Danby Temperature Modification Question

[psychodad]

Try the resistor modification. It is very simple and will be the most economical fix.

[lunkhead]

Originally Posted by Bohacik81

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I am just in the process of finishing my basement and customizing my bar. I have been looking at kegerators to put behind my bar and the Danby seems to be the most reasonably priced. I do have a cousin who has a Danby and his complaint was that it was not always as cold as he would have liked. So I went online and found this wonderful site. However, I am afraid I may not be able to do all of the modifications and end up rendering my kegerator useless. Do you have a detailed description of how to do each mod step-by-step, and a list of which mods are most needed and which ones may be too difficult for a novice like myself. I am just afraid of spending the $500-$600dollars for the Danby itself then trying to do mods and screwing the whole thing up. Please help.
P.S. I was also wondering if anyone on the site lives in or around the South Suburban Chicagoland area? I would be willing to pay someone experienced in modifying their own Danby to come and fix mine if they are in the area. Thank you.

If your going to pay someone to fix the danby, take the extra money and buy a better unit. Otherwise doing the mods yourself is CHEAP. Can your cousin help? He may want to mod his too. As for doing the mods you need to read this thread from beginning to end, slowy and carefully and these 2 threads;
Danby Kegerator Improvements and Tower Cooling for Danby DKC645 or ??? Read them completely as there are errors and corrections and links to lots of good info.

[joed]

Originally Posted by Soaperstar

Hello everyone. Just bought a Danby last week and am having the same problems as everyone else. I did the resistor mod about 4 hours ago, but have not noticed any changes yet. I have a 1/2 keg of Miller Lite in the Danby and set the temp to the lowest Danby allows. Still gets lots of foam - should I notice something in as soon as 4hrs? Another question - I live in FL and keep my Danby on my screened in porch (in the shade). The temperature has not been too hot yet (highest in low 80's) but will this be an issue? I was so anxious to fix the foam problem that I did not take temperature readings to compare the before and after of the resistor mod. Is there a any way to know if I did it wrong? Thanks in advance guys, I really appreciate all your posts and help.

All:

I too have a Danby. Same temp problems, but I have added a few strips of weather stripping around the temp sensor cage not totally covering it though ( there's really no science to it, just play around with the amount you use). Keeping the temp set at 36 degrees and using either a 1 or 2 1/6 barrels or a slim quarter, I am keeping my beer around 37 degrees. easy fix. I have also found that keeping my 1/6 barrels as close to the front of the kegorator helps keep it colder too. Still have problems with full barrels though, I think it is due to poor air circulation.

I usually have a bit of foam on the first pour, but after that things go pretty well, even with a light beer like mich light.

Something to try.

JD

[monkey710]

Originally Posted by lunkhead

I found the wireless unit, put new batteries in the outdoor sensor and main unit, put the sensor in the kegerator (on top of the keg) and it works great.

Do you know how to kill the external display? If it is not accurate I won't need it on. This may become obvious once I do the mods (everything is on order)...but I am a planner and need to know everything in advance...

Also...It will take up to a week before I get my temp controller, but since I am an instant gratification guy (and hate my foamy Fat Tire) I am going to do the resistor mod today. Should I remove it once I get the controller? Psychodad: Do you like your controller?

Also...I have been racking my brain about this: I finally found the fan I wanted for the inside...a little more than I wanted to spend, but I don't have a 12V converter lying around so I have to do it this way....but how is everyone mounting theirs?

Thanks in advance!

[psychodad]

The controller I have is very good. It is an industrial temperature switch and in this application, it should outlive the rest of the danby. However it is not in my opinion as well suited to draught beer temperature control for most people as a Brewer's Edge controller would be. I used the Dayton switch simply because it was available to me and at the best possible price.

[monkey710]

Thanks...I am in the same situation. I found the switch for a really good deal and couldn't pass it up. I guess I can upgrade to the brewers edge later on if I find a really good deal on that one. Why do you say the Brewers is more suited? It seems that the Dayton controller functions exactly the same, except it is not digital and has to be hard wired.

[psychodad]

Oh you will like it just fine. It just isn't as versatile as the Brewer's Edge.

[monkey710]

Originally Posted by psychodad

Oh you will like it just fine. It just isn't as versatile as the Brewer's Edge.

I wish they had better descriptions online. What is more versatile about it?

[psychodad]

With the Brewer's Edge you can mount it outside the kegerator and not have to open the door to make adjustments, you can't adjust the differential (not a biggie though) the Brewer's Edge likely installs a little easier. No real show stoppers, just given everything, the Dayton is only a better option when as we said, the price is right.

[monkey710]

Does anyone know where we can buy a new temperature probe? I was thinking that if we replaced the stock on in the fridge, it will indicate more accurately. It also might eliminate the requirement for the controller. I found several, but due to my limited knowledge, I don't really know where to start.

[lunkhead]

Monkey, if you have the danby DKC645 replace the 33k resistor (if you've done the mod) with a 150k resistor. The temp readings on the display will be pretty accurate from about 28 to 43, maybe a little more. Than just let the external temp control take over. Here's the story behind the 150k. Lunkhead goes external temp control+calibrate your Danby temp sensor.

[monkey710]

I've got the DKC585, but I guess I will follow your lead and try the resistors until I get the right one. I guess since I have an empty fridge and other mod equipment is in the mail...now is as good as a time as any!

[lunkhead]

Originally Posted by monkey710

I've got the DKC585, but I guess I will follow your lead and try the resistors until I get the right one. I guess since I have an empty fridge and other mod equipment is in the mail...now is as good as a time as any!

I don't know if the 585 uses the same sensor, temp controller (and display) as the 645 so I don't know if it will work for you.

[monkey710]

Originally Posted by lunkhead

I don't know if the 585 uses the same sensor, temp controller (and display) as the 645 so I don't know if it will work for you.

I looked at the 645 online and the only difference I see is the stainless steel as mine is black. The funny thing is, I cannot find my model anywhere on the web. I only bought it at Home Depot 3 months ago! Thanks for your help.

[crazygerman]

I would like to add the resistor to my kegerator also but I am usure what you are sppeking of when you say parrelel etc.. How does it need to be conected to the sensor? just cut wire and install or not???

Thanks for your help

[Baraney]

Crazygerman you can just cut and install. I did not cut the wire in just pushed the resistor in to the temp probe. It works great. On page 1, lunkhead has a photo of the resistor installed.

[lunkhead]

Also here is a link with pics how cubby swans stuck his resistor into the sensor plug, may be a few other tips there too.
Very Newbie mods to Danby DKC645BLS

[crazygerman]

Baraney and lunkhead I just wanted to thank you for your help, it is greatly appreciated! I live in North Dakota and purchased my Danby in Nov. I never had any problems with it cooling until recently when we came out of our deep freeze and hit 60 degree temps. =) I am excited to see what the results are.

All my beer drinking friends thank you in advance for your knowledge

[jay tiffany]

Originally Posted by lunkhead

Yes I put the resistor in parallel as shown on the little drawing "elder-of-dogtown" has attached I'm trying to attch the picture here, hopefully this works.Attachment 19 Looks like it did. I cut the wires open with a razor blade and soldered it in once I was sure it would work. A couple warnings, if you don't think you have enough electrical experience to do this get some help. Also your temp readings will not be accurate so use a thermometer inside the unit so you don't end up with a frozen keg. Your unit may not act the same way as mine.

I just completed the resistor add and am now enjoying ice cold beer with little or no foam.

Thanks to the person who suggested this fix. It truly works as stated and it only cost 20 cents.

-JT

[lacage]

Originally Posted by psychodad

Did you use the right resistor? 33k ohms should be 3 orange bands.

i definately bought 33-ohm resistors 1/2 watt 5% tolerance 2 orange then 1 black then 1 gold. all i get is EE

[cubby_swans]

Originally Posted by lacage

i definately bought 33-ohm resistors 1/2 watt 5% tolerance 2 orange then 1 black then 1 gold. all i get is EE

Yes, you definitely used a 33-ohm resistor. Problem is, you need a 33K ohm resistor (or - 33,000 ohm) which is orange orange orange. The gold signifies the 5%+- tolerance.