So first off I would have to say that this project was NOT cheaper then just buying the dual temp control from Auber instruments :( But it was quite a bit more fun ;)
I picked up two PID controls, one is the regular control, the other one is the Ramp/soak SSR style control for step programming.
(http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/o761/DukeNukeIt/PIDControl2_zps7633d75f.jpg)
I also picked up some different colored lamps, and an alarm for an over-temp alert. (If the cabinet temp reaches 350 or higher, the entire control box will shut down and the alarm will go off until power is shut off.)
The back has cutouts for the re-circulation fan, and the heater control, plus both the food temperature probe, and the cabinet temp probe.
(http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/o761/DukeNukeIt/PIDControl4_zps8a1d6c68.jpg)
I installed some terminal strips, a lock-out relay, and the SSR with it's heat sink into the control box.
(http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/o761/DukeNukeIt/PIDControl6_zps21bbeb5c.jpg)
I then wired everything up using the schematic I came up with:
(http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/o761/DukeNukeIt/BradleySmokerPID_zps10892e35.jpg)
Here is the fully wired control box:
(http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/o761/DukeNukeIt/PIDControl7_zps1b1c78ee.jpg)
And after I attached the front and back:
(http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/o761/DukeNukeIt/PIDControl8_zps1e47c995.jpg)
After a full checkout and test-run, I closed up the control box and added labels:
(http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/o761/DukeNukeIt/PIDControl9_zps35018312.jpg)
(http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/o761/DukeNukeIt/PIDControl10_zps2378bded.jpg)
So far so good, I've done a couple of smokes now, and everything is working fine. Should not have any problems if there is ever the need to make any modifications later so the future looks bright 8)
Wow that does look like it was a fun project. Reminds me of a company that is no longer around called "Heathkit". They made all kinds of eletronic kits you could buy and build. My dad built a loudhailer for his boat. I use to look threw those catalogues all day long. I wish they were still around. I love to build stuff like that but I need instructions. LOL
Heathkit, think I might still have one or two their catalogs somewhere. :-)
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Very, very nice. I'll bookmark this project. Thanks for posting.
That is one clean installation!
You don't want to see the bird's nest I have for my Traeger PID controller :o ;D
WOW, very nice!
Ditto on the Heathkit catalogs.... I loved looking through that stuff as a kid.
very kewl.. great job
Heathkit was headquartered here in Michigan. I remember my father building their kits also. Might even have a few of the old finished "kits" still laying around. It was a fun project, but I'm glad it is over and working great!
I still have a automotive engine multi tester that I built from a Heathkit.
I am from the Detroit area. The store was on 8 mile.
I always wanted to build a TV from one of those kits!!
nice job on that.
DukeNukeIt
Nice Job! 8)
It' very similar to the controller I built for my 220v watt burner. The only difference was I added a cooling fan for the SSR because it's switching a lot more power and I had a dedicated PID, TC & Contactor setup as a high limit switch.
Excellent work! ;)
Mike
Very clean . Nothing like what my work with anything electrical looks.
Very Nice job, My Dad still uses the Stereo/radio amplifier he built 40 years ago from Heathkit.
Yup too bad Heathkit isn't still around, we all would be building PID's and remote thermo's and whatnot.
Wow Heathkit that sure takes me back. I built their VTVM (vacuum tube volt meter) when I was in grade school. A PID sure would be a fun project
Posting to find this again later
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Very nice work!!!
I'm glad this got bumped. I have never seen it. Excellent job. You should sell them.
X2
Yeah, I some how don't think the company that sells them already built and also sells the parts he used to build his would appreciate that. LOL.
Quote from: Quarlow on January 26, 2014, 09:09:50 AM
Yeah, I some how don't think the company that sells them already built and also sells the parts he used to build his would appreciate that. LOL.
Not much they can say about it. He bought the parts and can freely do whatever he wants with them. It's his own design, not anything he stole from anyone else.
Not sure building and selling would be very profitable anyway, its gotta cost way more than aubers dual probe. I'm sure it does a lot more and I like that it looks like something out of a 747.
I bumped it so I could find it later. I have dreams of adding a second pid Into my digital. Just because it "can't" be done :P
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Not worth the time and cost to build and sell these. I would have to charge twice the cost of the Auber PID.
Does your second pid shut off the elements if the meat temp hits a certain temp? I am considerind adding one at a later date and curious what the benefits are.
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That is sweet! You do great work Duke!
With a bit of wit and little rewiring, yes I could have the second PID turn off the temp, or drop it to a specific preset temperature. I just have not had the time or inclination to pursue that at this time. One nice thing about building your own stuff is you can go back and change it anyway you see fit :)
Quote from: DukeNukeIt on January 31, 2014, 06:57:35 AM
With a bit of wit and little rewiring, yes I could have the second PID turn off the temp, or drop it to a specific preset temperature. I just have not had the time or inclination to pursue that at this time. One nice thing about building your own stuff is you can go back and change it anyway you see fit :)
So does the second pid just monitor the temps then?
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The second PID is only for food temp using a separate temperature probe.