[written Feb. 23]
I just ordered the equipment for this!
* Inkbird temp/humidity controllers, pair (saved $5 buying as a pair)
Amazon
* Temp/humidity monitor and data logger with probes
Amazon
* Lamp pipe, to build DIY cable glands
Amazon
* Sturdy stainless steel screen for building a bud drying rack insert for the fridge
Amazon
The reason I'm buying separate temp/humidity controllers, and not Inkbird's dual contoller, is so I can run the humidity controller on a digital timer outlet, so that I can regulate dehum off-time at night, to conserve power with my limited solar power system. I'm guessing the temperature controller won't need that, since it will be very lower power consumption to maintain 64-68° F.
I'm especially stoked that I found the monitor/data logger, because it will give a complete readout on the temp and humidity over the entire drying period, with high granularity. It also easily shows me the daily min and max values of both temp and humidity. The unit will also provide an accuracy check against the Inkbirds. This monitor/logger will be key for testing and tuning the system.
The "lamp pipe" is for making "cable glands" – i.e. tubes that the temp/humidity probe cords will go through, and also the dehum AC/DC power adapter cord. I'm planning to drill holes in the lid of the chest freezer, toward the back. The cable glands will fit in these holes, and will be locked in place with the nuts. I'll route the cords through the glands, and seal with a small amount of silicone, top and bottom. There's 5 cords to accommodate, so I'm thinking 2 or 3 glands.
I'm planning to mount the equipment on the wall behind the fridge, just above where the lid will be when fully open.
For the drying racks, I plan to make a custom wooden-frame insert. The whole insert will easily lift in and out of the fridge w/ a handle at the top. Drying racks will slide in and out of the frame. The dimensions of the insert will be 15" x 12" x 24". The depth of 24" should give me seven 12"x15" racks, allowing for a top w/ handle and a 3" space at the bottom for feet. Total drying space, 1,260 sq in. (8.75 sq ft). I have been using about 784 sq. in. drying space, in the food dehydrator, for a 1-plant harvest, so this would be a 60% increase in drying space (1.6x). (If I change the rack dimension to 13x15", which will also work, and reduce rack spacing by 3/8 inch, I can double the drying space over the dehydrator.)
A can put the whole system on one outlet power strip, and plug the power strip into my
power meter to monitor power consumption.