I ordered the parts from Auber to build a PID. I used the 2352 PID, a 25 amp SSR, and the WRNK-191 thermocouple for heat treating, in 6" length, and a small box for the PID.
I managed to fit the SSR in the small box, where others mounted it to the back. I had to leave off the clear plastic cover, and I used electrical tape to cover the contacts just in case something moved or came loose. It is screwed to the back of the box and has some thermal grease on the back. There is just enough room for the electrical connections. I ran my cords through rubber grommets on the side of the box.
The PID appears to work correctly and I have the polarity correct on the thermocouple. Yep.......I had it backwards when I first hooked it up.
I used ice water to test the accuracy of the thermocouple and I also tried boiling water in my 10 pound dripomatic, after cleaning it out real well. It actually held water, after I thoroughly cleaned the spout and rod.
The TC read correct air temp at first. I put the probe in the pot and got a reading, then put it back into ice water. I have played around with it quite a bit. When I first got temps too high or low, I adjusted the input offset by up to + or - 20 degrees. I was able to set it to 32 degrees when touching the ice in the ice water. After reading room temp or the boiling water in the pot, it would be off again. At one point it showed 220 degrees and the water wasn't even boiling yet. Tonight it showed 59 degrees when I help the probe in my hand. Other times it showed in the mid 90's.
I am wondering if the TC is damaged or if a connection is not good. I used the spade connectors that came on the TC to connect directly to the set screws on the PID. I notched the metal box where the two halves join, to allow the braided jacket of the TC to pass through. I didn't bother with a grommet for the TC cable.
The aluminum box was damaged when I got it via USPS flat rate box from Auber. One of the tabs on the rear was bent up toward the back of the case. The cardboard box was wrinkled up a bit too. I straightened that metal tab and used the box anyway. Maybe the TC was damaged.
I was just about to order the big green egg thermometer that has been mentioned here, but I hate to spend 30 bucks on that when I have a PID.
Chris