OK, I finaly found the post I was looking for! anderson5420 posted that he is using the Ranco ETC 111000-000 and it is working very well. I looked it up and it is a single probe but will only control temps up to 220 deg F. and costs $75 wired or $50 unwired and you can wire your own power cords.
The Auber Single probe controls temps up to 392 and costs $140
What are the pros and cons of these two devices besides the HUGE price difference? Is 220 Degrees enough for most things/everything? Is there another Ranco that goes a little higher?
I believe STC bought one and used it outdoors, but I feel it is not that weather proof so you do have to take percaustions while you are using it out doors.
I have the Ranco 111-000 and use it to control the temperature of my Dry Curing Cabinet. It works well controlling cooler temperatures, within 1 - 2 degree, but I have never switched it to heating mode so I can give you any information on that.
I haven't looked around on their websit for a while so they may now make one the that will control at a higher temperature.
Ranco ETC (http://www.etcsupply.com/index.php)
If you want to wire your own, the Ranco does not come with any wiring directions. I found the direction on the internet and when I wired mine I posted the directions on the recipe site. The benifiets of wiring your own, you can make the cords any length you want.
Ranco ETC 111000-000 - 120V Wiring Guide (http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showthread.php?644-Ranco-ETC-111000-000-120V-Wiring-Guide&p=1002#post1002)
Yes, I used one for about a year until I found a deal on a gently used Auber PID. It works quite well, but it doesn't have the fine control of the Auber. (you'll still see temperature swings) The 220° max was slightly annoying, but I just allowed for extra cooking time while using it.
I bought the pre-wired one.
The Auber will give you tighter temperature control, and you can program it to perform multiple steps.
I use the single probe Auber PID. Just cant beat it. Used a Guru for while to.
(http://i868.photobucket.com/albums/ab242/nepas1/2012%20sausage/scbs.jpg)
Use Johnson controlls for my dry cure fridge. Close to the Ranco.
(http://i868.photobucket.com/albums/ab242/nepas1/dry%20cure/DSC01442.jpg)