Howdy. It's that time again, and this year I'll be hearing the pitter patter of baby snake feet. Wait....that's not right.... you get the idea.
Found a broken wine fridge on craigslist. Paid $20 for it, but it's in such great shape I couldn't pass it up.
Tools Required:
-Various Sockets and Screwdrivers to Remove Guts from the cooling system
-Crimping tool for the Wire/Heat Tape interface
-Sealant/Caulk to fill some holes
-Soldering Iron
-Elbow Grease
Here it is, with the six shelves taken out for measurements.
Ripped out the compressor/cooling plate/reservoir and desoldered most of the useless connections on the computer panel. I left the light switch and controller on it. I also sealed the few holes that were in it.
I ran 6" THG Heat Tape, attached with Aluminum Foil Tape, Connected with the THG Heat/Wire/Clip/Insulator assembly. All from Reptile Basics
Regulated by a Helix Thermostat, direct of Helix.
Conveniently, one of the coolant lines to the cooling plate left a nice hole perfect for the probe and wires.
To help insure things run smoothly, I'll be running the Helix, this Accurite Outdoor Thermo/Hygro, and probably another remote sensor.
Example tubs inside
Door Closed
The original light and timer still work, so when I push the 'Light' button, the light comes on, and comes on when I open the door.
I will probably be adding two computer fans to the build. I thought I had a DC/AC adapter and extra fans laying around. So I'll be making a trip to RadioShack.
Ran it all last night. It cranked up to 89 without any trouble and sat there well. I can't wait to cook some snakes this spring.
Total Cost: Roughly $180
Thanks for looking. Hope this might help someone looking to do it on there own.
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