Control Freak

[badbird]

The control box runs 2, separate 10 amp input circuits,

OK, Just reread the thread so now I know where you are at. :violence-smack:

I assume those PIDs are the Chinese REX-C900 (1/4 DIN) from ebay, cant quite see from the photos? I have 1/16 DIN Sestos ones and while they work great, the little buttons are pain in the ass. My big aussie fingers cover 2 buttons at once ~x(. Anyway let us know if you are happy with them after running them for a while and I might upgrade as I left space for 1/4 DIN's in my panel.

[Meatheadinc]

Badbird you are correct C900.(96mm-96mm)
I specifically got the large model as I have suffered the "fat finger" problem with a c100 unit. If I started again I think I would use a 700 series unit. (72mm *72mm) They should be big enough to allow for "Fat fingers" plus take up less room in the box.
Rex are the only PiDs I have used, and have found the menus and programming straight forward but cannot compare them to others.

After playing with the controller last night I think I will invest in another contactor and relay for the spill sensor. Make it a dedicated function to trigger the solenoid valve (full reflux) + turn off the elements and sound an alarm, instead of just triggering reflux..

I think with the new additions (cantactor and relay ) that space will be getting tight. Never would have imagined I would have such a problem using a 450mm*360mm*150mm enclosure :think:

[badbird]

If I started again I think I would use a 700 series unit

Yes well, It usually takes me 3 goes to get it right :doh:

I'm just going with a 50 degree NC bi-metal thermostat on the product condenser in series with the modified cheap-ass ebay flow switch controlling the contactor via a 12v relay. I'm also sure something wont be quite right the first time but anyway that's half the fun.

450mm*360mm*150mm Meat now you done it, I got enclosure envy now, mines about half that size :angry-banghead: :angry-banghead: :laughing-rolling:

[Meatheadinc]

Yes well, It usually takes me 3 goes to get it right

LOL that's why I will never buy a series 1-" anything "
Im the same series 3 all the way lol
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=7374
lol
1st time it "works". second time it "works well" and the third it "works well and looks neat" :handgestures-thumbupleft:

I don't know if I will make to series 3 control freak %-(
although series 2 might happen :ugeek: :think:

[Meatheadinc]

"dad" mentioned these on a different forum ..

http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_odkw ... n&_sacat=0

These ethanol detection sensors can be wired in and used in the same way as my spill detector/ rainsensor.

now to see if I can fit yet another relay and contactor into the box :ugeek:

[1 2many]

"dad" mentioned these on a different forum ..

http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_odkw ... n&_sacat=0

These ethanol detection sensors can be wired in and used in the same way as my spill detector/ rainsensor.

now to see if I can fit yet another relay and contactor into the box :ugeek:

I have the same one, i was going to hook it up to an arduino for use as a leak detector and have a bar graph of led's to indicate vapor strength but never got round to putting it together.

the big problem with them is the recovery time, they sense very quickly but to recover takes a reasonable amount of time (I have read). but may still have a crack at it one day.

[Meatheadinc]

Hi 1 2

Im not overly concerned with recovery time. If there is a vapor leak , I feel that there will be plenty of time for the sensor to reset by the time you have found and repaired the leak. Plus I would also wire a bypass switch to bypass the sensor if it has problems or is not hooked up at the time, same as what I am doing with the rain and flow sensors. ( they are not needed for mashing)

I am only thinking at this point, space is getting tight in the box :roll:

[1 2many]

I was thinking more about the calabration of the device as a glass of whisky 3 feet away can set them off.

and in a stilling environment you are going to have some vapor. :think:

[Meatheadinc]

wow really ?
you can adjust the sensitivity via the pot. ?
If they are that sensitive, then that ideas a fail ..
but then again there cheap enough for a test.......
i might hold off on this one and see how some others do with the sensor

[1 2many]

Have a look at those sensors on you tube you will soon see what I mean.

Pm me your address and I will post mine for a xmas pressy, brand new never used. :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Meatheadinc]

Thanks 1 2 :clap: :clap:
You are a generous man. :handgestures-thumbupleft:
If i go down that path I will be in contact.

Cheers

[1 2many]

Thanks 1 2 :clap: :clap:
You are a generous man. :handgestures-thumbupleft:
If i go down that path I will be in contact.

Cheers

No probs mate I have had it sitting here for 5 months, may as well go to someone that will use it. :))

[Hari]

Meat,
that control box is a work of Art. If you are ever in Western Australia drop in, I have a job for you.
regards
Hari.

[Meatheadinc]

Thanks Hari :D