Prebuilt hlt controller

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sbond10
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Prebuilt hlt controller

Post by sbond10 » Sun Dec 03, 2017 5:40 pm

Just wondered if there was any prebuilt options for controlling a 2kw powered hlt.

RobP

Re: Prebuilt hlt controller

Post by RobP » Sun Dec 03, 2017 7:47 pm

One of these? Not totally sure they'd handle the power.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_no ... ds=inkbird

Think this would definitely work but pricey.
http://www.pecoservices.co.uk/digital-m ... d-35-p.asp

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Re: Prebuilt hlt controller

Post by sbond10 » Sun Dec 03, 2017 8:25 pm

I think the inkbird is maxed out at ten amp so deffo pushing it.

The other one although a lovely neat solution its very pricey

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Re: Prebuilt hlt controller

Post by sbond10 » Mon Dec 04, 2017 8:12 pm

Just wondered if this is powerful enough to run an element
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0140K ... ref=plSrch

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Re: Prebuilt hlt controller

Post by jaroporter » Mon Dec 04, 2017 8:37 pm

that's not prebuilt though. it's not hard though if you don't mind the project

i'm not familiar with the inkbird 308s but the spec does suggest it can handle your element. (as said, no idea on quality so there is that caveat)
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sbond10
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Re: Prebuilt hlt controller

Post by sbond10 » Mon Dec 04, 2017 10:17 pm

I have a 308 the qualitys top notch.

Just dunno what im looking for if i bought my own pid just i know the generic chinese are suppose to crap so best buy a branded model

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Re: Prebuilt hlt controller

Post by london_lhr » Mon Dec 04, 2017 10:47 pm

It doesn't look like the PID you link to is for 220-240V?
Check before you buy.
Usually the PID is connected to a SSR that can handle the amperage.
For a 2Kw element, the smaller 25Amp SSR will be fine.
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sbond10
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Re: Prebuilt hlt controller

Post by sbond10 » Mon Dec 04, 2017 11:47 pm

How do i tell its not for 240v

RobP

Re: Prebuilt hlt controller

Post by RobP » Tue Dec 05, 2017 12:31 am

I don't think a PID would be necessary for an HLT, unless you're using the water for mashing. The PID/SSR combination wastes a lot of electricity. If you are making some kind of recirculation system using your HLT you do need to go down the self-built PID/HLT/cooling block route, there's no pre-built option. It isn't too difficult to do.

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Re: Prebuilt hlt controller

Post by Jocky » Tue Dec 05, 2017 7:58 am

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Re: Prebuilt hlt controller

Post by hebbstar » Tue Dec 05, 2017 8:39 am

I use the Pico non digital one. Works just fine, not complicated. It uses a bi-metal strip to turn the element on and off. It does however need to be mounted on the HLT as that is where the bi-metal strip gets its temp from to turn on and off.

Had mine about 6 years with a lot of use. I've just had to swap out the switch as it stopped working properly. £1.76 for a new switch so serviceable as well :D

http://www.pecoservices.co.uk/spare-con ... 2-18-p.asp

Cheers

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Re: Prebuilt hlt controller

Post by sbond10 » Tue Dec 05, 2017 10:25 am

I just want summat cheap so i can set the temp so i can free up my hands hence why i thought a pid would do

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Re: Prebuilt hlt controller

Post by jaroporter » Tue Dec 05, 2017 1:10 pm

a pid will do fine but it's a diy project. same as an stc1000. otherwise that peco controller looks about as cheap as you'll get for a premade solution. to be honest, if you don't already have odd bits lying around you'll struggle to make a controller up for less than that
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Re: Prebuilt hlt controller

Post by sbond10 » Tue Dec 05, 2017 2:50 pm

Whats a decent cheap pid to buy then

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Re: Prebuilt hlt controller

Post by jaroporter » Tue Dec 05, 2017 2:57 pm

the inkbird that i got seems fine. bout 20 quid for just the pid or up to thirty for the pid + ssr + probe
you probably want the VH model. 240V input and SSR output
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