my new pid unit

[BigYin]

as far as i know a pid unit its better to use one element per pid from wot i been told but may be wrong :wha: i not a expert in that field :thumb: :wha:

The PID is really just a fancy little digital switch, but it can't handle switching the kind of power drawn by a heating element, and that is why we use relays - the PID tells the relay when to switch the power, and the relay handles the actual power switching.

You need one relay for each element - and they can be controlled by the one PID :thumb:

Because of the amount of power passing through a relay, it will get quite hot. We generally seem to use SSR's - Solid State Relays - and while they are a very clever little bit of kit, as they heat up, the amount of current they deliver to the heating element gradually reduces in proportion to the temperature - so keeping the relay cool is very important - whether you use a heat sink and/or a fan is up to you.

 

[pjbiker]

Looks great, nice idea using an old PC case.

Which PID / ebay seller did you use?

Seen this one for only £10.46 inc P&P What do you think ?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dual-Digital- ... 0621981221

That is the one I have. It can be set to accept a PT100 probe, mine came with and was set up to use. To work out how to do it look here or PM me.

REX C100

 

[JagCrusher]

Hi Tazuk,
I am interested in this snippet of info...

...and i have a seprate element on a plug to speed up water heating...

Is this your version of what the Americans would call a ' Heatstick'? Any further info or piccies please?

Cheers! :thumb:

 

[tazuk]

my pics at start of this post i have put 2 tesco elements in my boiler my pid unit wil control one element ( one pid one pt100 one hot plug ) then second element will be on a 13 amp plug just to boost heating water or wort up for a short time :thumb:
have look at this post viewtopic.php?f=30&t=3104

Hi Tazuk,
I am interested in this snippet of info...

...and i have a seprate element on a plug to speed up water heating...

Is this your version of what the Americans would call a ' Heatstick'? Any further info or piccies please?

Cheers! :thumb:

 

[JagCrusher]

Hi Tazuk,
My mistake... I misinterpreted your setup but thanks for the clarification.

I'm looking for someone who has built a UK version of one of these...

HEATSTICK ...a 'portable' or additional, heating element