Thread: Has anyone fitted temp control unit to an Engel?

Hey That controller is what I used to control the compressor clutch on my 89 Rangie. The original thermostat controller is NLA, there is an updated pn but its not the same as my 89 was in the changeover.
I must admit the little electronic controller works very very well.
I have it set to come on at 5 degrees or higher and go off at 3 degrees.
I have fitted the controller behind the last aircon vent closest to the driver but still in the middle and I can see through the vent the digits and if I need to adjust it its a quick remove of the vent and adjust then put it back..Am so so happy with this setup.
I bought 2 of these controllers and may do just what Ron has done to my engel..
Brad

Brad.
I have an 80Lt Engel,reckon the fans would fit inside easy.
What sort of coin for the controller and fans????
Ebay buy I guess????
Andrew

The controllers are under $20.

The fans were in a box of stuff my son had.

Here is a very rough sketch of the wiring changes needed to use the controller when the fridge is running on DC. Note the fans only operate when the compressor is running and they run on power derived from the compressor supply.

Note that the fans must not be connected to earth because one side of the compressor AC supply is connected to earth.

I'll redraw it when I get back next week and I'll draw up the changes needed to run the controller when the fridge is running on AC or DC.

Originally Posted by LandyAndy

Brad.
I have an 80Lt Engel,reckon the fans would fit inside easy.
What sort of coin for the controller and fans????
Ebay buy I guess????
Andrew

Andrew originally posted by PhillipA about the controller and how to setup yes Ebay about 25 bucks from memory.

AutoSpeed - Technology, Efficiency, Performance
Computer fans are cheap as either 12vdc with a bridge rectifyer and cap or find a 12vac one that wires straight in.
I have the fan on the inside of where Ron has his but down on one side on my 39ltre engel same as Rons
Brad

Originally Posted by p38arover

Some crappy pix (the blur is from a large chip in the lens!)



The large fan is a computer fan and it blows air into the compressor compartment and across some of the condenser tubes. It draws 200mA.



The little fans suck air in from the side so I siliconed in a baffle at each end to prevent that. You can just make it out in the end shot of the fan bracket.



The type of computer fan used on the top. I reversed the fans so they'd exhaust the hot air not blow air in.



The temperature controller is a Willhi WH7016C. It looks like it will run on a 12V AC or DC power supply



Because the clips wouldn't hold the unit in place in the grille, I silicone rubbered it in.

Never even thought about putting the fans on the outside. Something to consider. Thanks Ron. This needs to be put in the Good Oil section.

Andy

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Originally Posted by LandyAndy

Brad.
I have an 80Lt Engel,reckon the fans would fit inside easy.
What sort of coin for the controller and fans????
Ebay buy I guess????
Andrew

Ron,
What size bridge rectifier would you recommend?
Cheers
Craig

Originally Posted by p38arover

Craig, I fitted that temp controller to my 30 year old Engel last week. It's fitted into the top panel beside the thermostat - there is just enough room.

It works well.

I also added 3 computer fans to get better air flow.

Want pics?

As the compressor runs from AC, I put a bridge rectifier in to give about 15 volts unregulated and unsmoothed DC. That powers the fans which switch on every time the compressor starts.

The temp regulator is only on the DC side. It merely switches the 12 volts DC input to the fridge. When running from AC ( which mine never does), the original thermostat is used.