I built a PID

[oldtoolsniper]

I finally built a PID. I really did not need one as I was casting just fine without it. I have been running it today and trying to figure out what all it can do. I am afraid its capabilities are way beyond mine, much like the device I am typing on. I like to build things and what the heck it looks cool having a digital temperature gauge for my pot.

What I have learned.

It was simple to build in about an hour and cost less than $100.00.

It steadies the Lee pot down to 3-4 degree swings up and down.

I now know what temperature range a mold likes via a digital readout instead of a knob twisted to # 8, I record the temps for the molds as I find them in degrees not hash marks on a meaningless dial..

I can program the temperature of the particular mold I am casting and it will be reached and then maintained.

I can do other things while the pot finds the correct temperature; I only need to glance at the readout until the actual temperature matches the programmed temperature.

Adding two pounds of lead drops the temperature about 100 degrees so I can go do something else while the pot comes back to my target casting temperature.

Constant digital feedback on what is going on with pot temperature and when the pot is cycling.

Turn the pot to maximum and the PID will maintain whatever temperature you tell it to.

I am going to use it to control my lube heater as well since the PID is really built like an extension cord controlled by a thermocouple.
No more plugging in the lube heater till it’s runny and then unplugging it till its firm, once I have the correct temperature for the lube recorded I can program it and go do something else.

A $2.00 garage sale iron can now be controlled to heat my lube within a few degrees. Even a heat lamp would work.

It’s like my radio, I don’t understand how it works but I sure like it!

I got the idea here! Thanks to all of you!:drinks:

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=45733

[RP]

Like you I like the read out and I was wanting one or two myself just have not gotten around to do it glad it work out of you so well.

[snuffy]

What, no pics?

Where's that smilie with all the little yellow roundheads holding up the banner THIS THREAD IS USELESS WITHOUT PICTURES!

I've been using mine for the last year----or so---!?---!?¿ Dammit, memory's the second thing to go, can't remember what the first is! It sure is nice to have the digital readout, and the +-1 degree accuracy. Then you KNOW it's not melt temp that's the problem. Or at least you can regulate it if you suspect the mold/bullet combo could need more or less temp.

http://photos.imageevent.com/jptowns/bullets/websize/Picture%20114.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/jptowns/bullets/websize/Picture%20115.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/jptowns/bullets/websize/PB080102.JPG

[snuffy]

Here's where I got my info to start:

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=49410&highlight=pid

Turns out it was last october, well close to a year!?:razz:

[oldtoolsniper]

Mine is a black box! Where did you get the fancy one? I have to shovel off my bench to take pictures. The bread maker being converted to a brass tumbler is all over the place and the arbor press Glock bulge buster project is piled in there with the ten or eleven Mec reloaders.

[lwknight]

The first thing that I learned about my PID with a suposed 10 amp relay was that the relay is over rated. It got hot to the point of stinking.
The cure was getting a 24v transformer and 30 amp relay contactor from the AC supply.
The cost of a Xformer and relay was less than $20.00.

[snuffy]

The first thing that I learned about my PID with a suposed 10 amp relay was that the relay is over rated. It got hot to the point of stinking.
The cure was getting a 24v transformer and 30 amp relay contactor from the AC supply.
The cost of a Xformer and relay was less than $20.00.

I was urged to get a heat sync for mine. I got a 40 amp SSR, was recommended to get a 25 amp, but the 40 was only a couple of bucks more. It doesn't even get warm! The heat sync is un-needed.

http://photos.imageevent.com/jptowns/bullets/websize/PB080108.JPG


Mine is a black box! Where did you get the fancy one?

Marlin P. Jones is where I sent for it. Here.http://www.mpja.com/prodinfo.asp?number=16293+BX

[lwknight]

I don't remember the price of the SSR's but at the time I just elected to risk the internal 10 amp relay , while knowing that if it did not pan out that I could get commercial relays pretty cheap.