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Bens power controller

PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 3:29 pm
by benpandaae86
Ok its time build to a proper control box for my new boiler its to power 2 3600w elements

Im not sure which way to set it up vertical or horizontal

Im also after some form of k type thermocouple to put in my boiler im thinkin of some thing programable so i can have a mash temp programe and flat out for normal operation

On the lid
2 ammeters
2 voltmeters
2 15a resets
2 2w 470k pots
4 10amp switch's

In the box
1 240v fan
2 40a ssrs


I will have a sparky mate wire it all up for me on saturday

Any input will be considered


Happy stillin

Re: Bens power controller

PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 5:40 pm
by Mad
my preference is sideways however there's a few things I consider. ie: will your box be mounted or sit on a bench? if it's mounted up and you choose to lift the lid up - if it's not high enough you are crouching down AND trying to hold a lid up. where as if it's swinging sideways you don't have to worry about holding it. if it's just "floating" on the ground or bench like mine is flip up isn't a big deal.
any reason you are leaning towards a thermocouple over an RTD? if you want I have a spare RTD that is M14/1.5mm thread you just need a nut to suit to screw it in and a cable to plug into it cheap pickup on ebay. it has a short probe only about 13mm

are you going to wire it up as "4" elements just for the cool factor? lol just curious why the 4 switches - all i can think of.

only other thing I can think of is if you are wanting to have some control at temperature setpoints you might want to keep some real estate on the panel for a screen or atleast a control module for behind the scenes. I have a spare control unit here also a very simplistic 1 not sure if it would have enough for what you wanting

Re: Bens power controller

PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 6:36 pm
by benpandaae86
The 3600w elements can be set up as 2 1800w's its so i can cut back as i want i will have the pots for that
it just gives me more options

I was gonna mount it at head height as im 6'.3"

I have rtd's at work i have 1 put away that is 0-200 deg c
I was just unsure of a reader for it we have some at work but theyre bout $300

Re: Bens power controller

PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 6:39 pm
by rumdidlydum
Good points mad :handgestures-thumbupleft:
I would have the fan directly blowing against the heat sync.
Mount it on your still with the keg spear :D
Are you going to get a pid for mashing? They come with a temp probe :think:
Keep the pics coming mate :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Re: Bens power controller

PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 6:48 pm
by benpandaae86
Not sure bout the pid still gotta sort that out

Re: Bens power controller

PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 7:53 pm
by rumdidlydum
Im getting this one any day now ill let you know how it goes

Re: Bens power controller

PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 8:05 pm
by benpandaae86
Is that gonna be for normal operations or just mashing

Re: Bens power controller

PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 8:21 pm
by rumdidlydum
Set 70'c ish for heat ups
Mashing.
Also i want to see how it goes on my pot if i set it at 100'c for a striping run (my theory is that it will stay constantly on so no fluctuations ) but one way to find out

Re: Bens power controller

PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 10:46 pm
by maddogpearse
Run me by why your going to control both elements? You can get infinite variations by adjusting power to only one?

Re: Bens power controller

PostPosted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 8:00 am
by benpandaae86
Because i can
it keeps the box symetrical
Wankfactor

Re: Bens power controller

PostPosted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 8:08 am
by maddogpearse
benpandaae86 wrote:Because i can
it keeps the box symetrical
Wankfactor

Fair enough! I can relate to that at times! :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Re: Bens power controller

PostPosted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 9:39 am
by Mad
benpandaae86 wrote:Wankfactor


make sure you get some stickers :laughing-rolling: too make it go faster! :laughing-rolling: MOMO BLITZ TRUST GREDDY maybe paint it red....

Re: Bens power controller

PostPosted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 9:45 am
by rumdidlydum
http://www.aussiedistiller.com.au/viewt ... =60&t=5863
Have a look at what linny did to mod the pid there's a clip how to remove the mechanical relay

Re: Bens power controller

PostPosted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 9:49 am
by rumdidlydum
maddogpearse wrote:Run me by why your going to control both elements? You can get infinite variations by adjusting power to only one?

As stated. Heat up quick, for mashing, possibly striping. But more importantly because of the wank factor :laughing-rolling:

Re: Bens power controller

PostPosted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 9:59 am
by benpandaae86
Cheers fellas

Im sure i can pimp my contoller xzibt style :laughing-rolling:

ive never hidden the fact i need to compensate
(this is y i have a 500hp turbo on my 1.8l datto) :laughing-rolling:

Re: Bens power controller

PostPosted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 10:11 am
by Mad
benpandaae86 wrote:(this is y i have a 500hp turbo on my 1.8l datto) :laughing-rolling:

baha inhales small children when full throttle applied i bet

Re: Bens power controller

PostPosted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 11:00 am
by benpandaae86
Yep n birds or any thing airborne in the area

Re: Bens power controller

PostPosted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 10:06 pm
by benpandaae86
Ive ordered 2 pids today with ssr out puts



Check out this item I found on eBay: http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.vi ... 45&alt=web

Re: Bens power controller

PostPosted: Thu Sep 17, 2015 8:01 pm
by 1 2many
Interesting but it doesn't tell you much about the power rating. :-B

Re: Bens power controller

PostPosted: Thu Sep 17, 2015 8:08 pm
by benpandaae86
IMG_20150917_200558793.jpg
Hope this helps