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T500 boiler, PID vs Voltage controller?

PostPosted: Fri Jan 19, 2018 11:34 am
by Lowey79
Hey guys, I’m hoping to get some advice from those with experience...

I’m getting organized to build a new pot still for my T500 boiler, and I want to set up a controller while I’m at it.

I’ve read up on PID and Voltage type controllers, but I haven’t seen any direct comparisons. Does one type work better than the other? And what are the pros and cons for either type.

Cheers for any advice offered!

Re: T500 boiler, PID vs Voltage controller?

PostPosted: Fri Jan 19, 2018 11:38 am
by Doubleuj
You’ll want a voltage controller.
From what I know about it is that a VC allows for infinite control over power, allowing you to slow down or speed up the boiling of your wash. Therefore controlling your output speed
A PID is more for setting a desired temp and keeping that temp constant, like when mashing all grain

Re: T500 boiler, PID vs Voltage controller?

PostPosted: Mon Jun 04, 2018 12:22 pm
by Chris7231
I just bought one of these off eBay... best decision I've ever made!

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/172157820136?ul_noapp=true

I have no idea why there's no voltage control inbuilt?!

Re: T500 boiler, PID vs Voltage controller?

PostPosted: Tue Aug 07, 2018 2:12 am
by Maximus_Moonshine
Chris7231 wrote:I just bought one of these off eBay... best decision I've ever made!

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/172157820136?ul_noapp=true

I have no idea why there's no voltage control inbuilt?!


How did you go with this? Did it live up to expectations?
Cheers
Chris

Re: T500 boiler, PID vs Voltage controller?

PostPosted: Tue Aug 07, 2018 10:37 am
by baznkez
Hi Mate this is the one i use i built a box for it saftey 1st !!!! i use it on my t500 boiler when i use the pot still head

4000W 220V SCR Speed Controller Motor Electronic Variable Voltage Regulator Fan
volt.jpg

Re: T500 boiler, PID vs Voltage controller?

PostPosted: Mon Sep 03, 2018 4:11 pm
by Chris7231
Maximus_Moonshine wrote:
Chris7231 wrote:I just bought one of these off eBay... best decision I've ever made!

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/172157820136?ul_noapp=true

I have no idea why there's no voltage control inbuilt?!


How did you go with this? Did it live up to expectations?
Cheers
Chris



It's going fine (touch wood)
It's great to know exactly what voltages to dial in...

Re: T500 boiler, PID vs Voltage controller?

PostPosted: Fri Oct 05, 2018 5:46 pm
by Rakija
Hi Chris 7231 ,
Thanks for posting the link for the voltage controller and the picture of your control box that you made.
It look great, that’s exactly what I want to make. I bought the same controller from the link.
Could you PLEASE Scribble down a scetch of how you wired the parts together?
Also I see a fuse in the box too. How many amps did you make the circut?
Thanks mate

Re: T500 boiler, PID vs Voltage controller?

PostPosted: Fri Oct 05, 2018 6:03 pm
by j0sh2008
If your asking for sketch of the wiring diagram, you should really get a sparky to wire it up mate. These things are simple to make but if your asking questions like that get a sparky. You don’t want to kill yourself or someone else :law-policered:

Re: T500 boiler, PID vs Voltage controller?

PostPosted: Fri Oct 05, 2018 7:51 pm
by Rakija
I know how to wire the box but I have never wired /used a digital display like that before that’s why I asked for a sketch.

Re: T500 boiler, PID vs Voltage controller?

PostPosted: Wed Oct 10, 2018 10:37 am
by Chris7231
Rakija wrote:I know how to wire the box but I have never wired /used a digital display like that before that’s why I asked for a sketch.


You just connect the LCD wires to the same connections as your output connections that go to your boiler.