Browsing http://www.auberins.com I just realize that 2 PID + 2 Pt100 RTD = $160
Is there any good food grade alternative ... ?
Thanks,
Q
Is there any good food grade alternative ... ?
Thanks,
Q
Amazon has some watertight rtd probes off and on:
http://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Waterproof-Thermistor-Sensor-Temperature/dp/B008YP1D04/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1358262280&sr=8-2&keywords=rtd+waterproof
The problem is that they appear to be regular straight machine thread and not pipe thread, so getting them to seal with be more difficult. The other caveat is that they dont come with any disconnects, so you have a fragile wire hanging off of your brew vessel(s) and will likely be damaged. You could solder in some fittings like XLR connectors or something similar, but you still have to deal with odd threads(thread pitch/size isnt even mentioned in the listing). As far as PID's go, auberins is worth the extra few bucks. Their support along with the fact that they are widely used here will help you figure things out if you arent a control theory expert. Also, some models from ebay or amazon only display Celcius and do not have manual control override like you would want on a boil kettle.
Amazon has some watertight rtd probes off and on:
http://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Waterproof-Thermistor-Sensor-Temperature/dp/B008YP1D04/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1358262280&sr=8-2&keywords=rtd+waterproof
The problem is that they appear to be regular straight machine thread and not pipe thread, so getting them to seal with be more difficult. The other caveat is that they dont come with any disconnects, so you have a fragile wire hanging off of your brew vessel(s) and will likely be damaged. You could solder in some fittings like XLR connectors or something similar, but you still have to deal with odd threads(thread pitch/size isnt even mentioned in the listing). As far as PID's go, auberins is worth the extra few bucks. Their support along with the fact that they are widely used here will help you figure things out if you arent a control theory expert. Also, some models from ebay or amazon only display Celcius and do not have manual control override like you would want on a boil kettle.
I bought one of these and because of the afore mentioned issues, I ended up buying the Auber deluxe ones to actually use; I have no idea what you're actually supposed to screw these Amazon ones into -they don't fit into anything that I own. The way I look at it, I'm just using it as a backup RTD in case one of my existing one fails...
Adam
No, the threads look WAY to coarse to be NPT, and they arent tapered, as I mentioned above. If it comes with a nut, you can insert them weldless style with a gasket or o-ring, but they wont thread into any NPT fittings or bulkheads. But for the price, its worth a try if you are looking to save some money. you can but silicone gasket material in sheets and use tube or anything round with an edge to make custom gaskets that are a bit more robust than o-rings. using a stainless washer will also help make things a but more stable when mounting. Just make sure you use a magnet to test the nut that comes with the probe to make sure its stainless...you dont want zinc plated stuff in your brew!
and so begins the quest to save a few bucks that leads to spending more bucks lol
That amazon one does look like 1/4"x20 thread. For the price I would just get a brass or stainless 1/2" NPT plug and just drill and tap a hole for the 1/4" probe. It would be an easy 10 min job and only add $5 for the plug.
Not sure what kind of plug you meant...
As far as silicone sheet goes I found some on ebay, it's not a shee per say, its 3+ diameter circle 1/8" I think it does look pretty good for what I need as need.
Thanks a lot. That's a good find for a 2" RTD probe.
Can't believe I didn't see it. $10/each with s&h vs. $45 plus has that steel mesh on each wire. Just need to find a good silicone o-ring for it since it doesn't say.
Ordered 2. Will see. I will get the controllers from Auberins.
No that looks like M8 (or like a 3/8" UNC?). Also, the nut is a sure sign of a straight thread.
You may want to silver solder to a pipe fitting, or you will need to seal with a gasket/oring & washer
I will definitely check them with a magnet. Would be insane not too. Thanks for input idea of custom gasket. Where did you see sheets of food grade silicone ?
I did a quick search on amazon "sheet food grade silicone" but pulls cookware.
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