Review on Enhance Comfort and Efficiency with Aideepen Digital STC-3008 AC 🌡️ Temperature Controller: Dual Display Thermostat for AC 110-220V with Dual Probes by Dan Olsen

This review is for the STC-3008 120VAC Dual Temperature Controller. First of all, don't think that this controller only uses the red LED side (#1) for heating control and the blue LED side (#2) only for cooling control. These are two independently mounted and controlled Single Pole Single Throw (SPST) relays in one package. A small guide lists the use of red for heating and blue for cooling in its examples; But you can use red for cooling and blue for heating if you want. Aside from this initial confusion, the device worked very well when I received it. Temperature readings were within +/-1C spec from where the probes are, so initial factory setup is pretty good (compared to a calibrated Fluke 87V meter and thermocouple). I would like to mention that you can see a difference of about 0.5°C between the two readings even if the two sensors are in the same place. I would really like to have access to a "zero" function to compensate for these errors initially and possibly in the future as the sensors age, are replaced or electronic drift occurs. The displays are bright and easy to read; However, there is no way to adjust the intensity as it might be important for your application. In a darkened room they are at least as good as a regular night light. The little "on" LED above each display that shows when the relay is active isn't as bright and you have to be directly in front of the display to see when they're on. The rear port cover was a little tricky to remove. I ended up holding the tab with my fingernail and prying the latch up with a small flat head screwdriver. This brings me to my biggest minus point with the device. While the front display's plastic is quite heavy and durable, the device's back plastic "sleeve" is quite fragile. In my opinion it bends too much and you have to be careful when pushing the screwdriver into the connecting screws as there is limited support for the board underneath. I saw a 1/16" bend in the PCB when tightening the wiring. Wiring wise it is best to use only stranded wire to avoid transferring stress to the connectors/PCB like solid wires do. I found that the two 16ga wires were about the largest that could fit in the same connector. According to the instructions, the device is for "MAX. 10 A"; but does not indicate whether it is the relay or the sum of both relays. I was wrong, for safety reasons, assuming it was a combination and limiting my use to no more than 5A per relay. but that needs clarification. As mentioned by other reviewers, the relay labeling is reversed on the back of the unit. While thermistor #1 controls indicator #1 (red), it controls relay outputs #2 (as noted). Conversely, for thermistor/indicator #2, it controls relay #1. I simply put a piece of tape over the top rear markings to swap the relay IDs. The device draws very little power, as expected, and even with both relays on, I measured only about 1.5W of power consumption. I also found the keys to be comfortable to the touch, with a distinct "click" sound that helps you know when you've pressed them. Mounting clips fitted on each side have a wide range for different board thicknesses and are easy to adjust, tighten (integrated plastic springs) and remove. Overall, I am very satisfied with this inexpensive double thermostat.