eBrewery PID troubleshooting.

[snakerake]

Hey Guys,

I did a test run on my electric RIMS system and I have an unforeseen problem I was looking for some guidance on.

I am using two Light object JLD-612 Temperature Controllers wired according to the manual. When I got the system up and running the PIDs were sending power to the heating elements intermittently. The "Out" light was flashing and while using a current detector it detected current only when the "Out" light was on.

Does this sound normal? is this a setting issue or maybe an AC - DC issue? I'm kind of at a loss. anyone ever experience this before.

I tried unplugging the elements to see if it was a problem with them, but the light kept flashing.

the PId's manual is located here:

http://mythopoeic.org/misc-files/JLD612_Manual.pdf

Thanks in advance!

 

[danb35]

That's somewhat normal for a PID controller. What was the set temperature, and actual temperature? Had you run a tuning cycle?

 

[jeffmeh]

Yes, it is normal behavior if I understand you correctly. With a PID, your element is always either 100% on or 100% off. The PID regulates temperature by varying the time period for being on or off. For example, if you set manual mode to 60%, that means the PID will fire the element 60% of the time, as it cycles on and off.

 

[snakerake]

Makes sense. Newbie concern I guess.

I did my first batch on it today and everything came out nicely.. It overshot the temperature in the beginning, but settled out after a few minutes and held between 149-150 for an hour.