Monitoring Kegerator or Fermentation Temps With Samsung SmartThings
I have Samsung SmartThings installed in my home. SmartThings requires a central hub. That hub communicates with other… SmartThings. Loads of compatible devices using a number of protocols are available from multiple vendors. Search Amazon for “smartthings” to see what’s out there. After these things are connected, you can program automations or routines that define how they operate under certain conditions. All of this is interoperable with other platforms like Google Home and Alexa.
This post is about using SmartThings Multipurpose Sensor to monitor temperatures in your kegerator or fermentation chamber. Labels and photos show both kegerator and fermentation chamber scenarios. This concept should work for both applications.
The Multipurpose Sensor can do several things including monitor temperature. Note that a SmartThings hub and Wi-Fi are also required.
Here’s the proof of concept setup… a 10 gallon Torpedo Keg – Hands on Review – with a BlowTie Spunding Valve – set up as a fermenter. An Eva-Dry – Hands on Review – to handle condensation and a recirculating fan. The Multipurpose Sensor is sitting on top of the keg. The one other wire you’re seeing goes to my Inkbird-ITC 308. I used that to double check and monitor temperatures. My set/goal temp for this whole setup is between 50 and 52 deg F. I aimed for a temp generally in the middle-ish of a fermentation and kegerator application.
Here’s the detail of the Multipurpose Sensor monitoring the proof of concept test. The warmer 70 degree-ish temps are at the start of the test. It seems that the SmartThings hub polls temperature readings about every 10 minutes. That’s probably designed to extend battery life and really shouldn’t be an issue for this application.
The Multi-Purpose Sensor shows a nice, detailed temperature log. Multiple graphing options are also available. The vibration detected at 12:03 was me picking up the sensor
As mentioned previously, I used an ITC-308 – Hands on Review – to double check temps. They were right on the money when I spot checked. The odd display on the bottom screen is due to the photograph. In real life it shows the set temp, which was set very high so it would not cycle on.
If it had been inaccurate, the Multipurpose sensor can be calibrated via an offset setting in the SmartThings app.
Get Notified When There Are Problems!
You can add an automation, like the one pictured, to notify of problems. This one sends a message when the kegerator temp reaches 70 or above. You could program another automation to notify if temperatures get too cold.
Conclusions
This is and easy and (if you’re already using SmartThings) economical upgrade. It’s nice to be able to double check equipment anywhere you have an Internet connection, It’s also nice to have the ability to get notifications when temperature problems occur.
Related: Inkbird Controller Deals and Coupons | Hands On Review: Inkbird ITC-308 Dual Stage Temperature Controller +WiFi Version
Part of our “Homebrew Hacks” Series of Posts! Full Lineup…
- Building a Dry Hopper for Corny Kegs – Dry Hop Under Pressure!
- Savogran Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) – on sale for $9.99, volatile + DIY Homebrew Cleaner Recipe
- Make an E-Paper Tap Handle!
- Adding a Tri-clamp Fitting to a Homebrew Keg Lid!
- Using a Tire Inflator To Check for Keg Leaks
- Control Your Kegerator Or Fermentation Chamber With Samsung SmartThings!
- Protect and Monitor Your Beer Fridge With Samsung SmartThings!
- Using a Keg as a CO2 Source for Portable Serving!
- Setting Economy Inline Regulators with a Spunding Valve
- Convert Ball Lock and Pin Lock Kegs to Push to Connect
- Adding a Schrader Valve to a Homebrew Keg
- Homebrew Hack: Mimicking Dual Stage Temp Control with a Single Stage Controller
- Mark II Keg and Carboy Washer Mod – Adding a Stainless Steel CIP Spray Ball
- Using the Grainfather to Clean Draft Lines
- Convert Your Mark II Keg & Carboy Washer to a Recirculating Draft Line Cleaning Pump!
Also: Kegerator Tips & Gear | Keg Repair Part #s | Recent Keg Finds
Our Top Draft Resources!
Check our our Top Draft Related Resources- The Most Difficult Spot to Check for CO2 Leaks
- Keg O-Ring Materials Selection! – EPDM, Silicone and Buna-N?
- Why Do I Have Bubbles in My Beer Line? Diagnosing and Fixing Kegerator Foam Problems
- Five Benefits of Using Corny Kegs As Fermenters
- Rebuilding & Reconditioning Homebrew Kegs!
- Food Safe Replacement Keg O-Rings in Bulk
- Hands on Review: Kegland DuoTight Fittings & EVABarrier Tubing!
- Why Won’t My Homebrew Keg Carbonate? Fixing Draft Beer Carbonation Problems
- What Does a Flow Control Faucet Do?
- Upgrade Your Kegerator – 6 Improvements!
- Serve Homebrew on Any Kegerator & Convert Commercial Kegerator to Homebrew
- Tips and Gear for Growler Filling
- What’s the Difference Between Ball Lock Kegs and Pin Lock Kegs?
- Checking for Draft System CO2 Leaks – Using The Pressure Gauge Method
- Tip: Consider Oetiker Stepless Clamps for Kegerator Gas and Beer Lines
- Hands On Review: Inkbird ITC-308 Dual Stage Temperature Controller +WiFi Version
- Universal Poppets Tips and Tricks!
- Convert Your Mark II Keg & Carboy Washer to a Recirculating Draft Line Cleaning Pump!
- Step by Step: Finding and Fixing Keg CO2 Leaks
- Kegerator Beer Line Temperatures & Reducing Foam with a Recirculating Fan
- Kegging CO2 Use Estimations and Calculations
- Step by Step: Balancing Your Kegerator Draft System
- Building a Simple Ball Lock Draft Line Flushing Setup
- Build a Recirculating Draft Line Cleaning Pump
- Home Brew Keg Roundup – New & Used, 5 and 2.5 Gallon & More!
- Damp Kegerator? Fix Kegerator Condensation
- Portable Draft Beer Serving Options!
- Homebrew Temp Controller Roundup! – Kegerator and Fermentation – concepts, applications and models
- Bulk Keg Orings and Keg Repair Part Numbers
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Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions.
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