Post by: jrebel on August 24, 2014, 09:24:59 PM
Can't wait for pics with animals in it. :tup:
Post by: Watimberghost on August 24, 2014, 09:31:40 PM
Post by: jrebel on August 24, 2014, 09:54:35 PM
Looks like you'll be ready just in time for the season! Got some serious room in there. I can see the trifecta hanging in there; bull, buck, bear. Be sure to show some pics :tup:
One can only dream..... :chuckle: :chuckle: I would settle for any of the three you mention. It is 8/12 (before all the insulation) and has 10 hanging hooks for quarters or halves. I bought a stainless steel cutting table to put against the back wall for butchering.
Post by: Whitpirate on August 25, 2014, 01:19:44 AM
Post by: MacAttack on August 25, 2014, 08:50:53 AM
Post by: h2ofowlr on August 25, 2014, 09:06:38 AM
Post by: luvmystang67 on August 25, 2014, 09:09:02 AM
Post by: jrebel on August 25, 2014, 09:20:04 AM
What are the vertical pieces of insulation up top for? How big is your AC unit?
The vertical pieces of insulation were wedged up there to help hold the ceiling tiles while the adhesive dried. I decided to leave them there for structural support of the ceiling tiles...Last thing I want is for all my insulation on the ceiling to fall down. My AC unit is 12000 BTU. The coolbot bot website recommends a 15000 btu but I will not need it down to 38 degrees nor will I be using year around. I plan only using mine during hunting season.
Post by: Blacklab on August 25, 2014, 01:55:38 PM
Post by: jrebel on August 25, 2014, 05:32:54 PM
Nice! That's gonna be real handy this fall. Have you thought of making cured meats, could be fun and tasty......... ;)
Never done it....I guess I will have to research it. I assume you would cure them in a meat cooler? Any input would be great.
jrebel
Post by: MacAttack on August 25, 2014, 05:49:50 PM
http://frombellytobacon.com/category/categories/cured-meats/ (http://frombellytobacon.com/category/categories/cured-meats/)
Post by: billythekidrock on August 25, 2014, 06:25:20 PM
One thing to think about is making the "cooling" portion smaller with a set off double doors to split the room. That way you can have one cool room and one a little warmer for cutting and wrapping.
Post by: Blacklab on August 25, 2014, 06:28:36 PM
Nice! That's gonna be real handy this fall. Have you thought of making cured meats, could be fun and tasty......... ;)
Never done it....I guess I will have to research it. I assume you would cure them in a meat cooler? Any input would be great.
jrebel
This book is a great read :twocents:. Great Sausage Recipes and Meat curing. Rytek Kutas
Post by: jrebel on August 26, 2014, 10:59:52 AM
Post by: Special T on August 26, 2014, 11:25:29 AM
I know our archery Club has talked about getting butchering equiptment and a cold storage unit.
Post by: Kc_Kracker on August 26, 2014, 11:42:15 AM
Post by: jrebel on August 26, 2014, 12:07:38 PM
might i suggest instead of painting use something that can easily be hosed off and not soak up blood juice etc so its doesnt become your stank box! That way, on the really really hot days I can come over and we can sit in there and drink beer and play poker :chuckle:
I hope to add garage floor finish / paint to it soon, but hunting season is upon us and time is running real thin. Until I can accomplish that I have painted with paint I already had and I will lay a tarp down under any hanging animals. The painted surface should offer protection for minor clean ups.
Post by: elkoholic1 on August 26, 2014, 12:11:46 PM
Post by: Kc_Kracker on August 26, 2014, 12:17:01 PM
Post by: jrebel on August 26, 2014, 12:25:41 PM
Post by: bobcat on August 26, 2014, 12:27:03 PM
Post by: jrebel on August 26, 2014, 12:35:10 PM
I'd say about 38 degrees.
Really....that cold. I was thinking 40-45 degrees would store game for up to a week with no problem. It is interesting to read on the internet as opinions vary so much.....the common theme is under 50 and higher than 35.
Post by: Curly on August 26, 2014, 12:38:09 PM
Quote
Proper aging begins as soon as rigor mortis ends-and this process is definitely not controlled rot. Rot is zillions of bacteria eating the muscle cells, their waste products creating the familiar stench of decaying flesh. Bacteria attack only after meat is exposed to the air, and bacterial rot is accelerated by higher temperatures. It doesn't happen at all if the meat is frozen. To properly age your deer, you must keep it at temperatures above freezing and below about 40 degrees. This holds bacteria (and rot) at bay, allowing natural enzymes to do their work.
Deer Hang Time - Field & Stream (http://www.fieldandstream.com/articles/other/recipes/2006/01/deer-hang-time)
Post by: Kc_Kracker on August 26, 2014, 12:42:06 PM
Post by: Vulcan on August 26, 2014, 12:46:37 PM
Post by: Blacklab on August 26, 2014, 01:17:52 PM
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on August 26, 2014, 02:35:43 PM
Post by: Curly on August 26, 2014, 05:35:35 PM
44 degrees. at 42 my fridge starts to ice up food and freeze milk. thats my :twocents: :twocents:You might need a new thermometer if milk is freezing at 42 degrees. :)
Post by: Stickerbush on August 26, 2014, 05:47:26 PM
Post by: jrebel on August 26, 2014, 06:43:31 PM
Sweet, is that a regular ac unit?
Yes, it is a 12,000 BTU window AC unit. The coolbot allows it to cool below 60 degrees. So far it is working really well, but it is still the first day.
Post by: Vulcan on August 26, 2014, 09:54:42 PM
Post by: jrebel on August 26, 2014, 10:19:43 PM
One thought I had (while working this idea up for my own use :chuckle: ) was maybe hooking up a solar panel or 2 (or however many you would need) to offset the cost of running the unit. I don't know how much it is but would be a good option if it becomes too costly?
That would be a great option if a person was going to use it year round.
I don't think they use that much electricity though....and I also live in Douglas county which has some of the cheapest energy in the country. Lucky me.
Post by: Stickerbush on August 26, 2014, 11:11:16 PM
Post by: MacAttack on August 27, 2014, 07:53:16 AM
Sweet, is that a regular ac unit?
Yes, it is a 12,000 BTU window AC unit. The coolbot allows it to cool below 60 degrees. So far it is working really well, but it is still the first day.
Is the coolbot a necessity?
Post by: baker5150 on August 27, 2014, 08:09:45 AM
Sweet, is that a regular ac unit?
Yes, it is a 12,000 BTU window AC unit. The coolbot allows it to cool below 60 degrees. So far it is working really well, but it is still the first day.
Is the coolbot a necessity?
Yes, without it (or some other form of coil temp sensing) the coil will eventually frost over, leading to fan failure or worse a compressor failure. These A/C units are not meant to operate at those low temps. The coolbot is a way of "jimmy rigging' them into operating. IT's a cool product for the occasional user, but I wouldn't rely on it for anything long term.
Post by: jrebel on August 27, 2014, 03:16:34 PM
Sweet, is that a regular ac unit?
Yes, it is a 12,000 BTU window AC unit. The coolbot allows it to cool below 60 degrees. So far it is working really well, but it is still the first day.
Is the coolbot a necessity?
Yes, without it (or some other form of coil temp sensing) the coil will eventually frost over, leading to fan failure or worse a compressor failure. These A/C units are not meant to operate at those low temps. The coolbot is a way of "jimmy rigging' them into operating. IT's a cool product for the occasional user, but I wouldn't rely on it for anything long term.
Based on the website your statement is not 100% accurate. The only reason the home AC units don't operate at those low temps is because they are programmed not to. Take a look at the website; read about them and look at the FAQ's. Also look at the testimonials. It appears that these AC units can be more economical in a use like this than they can for the purpose they are meant for. You are cooling a much smaller and much more insulated room....thus the compressor actually works less in this application than it does in the application it is meant for. With that said the longevity should be greater. I guess only time will tell.... :chuckle:
www.storeitcold.com (http://www.storeitcold.com) is the website
Post by: jrebel on August 27, 2014, 03:20:14 PM
This is great, refrigeration is a huge consideration for after the shot especially in warmer times. This allows anyone to hang the meat relatively cheap and fun project. I think if I did it though I would have the walls come apart so it could be temporary or mobile. Unless I found a use for it year round
I totally agree. If I were to do it again I would buy the pre-insulated panels that snap together and build it. Then it could be disassembled and stored. I am going to use mine in the off season as storage for thinks like bicycles and kids outdoor toys. That will help clean out the garage.
Post by: Curly on August 27, 2014, 03:32:37 PM
Post by: baker5150 on August 27, 2014, 03:37:27 PM
Sweet, is that a regular ac unit?
Yes, it is a 12,000 BTU window AC unit. The coolbot allows it to cool below 60 degrees. So far it is working really well, but it is still the first day.
Is the coolbot a necessity?
Yes, without it (or some other form of coil temp sensing) the coil will eventually frost over, leading to fan failure or worse a compressor failure. These A/C units are not meant to operate at those low temps. The coolbot is a way of "jimmy rigging' them into operating. IT's a cool product for the occasional user, but I wouldn't rely on it for anything long term.
Based on the website your statement is not 100% accurate. The only reason the home AC units don't operate at those low temps is because they are programmed not to. Take a look at the website; read about them and look at the FAQ's. Also look at the testimonials. It appears that these AC units can be more economical in a use like this than they can for the purpose they are meant for. You are cooling a much smaller and much more insulated room....thus the compressor actually works less in this application than it does in the application it is meant for. With that said the longevity should be greater. I guess only time will tell.... :chuckle:
www.storeitcold.com (http://www.storeitcold.com) is the website
First off, I have read the site. I have been in the HVAC/R business for 13 years and was kind of slipping my 2 cents in there at the end.
Second, I'm not in anyway bashing this product, I think it's a great product for occasional use, especially for a game locker. :tup:
There are a few reasons why I wouldn't trust it long term as a refer solution.
1- These home A/C units are not anywhere near the quality of commercial use condensing units, obviously.
2- They aren't R22 refrigerant anymore, they are R410a, more of a medium temp refrigerant and a much higher pressure to begin with, let alone once the coil begins to ice up and restrict airflow. High pressures = compressor failure. I do not know if these units have high limits built in, I doubt it.
3- The compressor does not work less, it's either on or off, and in this case it is going to cycle on and off a lot more than usual. And as you may or may not know, the main killer of refer compressors is short cycling. In an A/C application the compressor can run all day, the temp doesn't get low enough for it to warrant any kind of defrost control.
Being in this trade I have obviously thought of how to build my own locker many times, and to be completely honest, I would buy a coolbot too.
Post by: jrebel on August 27, 2014, 03:55:48 PM
Sweet, is that a regular ac unit?
Yes, it is a 12,000 BTU window AC unit. The coolbot allows it to cool below 60 degrees. So far it is working really well, but it is still the first day.
Is the coolbot a necessity?
Yes, without it (or some other form of coil temp sensing) the coil will eventually frost over, leading to fan failure or worse a compressor failure. These A/C units are not meant to operate at those low temps. The coolbot is a way of "jimmy rigging' them into operating. IT's a cool product for the occasional user, but I wouldn't rely on it for anything long term.
Based on the website your statement is not 100% accurate. The only reason the home AC units don't operate at those low temps is because they are programmed not to. Take a look at the website; read about them and look at the FAQ's. Also look at the testimonials. It appears that these AC units can be more economical in a use like this than they can for the purpose they are meant for. You are cooling a much smaller and much more insulated room....thus the compressor actually works less in this application than it does in the application it is meant for. With that said the longevity should be greater. I guess only time will tell.... :chuckle:
www.storeitcold.com (http://www.storeitcold.com) is the website
First off, I have read the site. I have been in the HVAC/R business for 13 years and was kind of slipping my 2 cents in there at the end.
Second, I'm not in anyway bashing this product, I think it's a great product for occasional use, especially for a game locker. :tup:
There are a few reasons why I wouldn't trust it long term as a refer solution.
1- These home A/C units are not anywhere near the quality of commercial use condensing units, obviously.
2- They aren't R22 refrigerant anymore, they are R410a, more of a medium temp refrigerant and a much higher pressure to begin with, let alone once the coil begins to ice up and restrict airflow. High pressures = compressor failure. I do not know if these units have high limits built in, I doubt it.
3- The compressor does not work less, it's either on or off, and in this case it is going to cycle on and off a lot more than usual. And as you may or may not know, the main killer of refer compressors is short cycling. In an A/C application the compressor can run all day, the temp doesn't get low enough for it to warrant any kind of defrost control.
Being in this trade I have obviously thought of how to build my own locker many times, and to be completely honest, I would buy a coolbot too.
Baker
I hope you didn't take offense to my original response, that was not my intent. I clearly stated "based on the website" and "only time will tell." I am no professional (looks like you may be), but the testimonials state people are getting multiple years of use with very little problems. I hope they are correct. I figure if I can get 3-5 years per AC unit then I will be money ahead. I do think that if you were going to use a cold storage unit year around or for a business the commercial units would be the way to go. :tup:
Post by: baker5150 on August 27, 2014, 04:08:12 PM
Sweet, is that a regular ac unit?
Yes, it is a 12,000 BTU window AC unit. The coolbot allows it to cool below 60 degrees. So far it is working really well, but it is still the first day.
Is the coolbot a necessity?
Yes, without it (or some other form of coil temp sensing) the coil will eventually frost over, leading to fan failure or worse a compressor failure. These A/C units are not meant to operate at those low temps. The coolbot is a way of "jimmy rigging' them into operating. IT's a cool product for the occasional user, but I wouldn't rely on it for anything long term.
Based on the website your statement is not 100% accurate. The only reason the home AC units don't operate at those low temps is because they are programmed not to. Take a look at the website; read about them and look at the FAQ's. Also look at the testimonials. It appears that these AC units can be more economical in a use like this than they can for the purpose they are meant for. You are cooling a much smaller and much more insulated room....thus the compressor actually works less in this application than it does in the application it is meant for. With that said the longevity should be greater. I guess only time will tell.... :chuckle:
www.storeitcold.com (http://www.storeitcold.com) is the website
First off, I have read the site. I have been in the HVAC/R business for 13 years and was kind of slipping my 2 cents in there at the end.
Second, I'm not in anyway bashing this product, I think it's a great product for occasional use, especially for a game locker. :tup:
There are a few reasons why I wouldn't trust it long term as a refer solution.
1- These home A/C units are not anywhere near the quality of commercial use condensing units, obviously.
2- They aren't R22 refrigerant anymore, they are R410a, more of a medium temp refrigerant and a much higher pressure to begin with, let alone once the coil begins to ice up and restrict airflow. High pressures = compressor failure. I do not know if these units have high limits built in, I doubt it.
3- The compressor does not work less, it's either on or off, and in this case it is going to cycle on and off a lot more than usual. And as you may or may not know, the main killer of refer compressors is short cycling. In an A/C application the compressor can run all day, the temp doesn't get low enough for it to warrant any kind of defrost control.
Being in this trade I have obviously thought of how to build my own locker many times, and to be completely honest, I would buy a coolbot too.
Baker
I hope you didn't take offense to my original response, that was not my intent. I clearly stated "based on the website" and "only time will tell." I am no professional (looks like you may be), but the testimonials state people are getting multiple years of use with very little problems. I hope they are correct. I figure if I can get 3-5 years per AC unit then I will be money ahead. I do think that if you were going to use a cold storage unit year around or for a business the commercial units would be the way to go. :tup:
No offense taken :tup:
I just never trust testimonials from the same site that sells the product. Seams they could be a little filtered. :o
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on September 20, 2016, 04:45:09 PM
DID YOU NOT PUT PLYWOOD ALL THE WAY UP THE WALLS?
Post by: STARVATION on September 20, 2016, 07:55:03 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on September 20, 2016, 08:04:19 PM
Temp needs to be under 40 degrees as bacteria grows at 40 and above. Having hung and processed beef and game animals for 40 years I like to keep meat at 34 to 36 degrees. Take care.
YEP LIFE STARTS AT 40 DEGREES. ;)
Post by: kentrek on September 20, 2016, 08:14:45 PM
34 to 36 degrees. Take care.
:yeah:
Post by: Kit Carson on September 20, 2016, 10:40:43 PM
I can see the trifecta hanging in there; bull, buck, bear.
:yeah:
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on October 11, 2016, 12:43:51 PM
STILL WAITING FOR ANIMAL PICS IN IT. :hello:
DID YOU NOT PUT PLYWOOD ALL THE WAY UP THE WALLS?
:yeah: :hello:
Post by: jrebel on October 11, 2016, 02:04:28 PM
Just took an elk and deer out of it yesterday to butcher. Elk hung for 7 days and deer for 5 days. My muzzleloader was busy a week ago. :tup:
Post by: jrebel on October 11, 2016, 02:10:06 PM
Post by: kellama2001 on October 11, 2016, 02:52:51 PM
Post by: jrebel on October 11, 2016, 02:58:58 PM
Post by: TONTO on October 11, 2016, 04:25:41 PM
He also runs a cool bot and kept my deer chilled for a week at 35degrees. When we went to cut meat my hands went numb from the cold as if I was carking TUNA. My niecess fork from saturday, OR buck, is hanging in there now. Floor is sealed and has a drain, joking about digging it out and installing a disposal to help with cleanup. It is plummed right out back to his garden.
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on August 23, 2017, 09:31:44 AM
After re-reading the post....figured I should update it. I run my cool bot at 37 degrees and the final temps fluctuate between 35 and 39 degrees. It works really well. I run it for a couple months a year and have had no problems. I am super in love with this cooler....it has been a welcome part to mine and many of my friends / familys hunting adventures.
What type of insulation did you use? Do you recall what the R rating and thickness was and did you use multiple layers or just one? Lots of options out there, but your having good results it seems so any help is appreciated!
Post by: ctwiggs1 on August 23, 2017, 09:51:45 AM
Post by: jrebel on August 23, 2017, 12:53:32 PM
jrebel, any big fluctuation in power bill? I know you have cheap power but still is it noticeable? My wife and I are looking at a piece of property that has 3 sheds on it.... 1 of those will likely qualify for conversion :chuckle:
Haven't noticed any increase in our electric bill.....but I really haven't paid to close attention to it either.
Post by: jrebel on August 23, 2017, 02:36:33 PM
After re-reading the post....figured I should update it. I run my cool bot at 37 degrees and the final temps fluctuate between 35 and 39 degrees. It works really well. I run it for a couple months a year and have had no problems. I am super in love with this cooler....it has been a welcome part to mine and many of my friends / familys hunting adventures.
What type of insulation did you use? Do you recall what the R rating and thickness was and did you use multiple layers or just one? Lots of options out there, but your having good results it seems so any help is appreciated!
I used the blue pink and white foam board. 4-5" thick throughout. With plywood and insulation I figure my r-value somewhere in the 25-30 range. It holds temp pretty well.
Post by: merkaba93 on August 23, 2017, 03:56:32 PM
Nice! That's gonna be real handy this fall. Have you thought of making cured meats, could be fun and tasty......... ;)
Never done it....I guess I will have to research it. I assume you would cure them in a meat cooler? Any input would be great.
jrebel
This book is a great read :twocents:. Great Sausage Recipes and Meat curing. Rytek Kutas
Curing meat can be complicated. But do able.
You'll want to keep it at 60 degrees and 70% humidity.
You have the temp controller already just need to get a humidity controller and a humidifier. Sometimes when I put in new salami or whole muscles to cure I re program the controller and put in a de humidifier.
Post by: Angry Perch on August 24, 2017, 10:39:54 AM
Nice! That's gonna be real handy this fall. Have you thought of making cured meats, could be fun and tasty......... ;)
Never done it....I guess I will have to research it. I assume you would cure them in a meat cooler? Any input would be great.
jrebel
This book is a great read :twocents:. Great Sausage Recipes and Meat curing. Rytek Kutas
Curing meat can be complicated. But do able.
You'll want to keep it at 60 degrees and 70% humidity.
You have the temp controller already just need to get a humidity controller and a humidifier. Sometimes when I put in new salami or whole muscles to cure I re program the controller and put in a de humidifier.
Yes, I think keeping the humidity in check in such a big space would be the issue. Certainly doable, but would require some trial and error. But that's the fun part. You might be able to tent off a small area with plastic. The Coolbot would still control temp, but you'd have a much smaller area to manage humidity.