Variable control for electric element

[Don204]

Instead of using my PID to adjust the output I wanted to add a control knob to manually turn the power up and down like on the high gravity systems. Has anyone done this? Can you recommend a part that will handle a 2k element?
Should it be wired in after the SSR?
Thanks

 

[dkmag]

See Auber's DSPR1 and the manual has examples of wiring.

 

[Don204]

Thanks

 

[dyqik]

Any 25A SSVR and the appropriate potentiometer will do the job with a 2kW element. 40A for 5.5kW/240V. Wire it inline between the SSR and output.

Either get the Still Dragon kit if you need an enclosure, heatsink, pot and label etc. with it, or something off of eBay - e.g. 25A SSVR (no idea of the quality of this particular one).

 

[Don204]

Sounds like it might be more hassle than it's worth. I didn't know I would need another relay

 

[jeffmeh]

Here's a new one from Auber that looks very promising. http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=53&products_id=560

 

[rnm410]

Use the duty cycle function on the PID to control boil rate?

It uses the same setup, no rewiring or added costs.

 

[WScottCross]

Here's a new one from Auber that looks very promising. http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=53&products_id=560

Nice that it automates the ramp up, scale back power and shutdown after a preset period of time.

 

[Don204]

I do use the duty cycle feature, I just thought it would be neat to have a dial if it was simple enough to add. No big deal

 

[Jwin]

Could a SSR and a PWM board not do the job?

 

[rnm410]

Could a SSR and a PWM board not do the job?

Could, that's the same as using a SSVR in a sense. Duty cycle from the PID is also similar except the cycle time is longer.

 

[jeffmeh]

Nice that it automates the ramp up, scale back power and shutdown after a preset period of time.

It also combines a linear, rotary dial with a mashing algorithm, in one device.

 

[kydan47]

Are you familiar with the OUTL & OUTH PID functions? I tried it yesterday and it worked fantastic! I changed the OUTL to 60% & the OUTH to 70% and the boil was quite steady! I use two 3500 elements.