PID controlled primary heater pics

[chachi44089]

I put a few pics of my PID controlled primary heater for you guys to check out. Its in the albums page. Let me know what you think, or any questions..

 

[rocket man]

That looks awesome. So how much does something like that cost to make?

 

[chachi44089]

I have about 50 bucks in the controller and probe. The lunchbox was free..lol. You can mount it in anything..The outlet is just a single outlet I robbed from another project. You could use a standard outlet from any hardware store for under a buck. Power cord was also robbed. This place has the best prices and a nice selection of probes.. I plan on getting a ten inch 302 stainless probe that can stick through a grommet in the lid of my primary. Or just drill a solid bung to fit. Then it will be right in the must. Here is a link to the site.. http://www.auberins.com/

 

[ibglowin]

Looks great.

Does it have to be a NKOTB Box?

 

[chachi44089]

LMAO..I get a lot of comments on the lunchbox..I use this to controle a smoker too, so people always tease me about the box. So I have to keep it now.. Great for conversation..

 

[robie]

That would be great for controlling a refrigerator for cold stabilization, if coupled with a high amp relay, which is also available from the same site.

I am interested...

 

[robie]

Which probe are you going to use and where do you find it?

 

[Runningwolf]

Thats pretty cool. Love the box.

 

[chachi44089]

The probe I used is on the same site. Here.. I would buy the 6' lead, mine is only 3' and a bit short.. http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=6 Any probe they sell will work with this unit. So pick the type that would fit your need best. I may order the 6" probe and drill a bung to fit it in, so I can just stick it in the hole in the lid of my primary. Or just hang it in under the edge of the lid. This is the probe I plan to switch to.. http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=27 But the one I am using now is working just fine.

I have used this to controle my keg-o-rator "standard converted fridge" and it did fine. You just have to program it so it doesnt cycle too frequently. Easy to do. You may need an external SSR depending on the amp load of your fridge, they are cheap. My fridge had a low amp load so it wasnt too much for the internal relay "rated 10 amps or 1200 watts". You can use these things to controle almost any heating or cooling device.

 

[robie]

Good info, thanks