Hey guys,
The problem with putting the Digiboil straight onto a voltage controller is that when the voltage goes too low, the Digiboil’s controller, display elements and built in protection all shut down. I want to keep my Digiboil connected to full 240V, so I will make the following mods to allow me to control the wattage of the larger element either by the Digiboil (“normal mode”), or via an external voltage controller:
- install a second supply (connected to a voltage controller)
- install a toggle switch to hook up the larger element to either the Digiboil controller (mains), or to the voltage controller (this is where the magic happens)
- make some simple modifications to the Digiboil’s wiring
How it all works after the mod is thus:
- Hook up the Digiboil’s power to a socket outlet. This will allow the controller to remain fully functional, including the display and (importantly) dry boil protection
- For HOME BREWING, the smaller element will be switched ON/OFF as normal, and the larger element toggled either OFF, or on Digiboil control. In this instance, it works like out of the box, and there is no need to hook up the voltage controller supply.
- For DISTILLING, you’ll connect both the Digiboil and the voltage controlled supply. You will toggle the larger element’s switch to connect the element to the (external) voltage controller, and which will COMPLETELY disconnect it from the Digiboil. Your choice if you want the 500W element on or not (via it’s own ON/OFF switch), and if you do have it on then you’ll account for that by running the larger element at a lower wattage.
This isn’t a complete description, but will hopefully give you an idea and not confuse you too much.
I have a very rough sketch I made of the mods, but I’ll redo it and post it here if anyone’s interested.
Rocky