow directly on it. It is not recommended that a window unit be operated below about 40 degrees. They are pretty finicky and will freeze up on you in an instant.

[Capt. Dale]

Check out coolbot.com

[BILL H]

Check out coolbot.com
Thanks Capt.Dale,
The Coolbot was the $300 unit. I was hoping for them to get by a bit cheaper.

[done workin]

I built one in my shed using foam board insulation, 2" and 1 1/2" sanwhiched in between OSB. Th einside was painted with about 5 coats of semi-gloss exterior paint.

I run it off an an AC unit that has the thermostat bypassed. I have it hooked to a timer that has little push pins set in 15 minute increments. You will have to play with the settings to find the best on/off cycle for your particular AC unit.

If it runs too long the coil will freeze up.

I think right now I have it set, 15 min on, 15 min off, 30 min on, 15 min off, I run that pattern 'round the clock with good results. I think it holds around 50*+/- .

Chris

[rmamechanic]

Aireco, RE Michaels or Graingers will sell you the necessary T-Stat for less than 100 bucks, or if you can tell me where to meet you at I have an old one that I will give you. Still works fine just a little old and beat up, like me. Also have a few feet of wire you can have. Ron 301 252 1430.

[h2oboss]

50*is still too warm to hang a deer for any length of time, perfect temp for hanging/aging would be about 40+/-*.....50* is no dount better than 70* but just an FYI.

[done workin]

50*is still too warm to hang a deer for any length of time, perfect temp for hanging/aging would be about 40+/-*.....50* is no dount better than 70* but just an FYI.

Agreed 100%

I usually only use that to buy me a day if I do an evening hunt early in the season and don't feel like butchering that night. 24 hours max.

I can get it down to 42 or so, but that requires running it all out and then it starts to freeze up and temp starts to climb

Chris

[BILL H]

Thanks for the responses guys. And thanks for the offer Ron. I will pass on that one. I will forward this info to my buds, and they can decide what to do.