Sourcing a NTC Thermistor probe for a STC-1000

[towser]

I am finally getting around to building my own temp controlled HLT rather than rely on my slow and aging Burco type boiler (with its inaccurate temp control). I'm tired of getting up teh ladder to keep checking the temp manually.
I have a spare STC-1000 that I'd like to use, but I'm a bit worried about sticking it loose in the HLT.

My STC-1000 is like this one:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/250821887647? ... 26_rdc%3D1

It looks like a NTC Thermistor probe is the way to go with a STC-1000 and I've seen this one in Australia:
http://www.craftbrewer.com.au/shop/details.asp?PID=955.
I'm wondering if a similar product exists closer to home?

Alternatively (a lot more work), I suppose I could buy a relatively cheap tank connector:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRASS-plumbin ... 19c7d91772

I'd stick a couple of seals on it, then use a 15mm brass rod:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Brass-Rou ... 5aef0cb746

drill the bar, almost to the end, compression fit it to the tank connector, then insert the STC-1000 probe (ensuring I drilled the brass rod so its a 'snug' fit. Not sure if this would work, but it sounds good in theory.

I'd prefer to source a ready made NTC thermistor probe that's compatible for the STC-1000, but I'd like to get everyone else experience as to what they have found that works.

[Blackaddler]

FWIW, I hang an NTC probe loose in my HLT.

However, here's on possible solution for you, in an earlier thread...

[Dave S]

I am finally getting around to building my own temp controlled HLT rather than rely on my slow and aging Burco type boiler (with its inaccurate temp control). I'm tired of getting up teh ladder to keep checking the temp manually.
I have a spare STC-1000 that I'd like to use, but I'm a bit worried about sticking it loose in the HLT.

My STC-1000 is like this one:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/250821887647? ... 26_rdc%3D1

It looks like a NTC Thermistor probe is the way to go with a STC-1000 and I've seen this one in Australia:
http://www.craftbrewer.com.au/shop/details.asp?PID=955.
I'm wondering if a similar product exists closer to home?

Alternatively (a lot more work), I suppose I could buy a relatively cheap tank connector:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRASS-plumbin ... 19c7d91772

I'd stick a couple of seals on it, then use a 15mm brass rod:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Brass-Rou ... 5aef0cb746

drill the bar, almost to the end, compression fit it to the tank connector, then insert the STC-1000 probe (ensuring I drilled the brass rod so its a 'snug' fit. Not sure if this would work, but it sounds good in theory.

I'd prefer to source a ready made NTC thermistor probe that's compatible for the STC-1000, but I'd like to get everyone else experience as to what they have found that works.

Try asking Troublebrewing. He makes controllers using stc 1000's and recently sold me a couple of NTC probes at a very reasonable price.

[towser]

Thanks both,

Troublebrewing doesn't do these any more. The other link isnt bad and a good second option to the one from Australia. Just a pity that one isn't available in Europe as its ready made.

[troublebrewing]

@ Dave S - weren't they the standard 2m NTC sensors that come with the STC-1000?

[Dave S]

@ Dave S - weren't they the standard 2m NTC sensors that come with the STC-1000?

Ah right. I should have looked at the links. I thought he was just after the normal plastic ones. Sorry for the confusion.