Cheap simple Voltage Controller.

[eminiM]

Hi Fellas

Looking to make one of these up using a 3800W voltage regulator



I assume that it replaces the relay and pot in the diagram

Is there any benefit of wiring in an amp meter as well as a voltmeter?

Also with the earth does that get connected to the little loop that protrudes or do these gadgets not require earthing assuming it's all housed in a plastic jiffy box?

Thought I'd check before :scared-shocked:

Cheers

Earth should go on the heat sink. I bought that controller. It worked OK on my 4500 watt element by bolting an additional heat sink to it. It has a fairly high turn on voltage of about 60 volts and the control is not particularly linear but after it kicks in you can ratchet it down quite nicely.

[eminiM]

This unit was installed inside a plastic project box without ventilation by my brother. Believe it or not it still functions effectively until it warms up and then it gates over to full power and won't shut off. These units are surprisingly tough!

[stubbydrainer]

mini
its my understanding that these things "fail to on" or switch on when they fail.
it's time for a cooling fan mate :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[maheel]

This unit was installed inside a plastic project box without ventilation by my brother. Believe it or not it still functions effectively until it warms up and then it gates over to full power and won't shut off. These units are surprisingly tough!

did he not even use a heat sink ?

[eminiM]

This unit was installed inside a plastic project box without ventilation by my brother. Believe it or not it still functions effectively until it warms up and then it gates over to full power and won't shut off. These units are surprisingly tough!

did he not even use a heat sink ?

Yes, it was on a heat sink but no air could move through the box so over the course of a strip run it started to melt. I used the same box and drilled several (like 2 dozen) 1/4" / 6mm holes through it and it works fine now.

I posted this in case anyone was doubting the quality of these units. They are very tough high quality units.

[stubbydrainer]

thats good info Mini, I glad you had a good word for this part :handgestures-thumbupleft: , I've got 3 in my controller ( in fan forced ventilation ) so I hope I get a good run outta them :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Panda]

Started on the new 15 amp one (blue one iI built is 10amp). Everything will live in box so with lid shut it just looks like a poxy little tool box.

The lead to plug into the wall will be on the far left and will roll up and fit under lid, below that will be the Pot dial. Then Voltmeter, 15amp outlet for still to plug into, relay and heatsink and on far right the 240 volt fan.

Top side


Underside


In box

[Kimbo]

Brilliant Panda, :handgestures-thumbupleft:
(I love camouflage)

[Panda]

Brilliant Panda, :handgestures-thumbupleft:
(I love camouflage)

You're too kind.

My quality & finish is "smash and grab" at best, so don't get too enthusiastic :P

[caveman]

hey panda like ya work :handgestures-thumbupleft: whats the chances of getting one of those 10amp magic blue boxes made up it would go great with my new 3"mac ive just purchaced :smile:

[Panda]

hey panda like ya work :handgestures-thumbupleft: whats the chances of getting one of those 10amp magic blue boxes made up it would go great with my new 3"mac ive just purchaced :smile:

How good a kisser are you? I'll chat to you over PM

[Brigand]

Wired a controller box up last night with the 3800W voltage regulator last night with both a voltmeter and ammeter

Plugged it in to test and it all works except for the voltmeter

Checked all the wiring and everything is fine so I assume I have a dodgy voltmeter

Have ordered a new one to replace

Took some photos - will post these shortly

Cheers

[Brigand]

Hi Fellas

I've drawn up some PDFs (in a zip file as PDFs aren't permitted) which list the Voltage, Amp and Output Watts at various settings that people may find useful based on YHB's spreadsheet on AD

I have attached the 2200W version as an image as well for previewing

Included are 2200W + 2400W + 3600W versions

Let me know if you'd like me to draw up any other ones

Cheers

[Brigand]

I did like the red box arrangement :D

Hopefully the runs will go faster :handgestures-thumbupleft:

IMG_3213.jpg

IMG_3215.jpg

[R-sole]

That's just plain cool being all in the box :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[eminiM]

That's just plain cool being all in the box :handgestures-thumbupleft:

+1 Nice job!

[Panda]

I'm off the toolbox build now, I took too long and you've snagged it off me.

[R-sole]

Flour canister should be next. Or coffee tin. 8-}


Oh oh OH!

I know...


Put one in a boom box 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)

All the knobs are there already.


CoolAsAFukinCucumberPunkin

[MacStill]

Put one in a boom box 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)

All the knobs are there already.


CoolAsAFukinCucumberPunkin

Only if it's got a remote control :D

[Panda]

Don't tempt me