PID Enclosure

[ranger391xt]

Foe Christmas, I received all of the components to build a PID. The one thing I don't have is a box/enclosure for them. I've looked through some of the threads and don't see much mention of what is being used or where to buy. Would anyone care to share what they have used, where they got it, and about how much it cost?

My assumption is a metal enclosure would be better to help with heat dissipation, but if that isn't everyone else's experience then I'm not opposed to using ABS or some other type of plastic box.

Thanks in advance.

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[bosterr]

I used a plastic junction box I bought at Lowes. The lid is 6 1/4" square and the height is 4". The one that's listed there now is 4" square which probably would be too small. Any Electric supply store should have the bigger one and only cost about 10 bucks. Since then I came into possession of a couple of computer power supply boxes and is what I would use if I need to build another one. A lot of guys on here used them.

[CraigOK]

I got mine from amazon... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Its aluminum

[Mike W1]

Believe Jameco electronics also has boxes. Actually 3 of mine are light plywood with metal fronts and backs out of scrap pieces. LOTS cheaper and no heat problems with their vent holes and SSR heat sinks installed.

[fralic76]

Built mine out of plywood and hardboard for the front and back.

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[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I used a medium sized perforated steel box, of unknown origin that I found in the scrap bin.

If I were to build another one, I'd use a power supply chassis from a computer tower, like this 400watt unit.

Attachment 213204

[Smoke4320]

Plastic ammo box

[ranger391xt]

Thanks for the various ideas. I've actually got about a half dozen old PC power supplies laying around, so I'm going to hit one of those and use the metal enclosure.

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[lightman]

I always thought that a computer power supply would make a perfect housing for a PID. Many places like Radio Shack offer project boxes and Electrical supply houses will have a large selection of metal junction boxes.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

Thanks for the various ideas. I've actually got about a half dozen old PC power supplies laying around, so I'm going to hit one of those and use the metal enclosure.

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I hope you post some photos of this project as go along. I suspect that getting everything in there will be a tight fit, so it may take some careful consideration on where to mount the components. If you use a HeatSink (HS) on the SSR, I had a thought about mounting the HS on the outside of the chassis, but the SSR on the inside, and of course thermal compound on both sides of the chassis wall to conduct heat through.

[ranger391xt]

I hope you post some photos of this project as go along. I suspect that getting everything in there will be a tight fit, so it may take some careful consideration on where to mount the components. If you use a HeatSink (HS) on the SSR, I had a thought about mounting the HS on the outside of the chassis, but the SSR on the inside, and of course thermal compound on both sides of the chassis wall to conduct heat through.

Yes, I will. It may be a bit before I get to it. I did pull one if the units out last night. I'm going to have to figure out how to cut the needed holes in it, as I do not own a nibbler. I do have a dremel, but have not had good luck with the cut off wheels.

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[Mike W1]

Cut mine a bit undersized and filed to fit.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I use a handheld Orbital Jig Saw with a Metal cutting blade, 18tpi is my preferred for mild steel, but 24tpi will give a smoother cut but it takes longer...clean up edges with a hand file.

[ranger391xt]

Here is the power supply box, with the power supply removed. The wires for incoming power are soldered to the connector, so I will just re-use them. I don't see any harm in leaving the ferrite choke, since its hot glued to the wires.

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[ranger391xt]

A quick check of space, and it looks like there will be plenty of room. Debating between opening a hole for the PID in the existing ventilation area on the right, or putting it in the lid close the where it is sitting in the picture.

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