Question About PID Controller

[alamogunr]

I'm interested in acquiring a PID controller. The problem I have is my main pot is a 240V Pro Melt. Does anyone build a PID that works w/a 240V pot?

[el34]

The controllers don't care what voltage your pot needs. The output of a controller sends a low voltage to a Solid State Relay (SSR) which is the thing that actually switches the AC on for the pot. Pretty much all SSR's are good for 240vac or higher.

The Mypin, Auber, and Rex controllers that are in use by forum people will themselves operate on 110vac-240vac, meaning you could wire up your whole system that plugs into a 220vac outlet.

So how'd you choose a 240v pot?

[alamogunr]

It was on a closeout by Midway. I guess they don't sell much to Europe. I have a 240V outlet in my shop for my table saw. I cut off the Euro plug and wired on a plug to fit the receptacle on the cord I use w/ the saw. IIRC, I saved about $100 on the pot.

Good to hear that voltage doesn't matter. If I wanted, I could adapt it to the old Lee pot as well.

Now to find a PID controller. Anyone have a favorite builder?

[dikman]

Most on here are DIY jobs.

[HATCH]

My master caster is 240vac. Even the blower fan is 240vac
I use 120 to control my panel and it powers up the PID and the power supply for the PLC.
All the devices in my panel are rated to be powered from 100vac to 265vac but I choose to run the panel on 120 as its a safer voltage to work with.

I have plenty of 10 amp SSR if you need one. Just shoot me a PM and I can get one in the mail to you.

[popper]

Auber is what I have, no problems.

[alamogunr]

Did everyone put their own PID together?

[HATCH]

I have built a few.....

[bigarm]

I put mine together, but only with the help of el34. Without his help it would still be in pieces. Actually that is not even correct; without his help I wouldn't even have the pieces I needed!

[dikman]

I built three (although I only really need one :roll:). They're not that difficult to build, but for those who don't want to go down that path I think there's a couple of guys on the forum making them for sale.

Hatch, I can't really agree with you that 110v is any safer to work with than 240v. Either can kill you quite easily.

[el34]

Now to find a PID controller. Anyone have a favorite builder?

The PID controller supplies the AC to the pot, so if you find an off-the-shelf assembled controller it will need to plug in to 240vac. I'm reasonably sure that a controller intended for 120vac would work by just changing the input plug and output connector as long as the internal SSR is good for 220. Any lights or fans would need scrutinizing.

Don't know but maybe Frozone makes one, you can look-
www.jconninv.com

I truly think that anyone can build one. The worst part is making the box.

[EdS]

I agree with the comments above. I'm in the process of selecting parts to build my first PID controller and having trouble picking the right box or enclosure. I'd welcome your recommendations. Thanks, Ed

[6bg6ga]

Auber is what I have, no problems.

I have several PIDs the Auber is my favorite but it does cost more. I am of the opinion that you get what you pay for.

[220]

240v down under so plenty that have been built to be used with a lee 240v pot.
Put mine together about 18 months ago for about $30 with parts off ebay

[el34]

Beagle333 built one in a USPS flat rate box!

Auber has a couple of metal boxes with the hole already punched. This one looks pretty good-

http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=34&products_id=143

[Mike W1]

Beagle333 built one in a USPS flat rate box!

Auber has a couple of metal boxes with the hole already punched. This one looks pretty good-

http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=34&products_id=143

That's the one I used on first project. Nice box but a little pricey. Next one was built out of plywood with metal ends and zero cost other than my time.