eKettle stuck at 199F

[mattd2]

So I disconnect the two leads coming from the PID and twist them together to test the SSR?

No, you disconnect the power wires going into and out of the ssr. Then use a wire nut (or twist and electrical tape, just make sure it is good and tight) to connect those together, then power it up - it will be the same as if the PID is at 100%. Then test with the amp meter.
Do you have a wiring diagram or could you sketch one up for us, having one would make trouble shooting this a bit easier.

 

[dougp]

OK, just wanted to make sure. Here's the wiring schematic - http://www.ebrewsupply.com/designs/PID/30a-PID-1-2-1PID-Electric-BIAB.pdf

 

[BadWolfBrewing]

Sounds like it's a bad ssr. They consist of two antiparallel SCRs. If one failed open, like they do, you will only be getting a half wave of the ac current to the load.

 

[dougp]

Sounds like it's a bad ssr. They consist of two antiparallel SCRs. If one failed open, like they do, you will only be getting a half wave of the ac current to the load.

SSR is fine, or maybe not.

Basically, on Thursday, we were putzing around with it and we moved the outH from 100 to 220 to see if it increased the power - was a no go. We had messed with it a few hours and he decided to bring a SSR the next day to troubleshoot that. Well, before installing the SSR, he decided to set the outH to 200 and BAM - we were boiling in about 10 minutes (only had 4 gallons in it.)

So either the PID is screwed up and won't run 100% power unless outH is at 200% or I don't know. Regardless, we're heating now.

 

[processhead]

Sounds like one of your pid parameters was misadjusted.
Not positive, but outH may have been a max. temperature limit.
Make a note of it now... for 2 years from now when you have totally forgotten what that parameter does.

 

[dougp]

Sounds like one of your pid parameters was misadjusted.
Not positive, but outH may have been a max. temperature limit.
Make a note of it now... for 2 years from now when you have totally forgotten what that parameter does.

While I understand what you're saying, per Auber's manual -

4.12 Output range limits “OUTL” and “OUTH”
OUTL and OUTH allow you set the output range low and high limit.
OUTL is a useful feature for a system that needs to have a minimum amount
of power as long as the controller is powered. e.g. If OUTL=20, the controller
will maintain a minimum of 20% power output even when input sensor failed.
OUTH can be used when you have an overpowered heater to control a small
subject. e.g. If you set the OUTH=50, the 5000 watt heater will be used as
2500W heater (50%) even when the PID wants to send 100% output.

Hell, the thing even says 110% is the max - which is obviously false. Also, if it was temperature, I would have never pushed to 200F like before - it would have stuck at 100F. http://auberins.com/images/Manual/SYL-2342.pdf

I'm going to open a support case with them just to figure out what the heck is going on with the outH.

 

[mattd2]

While I understand what you're saying, per Auber's manual -

4.12 Output range limits “OUTL” and “OUTH”
OUTL and OUTH allow you set the output range low and high limit.
OUTL is a useful feature for a system that needs to have a minimum amount
of power as long as the controller is powered. e.g. If OUTL=20, the controller
will maintain a minimum of 20% power output even when input sensor failed.
OUTH can be used when you have an overpowered heater to control a small
subject. e.g. If you set the OUTH=50, the 5000 watt heater will be used as
2500W heater (50%) even when the PID wants to send 100% output.

Hell, the thing even says 110% is the max - which is obviously false. Also, if it was temperature, I would have never pushed to 200F like before - it would have stuck at 100F. http://auberins.com/images/Manual/SYL-2342.pdf

I'm going to open a support case with them just to figure out what the heck is going on with the outH.

I don't know how the code in the PID would handle an overscale value - it might of overflowed the value meaning setting it at 220% was the same as setting it to (say maybe) 25%. Return outH to 100% would be my suggestion.
Good idea raising it with Auber, let us know their response

 

[processhead]

Agree.
I would like to hear Auber's explanation of what you are seeing.

 

[LandoLincoln]

You would think that OUTL and OUTH would be a range only between 0 and 100. Why can one even be able to set it to 220?

 

[Rambunctious]

Sounds like the perfect kettle to create a still with.. Sorry could not resist.

 

[jCOSbrew]

No, to bypass pid connect 12v directly to control leads of ssr.
To bypass ssr jumper 8ga wire from ssr ac input to ac output. You should have full power to element and measure 220v at connector to element. You should also have very low voltage drop across ssr.

One phase of 220v is controlled by ssr and the other phase is connected directly to element, correct?