Here's a link to the original posts related to this thread.

Storing Apples:
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/fruit/msg1019224328422.html

Experimenting with old fashion storage apples - 1st set of result:
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/fruit/msg1121344231439.html

Here is a link that might be useful: Storing Apples Thread

Couldn't you disable the defrost cycle?

What size did you get?

Frank,
Maybe I missed something, but why do you think there was a defrost cycle at all? From previous posts, I thought defrost cycles were somewhat uncommon in this style freezer.

I think Frank is mixed up between Hoseman talking of a defrost cycle in his fridges and using the chest freezers.

So far my fridge's crisper bins actually work in the new one. I can fit nearly a bushel in the 2 bins and only had to add about a half cup of water a month.

That reminds me. I should go taste an AR Black and update my taste results.

I don't bag my apples because it's not necessary. Since there is no defrostxin the freezer chest, the humidity levels are perfect.

My apples have improved in flavor just like the old books predicted.

Here are the varieties I've has success with storing and getting improving flavor:
Katherine, not fully ripe yet, fruit improving in flavor
Oliver: perfect right now, won't last past jan
Apricot: hard as a rock, but about 3 days out of the cooler and they soften and taste heavenly
Berner rosen not ready
Jonagold done, the last ones were intensely flavored around thanksgiving
Hauer pippin just starting to ripen
Waltana no mas, they were perfect
Winter Winesap excellent, starting to ripen
My jewell intense banana aroma
Pomme grise no good anymore too dry but they didn't shrivel
Winter gravenstein wow didn't think it was possible to have a winter version of this delicious apple
Belle de boscoop oh man deliciouness itself
Pink lady don't think many people know how aromatic and sweet this one gets in conventional storage