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 KegHands 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 sensorAs mentioned previously, I used an ITC-308Hands 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…

Also: Kegerator Tips & Gear | Keg Repair Part #s | Recent Keg Finds

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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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