upgrading my thermometers

[MTHarrington]

I'm in the works of thinking of how to set up a an Auber PID to to become my new digital thermometer and later employ it to run a RIMS or HERMS system (still debating on which one I'll do, leaning towards HERMS)

Anyhow, I currently have a type K thermocouple with a 1/2 NPT and cord dangling off my hot Liquor tank.

In an effort to tidy that up, I've been thinking of getting a quick disconnect setup near the thermocouple
using this:
http://www.omega.com/ppt/pptsc.asp?ref=SMPW-CC&Nav=temg03

And then using a thermocouple extension wire to plug it into my panel mount connector on my PID box.
something like this: (with the correct connectors of course)
http://www.omega.com/ppt/pptsc.asp?ref=TEC_REC_GEC&Nav=temh06

Question is... is that too many connectors for a good reading? Am I better off keeping the number of disconnects to a minimum? My goal is accurate temp readings to +/- 1 degree or so.. but trying to avoid major issues.

And I should add that though I know Auber Inst. sells RTD's with quick connects, I'd like to keep using the thermocouples I already have...

 

[LakewoodBrew]

Sounds like a good plan. Those are the right connects for the job. I'm working my way toward HERMS myself, I just think you have more control over the process temps that way.

Watertight gray electrical conduit really cleans up the look of connections, looks more pro than a T-couple wire zip-tied or what-not.

 

[Ohio-Ed]

I built a "digital thermometer" with an Auber PID in a small project box and an RTD.
I took a 24" x 1/4" piece of copper tube, rolled an crimped the end and used it as a thermowell. It worked great.

Later, I added a connector to the project box and made an "umbilical" cord to another "power" box that had SSR's, switches, and outlets to run a pump and a RIMs heater.

I think it's a great way to work into the automation world.

You might want to reconsider the RTD's... the flexibility of using most any wire and connector is a big benefit.

Ed

 

[MTHarrington]

You might want to reconsider the RTD's... the flexibility of using most any wire and connector is a big benefit.

Ed, Where did you source your RTD's? I've heard mixed things about Auber's RTD probes....
Though looks like I can get some, slightly more expensive probes from Omega Engineering..... Though it seems to get probes with a three pin disconnect from them, you'll be paying a premium.

But since an RTD doesn't require any special wire... I could use something like this (amp connector)
http://cgi.ebay.com/1xSet-Microphon...512?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f01b64a98

and make my own disconnects...

 

[Ohio-Ed]

Ed, Where did you source your RTD's? I've heard mixed things about Auber's RTD probes....
Though looks like I can get some, slightly more expensive probes from Omega Engineering..... Though it seems to get probes with a three pin disconnect from them, you'll be paying a premium.

But since an RTD doesn't require any special wire... I could use something like this (amp connector)
http://cgi.ebay.com/1xSet-Microphon...512?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f01b64a98

and make my own disconnects...

The rtd's I got came from aubers. I haven't had or heard of any issues with them?
I also used aubers disconnects.