Wired PID Controller

[Rhodesy]

Hi,


I have recently just joined the forum and was hoping someone could assist me locate a pre-wired PID controller? I am having no such luck on eBay as yet. I understand alot of people wire these themselves however I am the first to admit this is not a strong point of mine and if I can I would prefer to go down the pre-wired route.

Thanks

[AnthonyUK]

If you don't find one you'll get all the help you need here to put one together yourself as they are pretty straightforward.

[UpTheToon]

homebrewbuilder (mr lard) sells them. They weren't on his site last time I was on but he will build one for you.

You will save a fairly large sum doing it yourself though and there is plenty of info out there on it.

[orlando]

homebrewbuilder (mr lard) sells them. They weren't on his site last time I was on but he will build one for you.

The picture top left is what his looks like.

[Fil]

Mr lard kit is always top notch, but the wiring job itself is fairly simple,
2 x power in connections
2 x relay control connections
and 2 perhaps 3 depending on probe probe connections,

the instruction sheets of far east pid models do leave a lot to be desired but the auber pid documentation is widley available online (google auber pid instructions for a pdf)
and the sestos pids (cheap jobs) emulate the auber opperation

refer to the specific device instructions for wirring
but if u opt for a sestos model i would be happy to help and post a pic or 2 of the wirring..

[orlando]

Mr lard kit is always top notch, but the wiring job itself is fairly simple,
2 x power in connections
2 x relay control connections
and 2 perhaps 3 depending on probe probe connections,

the instruction sheets of far east pid models do leave a lot to be desired but the auber pid documentation is widley available online (google auber pid instructions for a pdf)
and the sestos pids (cheap jobs) emulate the auber opperation

refer to the specific device instructions for wirring
but if u opt for a sestos model i would be happy to help and post a pic or 2 of the wirring..

Academic to me, I'm no tinkerer, but what is the difference between say Sestos and Auber?

[AnthonyUK]

Auber is the original that the Sestos is based on (Chinese copy??)
The Sestos is a step up from the really cheap ones such as REX c-100 and works well.

[orlando]

Auber is the original that the Sestos is based on (Chinese copy??)
The Sestos is a step up from the really cheap ones such as REX c-100 and works well.

Thanks

[Rhodesy]

Thanks for the all the responses. I think I might take this on and have a go at wiring. Next bit of help is to point me in the direction of a tried and tested controller in the form of a link? Also is there a decent guide or does anyone have the components needed to wire and box the controller up?

Appreciate the help.

[Fil]

Q) do you REALLY need a pid? while im using one for my hlt heat up after buying and then reading a bit and learning what a pid is im doubtfull if we appreciate any efficiency savings worth mentioning especially when the cost of a tune up run is factored in
And i keep having to refer to the instructions almost every time i use it

However that said its a brew toy that can provide an easy build, so if you want one get one

afaik the standard is set by the auber pids http://auberins.com/images/Manual/Manua ... %203.4.pdf but far east rip offs like Rex and Sestos exit and can be got via ebay,

Ensure you get one for use with a SSR and not a mechanical relay.. lots of folk slip up on that

pt100 probes are supported by all the pids worth looking at and will home in quicker and provide a more accurate reading than a type k thermocouple, Also Pt100 probes can be fitted into a plug and socket with normal copper wire to connect to the pid for easy plug in/out many folk use 3 pin xlr socket plugs as they are substantial can lock and are fairly cheap..

thermocouples require special sockets and plugs AND specific metal wires to match the thermocouple to wire thru to the box as a thermocouple is 2 different wires you need to use the same 2 wire types to extend in any way, otherwise the reading could be compromised.


i opted to use the sestos pids but they are thin on the ground on ebay ?? they opperate very much like the auber pid without the option to display and use farenheight temps and iirc different codes for the thermocouples/probes set up.

rex is another option but some folk have noticed that they lie about the temperature especially when you move the setpoint (target temp) during use, the current reading jumps 2-3degrees towards the new target on occasion????? and a similar fault has been discovered with the sestos ones too tho i cant recall the details..


this is what im using only one i cld find on ebay
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sestos-Dual-D ... 35e10c1601

dont forget the heatsink for the ssr http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Security-New- ... 3ce7bbbefa

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UK-DC-to-AC-S ... 4d270fbb09


and you could take a punt on a far east pt100 probe, if u do buy from 2 sellers to double the chances of getting a good un i have ebayed far east probes that are pants..

and ones like these.. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1M-Screw-Thre ... 1e84189a0d

i have bought to discover the Stainless steel probe sheaf isnt bonded/sealed to the threaded body which itself will rust so garbage...

imho a pid is a small brewers toy, i think a simple thermostaticly controlled heating cntroller may be easier to impliment use and do the hlt job just as well too http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/220V-Digital- ... 43c08e2811 (fwiw im using one of these to run my kitchen fridge after its built in controller died)

[Rhodesy]

Thanks Fil. If I were to go down just the heating controller route what else would I need? Apologies for the simple questions but just want to be sure?

[Fil]

Thanks Fil. If I were to go down just the heating controller route what else would I need? Apologies for the simple questions but just want to be sure?

a box, and some suitable flex, they come with a temp sensor, leggo brick style strip of hi amp electrical connectors and cable glands to grip tight any flex entering the box

i used an old 1litre icecream container from tesco to house my fridge controller in

google for stc1000 projects for box ideas its the same size controller

for flex use 1.5mm sq upto 15a and consider heat proof flex to connect to hi amp elements. whats your hlt heated with?

[Steveicky]

Take a look here

http://brew.x10.mx/STC1000Project.html

This was my project.

[Rhodesy]

Thanks guys, been most helpful

[Rhodesy]

Hi,


Sorry to resurect an old thread. I now have most of the parts requried. Whilst I don't expect anyone to definitively say this set up is 100% I just want to run past what I plan to do?

4500W element (18.75 amps) connected to switch on box (13A). Switch connected 60A connectors with 2.5mm heatproof flex to Thermostatic controller (30A). 2.5mm heatproof flex from controller to wall plug. Now providing that I wire this correctly etc this should be ok?