Options to monitor temp on the panel?

[homebrewdude76]

I have been looking at other people's panel builds and do not see much for temp display?
I see a few with an extra PID that seems like money to monitor temp.


When I am mashing I will have the following
PID/Temp on RIMS tube
PID/Temp on HLT
But I also want a temp probe on the mash output valve to show on the panel. Must I do a PID? Or can I just get a temp display device for the panel?

Same when I chill.
I would like temp probe on chiller output.

 

[iijakii]

I looked into it for one of my builds and basically there wasnt a better/cheaper way than just getting extra PID(s).

 

[dmcman73]

Use a PID. The MyPin's are cheap and even if you found a "temperature only" unit, probably cost the same.

Here is a MyPin TA4 that I use and they work great: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007JWIDCE/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[WrQth]

I used an Arduino UNO with 4 DS18B20 temperature probes and a 20x4 LED screen which as it turns out is about the same cost as a PID controller.

 

[homebrewdude76]

If I go with a PID that is not controlling an element, can it be used to kill power?

PID 1 is controlling RIMs tube
PID 2 is just monitoring mash temp.
When PID 2 hots 154F, it can kill the heating element in RIMs?

 

[UndeadFred]

There are RTD based and thermocouple based temperature gauges available from China-bay for a little less than PIDs and the are physically smaller. However, I use one of my spare PIDS on my espresso machine as a temperature gauge and of course it is fine.... Some of those temperature gauges can't be powered by 120V so that needs to be a consideration.. if you have a source of DC in your system or don't mind adding one, then you are good either way...

 

[WrQth]

If I go with a PID that is not controlling an element, can it be used to kill power?

PID 1 is controlling RIMs tube
PID 2 is just monitoring mash temp.
When PID 2 hots 154F, it can kill the heating element in RIMs?

Yes, you could wire PID2 to a relay that interrupts power to the element controlled by PID1 but what would be the point if you have determined what to set PID1 to to maintain a particular mash temp? I can think of one scenario where that would be useful which would be if the SSR controlling the element for PID1 failed resulting in the element always being on and PID2 would turn off the element at a set point.

 

[WrQth]

This is my panel

 

[dmcman73]

If I go with a PID that is not controlling an element, can it be used to kill power?

PID 1 is controlling RIMs tube
PID 2 is just monitoring mash temp.
When PID 2 hots 154F, it can kill the heating element in RIMs?

The PID contains a Normally Open relay (NO) that closes when temp setting is reached, normally used for an alarm (buzzer/light).

To control a heating element, use an SSR with the PID.

 

[homebrewdude76]

Some time back I purchased large LED temp displays.
They run on 120v AC and just need a 3 wire RTD probe attached.
I paid $15 for the temp display which is cheaper than a PID.
Either way a RTD is needed?

Like I said, just wondered why more people don't do this.

I will essentially have two large LED displays on the panel.
Mash Temp and Chilled Wort Temp.
RIMs output, HLT and Mashtun will be on a PID.

 

[WrQth]

Some time back I purchased large LED temp displays.
They run on 120v AC and just need a 3 wire RTD probe attached.
I paid $15 for the temp display which is cheaper than a PID.
Either way a RTD is needed?

Like I said, just wondered why more people don't do this.

I will essentially have two large LED displays on the panel.
Mash Temp and Chilled Wort Temp.
RIMs output, HLT and Mashtun will be on a PID.

When you say on a PID do you mean the same PID or a PID for each the TIMS output, HLT, and Mashtun?

 

[iijakii]

Some time back I purchased large LED temp displays.
They run on 120v AC and just need a 3 wire RTD probe attached.
I paid $15 for the temp display which is cheaper than a PID.
Either way a RTD is needed?

Like I said, just wondered why more people don't do this.

I will essentially have two large LED displays on the panel.
Mash Temp and Chilled Wort Temp.
RIMs output, HLT and Mashtun will be on a PID.

Problem here is that you dont have the ability to calibrate the RTD's offsets. I've had to do 4 degree F swings when setting up new probes before. Cheap PIDs are about the same price as those displays.

 

[homebrewdude76]

When you say on a PID do you mean the same PID or a PID for each the TIMS output, HLT, and Mashtun?

Yes I will have 3 PID and 3 elements

 

[homebrewdude76]

I will have 3 PID and 3 elements. I guess I need to see if I can adjust the temp reading? I cant see this as not an option?

 

[homebrewdude76]

I think these screws all adjustment of the temp setting?

View attachment 1461443682809.jpg