Element controller

[Rumking]

Hi guys

So I'm about to convert a 50L keg into a boiler. I will be purchasing 2 of Macs weldless 2400w elements with guards to install, I really want to hook them to a controller but have no sparky experience or sparky mates.
Is there anyone on this forum that can make a controller or know of/recommend someone that can in Perth.
More then likely j will have both elements installed one on a controller the other just wired up, both elements for heat up then switch to the controller element for the spirit run.

Any recommendations on I'm going down the right track

Cheers

[Psykamaholik]

I'd probably recommend just having the controller work on one element and have the other simply switched on/off. It can be done to have control over both elements though if that's what you really want.

[rumdidlydum]

Definitely wire one through a switch and the other trough an ssr. If you ever want to change it you can easily with minimal cost. Also I doubt you will ever change it :handgestures-thumbupleft:
As for who can do it get some quotes from sparky but make sure you know 100% what you want.
They may not understand what you are trying to achieve, you want power control not temp control :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[EziTasting]

G'day Rum,
Been working on this as well and haven't found a full exposé on any one post.
Best I've found is this post and you can go from there. There are kits available, so I've been told ...

This should get you started.

[WTDist]

G'day Rum,
Been working on this as well and haven't found a full exposé on any one post.
Best I've found is this post and you can go from there. There are kits available, so I've been told ...

This should get you started.

go for this one :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Rumking]

Thanks guys. I've been looking at that diagram.
Just found this kit on eBay. Would it be suitable? I'm all knew to this so not sure if the specs are what I'm needing.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Digital-PID- ... 1853633792.
What's everyone think?

[Psykamaholik]

That ebay kit isn't quite what you want, it's basically an automated controller that will measure the temperature and control the heating element to maintain that temperature, you really want manual control over your heating element so you can adjust your output as you need

[WTDist]

controll volts/watts not temp.

[EziTasting]

Excellent info WTDist., that'll help me quite a bit!

[WTDist]

Its basically the same as mine, i used his diagram but replaced the SSR with an SCR. Ive read the SSR's are more reliable but you need to solder the pot on.

Here is my build. If i did it again i would use a SSR like punchys design

[EziTasting]

Can I request this post be placed into the newbie section!

It's now the most informative post on Power Controllers...

[1 2many]

Can I request this post be placed into the newbie section!

It's now the most informative post on Power Controllers...

:wtf: there is plenty of good threads on power controllers
Enjoy the reading. :teasing-neener:

[rumdidlydum]

How about you book mark it for your own refrence 8-}
But seriously this thread only scratched the surface on controllers :O)

[WTDist]

:text-+1:

I read so many pages before i started thinking about what to do. there are different ways

[Rumking]

I agree with rummy there is a heap of info out there on power controllers but off all the pages I have gone through and treads I have read I'm still lost and unsure what components I need.
Like people have asked and mentioned before, I just want a plug and play sort of job, I wish I understood more and I'm sure I will with time, but right now I just want to run 2 elements one one a control the other for heat up so A simple on offs which is fine, in my 50l keg attached to my 2inch pot still and make some wicked drink. I don't want to kill myself or my family and burn my house down with dodgy power set up.
If someone here is in in the Perth region I'm happy to pay a qualified experienced member to build me one.