Beer Forum

horne · #**401** (**permalink**) 08-29-2009, 09:12 AM

to get away from the defrost cycle is my only option to buy a brewers edge temp controller or will the 150 resistor do the trick? I also was wondering if placing the temp probe whether it be danbys or brewers edge in a glass of water is a good idea or not. Thanks

lunkhead · #**402** (**permalink**) 08-29-2009, 10:48 AM

Currently the only way to get rid of the defrost cycle is with an external temp controller. DO NOT place the temp probe in a glass of water, it won't hurt the probe, but it's useless for controlling beer temperature. Get / use a calibrated thermometer for measuring beer temperature in a cooled glass. Knowing the temp of a glass of water in the unit is nearly useless, other than yep, it's cold in there.

daveo · #**403** (**permalink**) 09-28-2009, 06:47 PM

First, I've really enjoyed this thread and have been motivated to make a few mods until I get an appropriate beer temp for my tasting pleasures.

So, I loned by Danby out for the 4th and final time a few months ago. When I got it back I plugged it in and the down arrow and the deg C/deg F buttons do not work. The up arrow does work (how convenient). I read a post or two regarding the EE and other displays. I also read how none of someone's buttons did not work. I believe the suggestion was to check the connections to the back of the display. Does anyone have any idea why 1 of the 3 buttons would work? Once my current keg is kicked I will remove the tower and table to investigate. I just thought I would see if anyone has any ideas first.

Since I may be stuck at the default 41 deg, I will be installing a 33k Ohm resistor.

Thanks for any input.

psychodad · #**404** (**permalink**) 09-29-2009, 05:25 AM

If you have been successful to this point without a resistor, you may just want to pull the top off now and check the connections. The little bit of time that it will be unplugged and untapped while you do this won't harm anything.

daveo · #**405** (**permalink**) 09-30-2009, 07:53 PM

I added the 33k Ohm resistor Tuesday night, it definitely made it colder. What people on this thread seemed to forget is the Danby controller can be set between 36 and 46. I now realize why many have been installing an external temp controller. I found with the Danby set at 41, the temp would swing between 29 and 37, so I guess the average is close to where I want to be. I added a 12 VDC fan tonight, so I will see what changes if any that will bring.

I took the top panel off to try and fix the buttons on the display. I removed the circuit board and removed the 4 wire power harness, I plugged it back in and no change. I removed the ribbon connection, reinstalled and no change. I assume it has to be the other end of the ribbon connection. The up arrow works, but not the down arrow or the C/F button. The detent seems to snap in and out fine. Unfortunately I can't figure out how to get directly behind the panel. The best chance seems to be to pry the panel off from the front. I didn't want to risk breaking anything, especially since it will compromise the appearance. Does anyone have an idea on how to remove the panel? I assume it's glued or siliconed into the recess of the cover.

bridog · #**406** (**permalink**) 10-14-2009, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by callen757

Thank you guys for this amazing forum. I dont want to brag but I just picked up my Danby from Sams club for 100.00 dollars. It was the last one and everybody thought it was just a minifridge so it was stuffed back into the corner. I completed the mods suggested includind adding the resistor, relocating the temp sensor and installing a new fan. I included pics because if anybody out there is like me, they need pics to figure things out. The fan I used was from intel that I got at an electronics store for 8.00. It is a 1 amp unit vs the 0.1 anp unit that came with the danby. It even fit in the existing mounting holes. Before the mods the internal air temp was 46 degrees at the lowest setting (with a full 15.5g keg in it). Now the internal air temp with a 5 g bucket of water is 28 degrees, water temp is 33.0 degrees with .25 inch of ice all the way around. Thanks for all the good info.

Hi, I'm new to this but my danby is the same as everyone's. I dont understand where your red hose is going from your fan in the pic's?????

Scott81603 · #**407** (**permalink**) 10-26-2009, 08:42 AM

Im new to the kegerator world. When installing the tower, I removed the insulation and didn't put it back. Should I put it back in?

TomK · #**408** (**permalink**) 10-26-2009, 01:41 PM

It becomes more important if you add tower cooling, but I'd stick it back in there regardless.

psychodad · #**409** (**permalink**) 10-26-2009, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott81603

Im new to the kegerator world. When installing the tower, I removed the insulation and didn't put it back. Should I put it back in?

Just pop the top off the tower and stick it back in. No need to remove the tower.

Scott81603 · #**410** (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 08:24 AM

My danby is PERFECT.

Got the 100k resistor mod, cooling tower mod with dayco blower. The tower has a nice sweat going on.

Im using miller lite 1/4 kegs 38 deg 2nd pour @ 13 psi. Almost no foam. Thanks to this form! Ill post pics in a little bit.

Scott81603 · #**411** (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 11:10 AM

Here are the pics as promised

Scott81603 · #**412** (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 11:11 AM

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lunkhead · #**413** (**permalink**) 11-06-2009, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott81603

Im new to the kegerator world. When installing the tower, I removed the insulation and didn't put it back. Should I put it back in?

Will help cut the sweating on the tower down and reduce compressor cycling. Your blowing the warm air in the tower into the unit.

GRENCH · #**414** (**permalink**) 11-09-2009, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott81603

Here are the pics as promised

Totally off the subject, but sweet tool box in the first pic. It's nicer than my work box and you have it in your home garage. I'm a little jealous!

Scott81603 · #**415** (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GRENCH

Totally off the subject, but sweet tool box in the first pic. It's nicer than my work box and you have it in your home garage. I'm a little jealous!

Thank you.

DRN · #**416** (**permalink**) Yesterday, 09:01 AM

I am wondering if with all the mods needed to get the Danby going if i should just go with a chest freezer instead. I have an opportunity to get a used one from someone that only put a keg through it and wants to get rid of it for $300. I know the chest freezer is going to cost me more in the long run to get it up and running but i would like the room to possibly expand to two ro three taps in the future. What should i do?

slomo007 · #**417** (**permalink**) Yesterday, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRN

I am wondering if with all the mods needed to get the Danby going if i should just go with a chest freezer instead. I have an opportunity to get a used one from someone that only put a keg through it and wants to get rid of it for $300. I know the chest freezer is going to cost me more in the long run to get it up and running but i would like the room to possibly expand to two ro three taps in the future. What should i do?

If you want the ability to expand later on, get the freezer. I wish I had done this even now that I finally have the Danby working properly.