PID questions

[SlingShot]

I am a new member here. I have been considering a Bradley smoker for some time now and need to know more about the PID control everyone is talking about. Mainly what I want to know is what exactly are you controlling, exe. electricity or air flow? Is the control an on-off controller utilizing a contact or is it 4-20ma type?  Also I would like to get some of the wiring diagrams I read about. Thank you.

[nodak]

Well I went with the PID, and it works great.  well here's a little info but check out these link:

TS switch is a simple on and off.

PID uses a mathematical logic will adjust its output as the temp. appoaches setpoint, thus eliminating overshoot and from there it will maintain setpoint. Kind of a smart computer that learns how to adjust temp by performing mathematical calculations.

http://www.bradleysmoker.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3071
http://www.bradleysmoker.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3071
http://www.bradleysmoker.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2773

Decide which way you would like to go and we will give you the websites and part#'s.  The wiring diagrams are in one of the threads I gave you.  Or you may want to wait until the new Bradley's come out in May and see what kind of digital controller they have put on them.

http://www.shotshow.org/app/homepage.cfm?linkid=20587&moduleid=2645&appname=100300&PGswitch=PGdetail&K_PGI_ID=7346&campaignid=10736&iUserCampaignID=20208090


"If you're not living on the edge, You're taking up way too much room, so get the he-- out of my way."

[Arcs_n_Sparks]

SlingShot,

Welcome to the forum. Here is a thread on a homemade PID unit.

http://www.bradleysmoker.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3094

This unit regulates the flow of electricity to the heater using a phase control triac. As the other posts demonstrate, you can easily incorporate commercial off-the-shelf units as well.

This, of course, really centers on if you want to drink beer and watch the temp gauge and make adjustments, or if you want to drink beer and watch TV while the PID makes temp adjustments.[:D]

Arcs_n_Sparks