PID Build

[sabrecross03]

After reading numerous PID threads, I decided to build one for my Lee 4-20 casting pot.

I re-used an old comp power supply & stripped it out,
all wires came from a stripped out washer machine
re-used the 120v (15a) female panel mount socket
installed a Link Depot (12a) 115V Fan (80mmx80mm) to to pull the heat out of the power supply,
installed in-line fuses (12a) for the power-in and out,
installed (120vac) Neon-red LED lamp assemblies for the power-in and out,
installed a 15a 4-position terminal block
installed a 1/16 PID Temp Controller (SYL-2352)
installed a 25a SSR
installed a K-type high-temp thermocoupler
installed a DPST rocker switch 250v (15a)
installed 120v (15a) us panel socket.
I'm sure I forgot something...

Schematic:



Final product:


Rear view:


Inside view toward rear the rear: Terminal block mounted to the inside-top of box, SSR , Fan


Inside view toward front: PID controller and rocker power switch


Now to plug in the Lee 4-20 and program the PID...

And Please, no negative comments from the peanut gallery

[jmort]

Looks nice, now for the acid test

[longshot1154]

Looks good. I had all the parts picked out and in shopping carts from a few companies but ended up not buying as I haven't even plugged my 4-20 pot in yet. Figured I was spending too much money lately and I should at least try my pot before spending any more money. This week is my 4 day off week and plan on smelting a bunch more wheel weights down and making ingots so I can start using my Lee pot.

[sabrecross03]

I understand. The temperature swing is pretty dramatic with my Lee 4-20 (I think this is true with most Lee pots) and I've been living with it for 2 yrs. I'm to the point where spending the $ is worth it in order to cast without worrying about the temp variable. I ordered most of my parts from Auber Instruments and then I made about 3 trips to Fry's Electronics to pick-up wire connectors, fuses, etc.

[VHoward]

Don't hesitate to look on ebay for PID's and SSR's and k-type thermocouples. You might end up having to wait 2 to 3 weeks for the stuff, but the price is much less that Auberins even counting in Shipping.

[longshot1154]

I'll definitely be looking at your pictures if I find that I need to make one. Again, looks great.

[Walter Laich]

I know I didn't realize how good they were until I started using mine. Wouldn't be without it now.

[Cane_man]

looks good, i am a week behind you... ebay'ed most of parts for about $80 total... got the al project box cutouts done, and i will start the wiring this week when i get time, still waiting for the ssr to get in...

[sabrecross03]

I spent the morning reading the PID manual, programming it, and casting boolits. It was about 40 degrees outside and I didn't have any issues casting (minus the beginning mold temp- not being warm enough). The PID is on the bottom shelf of the tool cart and I have the Lee casting pot plugged into it and on the top shelf. My warming plate is to the left of the casting pot. I also used it to preheat my ingots. I set the individual PID parameters & SV temp for 735 degrees. Then I turned on the auto-learn and it worked like a charm. I couldn't be happier with the PID!

Casting set-up:




Results:

[ACrowe25]

Hey with a showing of those nice pretty bullets it'll be hard to argue against the PID. Thanks for the info!

[blikseme300]

I know I didn't realize how good they were until I started using mine. Wouldn't be without it now.

Exactly my experience. Using a PID removes the variable of swinging temperatures.

[sabrecross03]

I'll tell you, this was the first time in two years that I didn't have frosted boolits (not even one!). No drip problems, lead flowed well and I didn't have to play with the spout screw, etc. If that doesn't make the case for a PID, then I do not know what does!

Another point- I'm glad I went with Aubers Instrument's PID. They have great customer support and great printed instructions. I looked at the ebay PIDs and the one set of instructions that I was able to download was scant at best.

[sabrecross03]

I streamlined the schematic pic. As with the usual warnings, build at your own risk.

[Cane_man]

tested out the PID today with boiling water, measured 209.6F at an elevation of 500', less than 1% error... still waiting for the SSR to get here from china so i can finish this bad boy up and get casting...

[sabrecross03]

Hey guys, It's been a while! BUT if you are using my wiring schematic, then please NOTE: I have the In and Out socket labeled wrong. The In socket is really the OUT socket and the Out socket is the In socket. How do I know this? I built another PID and I got NO power using my schematic. I rewired the sockets and now it works...

[Walter Laich]

I spent the morning reading the PID manual, programming it, and casting boolits. It was about 40 degrees outside and I didn't have any issues casting (minus the beginning mold temp- not being warm enough). The PID is on the bottom shelf of the tool cart and I have the Lee casting pot plugged into it and on the top shelf. My warming plate is to the left of the casting pot. I also used it to preheat my ingots. I set the individual PID parameters & SV temp for 735 degrees. Then I turned on the auto-learn and it worked like a charm. I couldn't be happier with the PID!

Casting set-up:




Results:

after looking at your picture: Thank you for your service to our Country!

[sabrecross03]

Thank you! I appreciate it.