PID Controller for Lee Pro4-20 pot

Has anyone out there ever used a PID controller to control their Furnace or Electric Lead pot? I read a lot of posts regarding temperature when casting and the need to monitor the temperature of the alloy in the melter, so I thought using a PID controller would be the perfect solution.

I have a Honeywell PID that controls the actual voltage output (0-100% or 0 -120VAC). I use it for controlling my electric smoker, 3 tiered brew stand HLT and to maintain temperature for my cheese creations. The unit controls to a very close setpoint for these applications, so I believe it will do the job for the Lee Pro4-20.

I do need to order the temperature probe from Omega (less than $100.00) and I should be in business.

A standard PID controller should also work, but the continuous open/close of the scr may cause some overheating issues.

I will post some pictures of operation when I receive the temp. probe.


Any thoughts or input would be welcome.

Salute! :drinks:

Wrong forum.

Go here and start at the top with the sticky posts: http://castboolits.gunloads.com/foru...ting-Equipment

If it is a linear AC regulator, it is $$$$. SCR units actually are more efficient and work great. Get the high temp probe.

Thanks....... New to Site.

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Originally Posted by kitsap

Wrong forum.

Go here and start at the top with the sticky posts: http://castboolits.gunloads.com/foru...ting-Equipment

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Yes, it was high priced, but worth every penny I paid. Thank you.

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Originally Posted by popper

If it is a linear AC regulator, it is $$$$. SCR units actually are more efficient and work great. Get the high temp probe.

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PID controller on the lead pot is Cadillac-ing the craft. Only way to go as far as I'm concerned.
BTW a simple on/off PID works just fine if it has fuzzy logic that learns your pot and predicts cycle time. Temperatures stay pretty constant even with changing alloy levels.

The fuzzy logic PIDs and type "K" thermocouple can be bought under $50.00.

I have a pid on my Lee 4-20, works very well.

Gathering the stuff to put a control together. Frozone helped me out with a bunch of stuff including the Hi Temp probe for way less than 100 dollars!! You might want to contact him. Almost ready to put it together just need a couple more components and some finishing supplies to make it pretty!!

Frozone builds a unit for sale and I have it. Really easy to use and worth every penny.

You can get the entire set up from auber instruments for about $75.00
A high temp type K TC is around $15.00

Frozones unit does everything I need it to do, Don't hesitate getting one if you need a PID.
Rog

How do I track Frozone down? I am interested in getting one of his PID units. My only hesitation would be my electrical abilities.
Thanks

If you can read, use a computer and open an adult beverage, you are good-to-go. He has a write-up in the PID section.

Haha. Sometimes I open so many beverages I lose the ability to read or use a computer. So I qualify!

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Originally Posted by Fathersalt

How do I track Frozone down? I am interested in getting one of his PID units. My only hesitation would be my electrical abilities.
Thanks

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Try here: http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...ized-Available

DougF

you're good.

Thanks for the help guys, Frozone saw my post and sent me a pm.

I should have mentioned that I bought mine from Frozone. A great guy to deal with.

I just received my plug and play unit from FROZONE. I haven't had a chance to use it but it is one nicely put together unit. I can't wait for my hand to heal (cut myself instead of the deer) so I can cast again. James has great communication. Greg