PID for Dummies?

[Markbo]

There are multiple stickies about how to make a PID controller but frankly my electronics knowledge, experience and abilities are a little weak. Is there a PID for dummies thread or site or something I could investigate and maybe make one cheaply and easily?

I can see how having one could really help the casting pot and PCing oven too, if I could use one for both thus minimizing cost. I know...you get what you pay for. I also cant pay for anything I want anytime I want it but maybe I can pay a little, work a little and have a working unit.

Maybe ;)

[Yodogsandman]

There's a lot of information here on how to build one on the cheap. Spend some time studying so that when you do build a PID, it's just what you want and need. The studying and planning are free so, take your time to guaranty your first time success.

One wire, one connection at a time.....done!

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

The problem is, there are several PIDs available and to the novice, they are different enough to be a challenge to connect and program, especially since many of the instructions are translated poorly. That's why there are so many threads. Once you figure out which PID you want to use, those who have some experience with that model, will probably chime in to help you out.

I used the JLD612
http://www.lightobject.com/JLD612-Dual-Display-PID-Temperature-Controller-P43.aspx
It has the capability to display Fahrenheit, some PIDs only display in Celsius, but mostly I like this one because it has a well written manual...and while this PID is capable to do many things, the example in the manual is just about exactly what we want it to do with a lead alloy pot, so getting a grasp on the parameters is easier.
http://fhupiora.fhupiora.home.pl/JLD612Manual.pdf

[dragon813gt]

Honestly, if you can't read a wiring diagram just order a premade one. Wiring up a PID is an extremely simple task. All questions regarding wiring are answered by the wiring diagram for each particular unit. Programming is a different matter but typically if it has an autotune function that's all you will need.

[mongoose33]

Honestly, if you can't read a wiring diagram just order a premade one. Wiring up a PID is an extremely simple task. All questions regarding wiring are answered by the wiring diagram for each particular unit. Programming is a different matter but typically if it has an autotune function that's all you will need.

This ^

Just buy one. More expensive but you have the comfort of knowing it's assembled correctly, and if you don't do it correctly yourself, you'll end up likely doing a lot of frustrating trouble-shooting.

I bought my kit from Frozone at http://jconninv.com/pnp.shtml Costs about $30 more if he assembles it for you.

I have some electronics background but it stretched me a little bit. It works wonderfully, I just plugged it in, set the temp I wanted, and it works. I use it for both my lead pot (a Lee) and for my Star lubesizer heater. It dials both in remarkably fast. It has a socket plug on back (order that option if you go this route) and separate thermocouples for each application.

There are cheaper options or maybe you can find someone who could assemble it for you.

[Markbo]

Yeah $200 is more than I was hoping to spend.

[Mike W1]

Yeah $200 is more than I was hoping to spend.

You aren't going to have to spend that much. It ain't rocket science for sure and we'll get you running with a bit of help here and there. Don't let me frighten you off the project!!!

[P Flados]

Markbo,

If you want low dollar, it will really help to scrounge a box & figure out how to mount everything in it.

I can figure out electrical stuff pretty good, but did not want to bother trying to do the "cheapest possible". Getting the "wrong" PID would have been a pain.

So when I saw a package deal that had everything except the box for $50 described in the thread below, I went for it.

It worked out good for me. Look at post 17, 18, 22.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?285805-pid-for-lee-4-20-110v-pot

[Mike W1]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261286976034...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT (http://www.ebay.com/itm/261286976034?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)

That's the link from the post. But specify you want the 4" probe TC and not the PT-100 which is a RTD.

This one has everything!!!