PID Controller help

[salmonclubber]

Hello Everyone
I want to replace the temp controller on my electric smoker can someone recommend one that will work for 240v and will power two oven elements I do not know anything about these controllers are they easy to hook up will need help with everything thank you for any and all help

[Richtee]

both elements operating at the same time I assume?

[BBQ Engineer]

In general terms, the current capabilities of PID controllers are severely limited, so the output of the PID will trigger a contactor or Solid State Relay that is hooked to the 240 V power. When triggered, the power will energize the oven coil(s).

Auber instruments carries both PID controllers and contactors / SSRs.

http://www.auberins.com/

[Richtee]

In general terms, the current capabilities of PID controllers are severely limited, so the output of the PID will trigger a contactor or Solid State Relay that is hooked to the 240 V power. When triggered, the power will energize the oven coil(s).

Auber instruments carries both PID controllers and contactors / SSRs.

http://www.auberins.com/

And I suggest the solid state relays... no mechanics to get smoked/crapped up.

Heck Auber has units JUST FOR smokers...

http://www.auberins.com/index.php?ma...55b797cfd222ac

[BBQ Engineer]

And I suggest the solid state relays... no mechanics to get smoked/crapped up.

X2

[Hippy]

From the Auber link provided above i found this controller that will run 120/240 and should handle the amp draw.

K type T/C for up to 750 F

2600w @ 240v

http://www.auberins.com/index.php?ma...55b797cfd222ac

Do you know the wattage of your elements?

[salmonclubber]

thanks guys will check them out but its all gibberish to me I dont know what I am looking at I will contact them and see if they can help me thanks again

[Richtee]

thanks guys will check them out but its all gibberish to me I dont know what I am looking at I will contact them and see if they can help me thanks again

Huey...what elements do you have? Do you know their current requirements?

I'll be happy to help, but I need some info. I can't talk tonight, but I'll PM you my phone #.

[Jimr]

i've got an Auber PID that controlls two 1250 watt strip heaters on 120v with the SSR. Works great. Their techs are very helpful also.

[Richtee]

OK I talked to Huey...he's got a pretty big smoker... I dunno if the 1800W Auber T-couple controller will do it. I think he prolly needs to run at 220VAC. All the SSR's I see want a 3-32VDC input, so it can't be directly controlled from a 110 output controller. I guess the easy way is a 110VAC coil contactor, but I'd rather see a solid state unit.

Any ideas?

[Mark R]

OK I talked to Huey...he's got a pretty big smoker... I dunno if the 1800W Auber T-couple controller will do it. I think he prolly needs to run at 220VAC. All the SSR's I see want a 3-32VDC input, so it can't be directly controlled from a 110 output controller. I guess the easy way is a 110VAC coil contactor, but I'd rather see a solid state unit.

Any ideas?

So use the Auber as a controller and use solid state contactors from Graingers. They have contactors that work on 12, 24, 120 and 240 volt ac and dc. Look here. If you need a schematic to hook it up I can draw one fer ya.
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg...N=0&sst=subset

[Richtee]

So use the Auber as a controller and use solid state contactors from Graingers. They have contactors that work on 12, 24, 120 and 240 volt ac and dc. Look here. If you need a schematic to hook it up I can draw one fer ya.
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg...N=0&sst=subset

Hmmm OK...guess I din't know the SSR's went up to 120VAC triggers... that would do it... thanks!

[Savannahsmoker]

We use the Auber PID in the Savannah Stoker Pellet Grill Controller and I must say it is a good product and great service.

[Richtee]

OK Huey… I think this will do ya… get this controller,
http://www.auberins.com/index.php?ma...roducts_id=206

and use a cut extension cord to power the SSR that will carry the 220 to the smoker elements
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/OMR...904?Pid=search

You can pick 110 to power the controller off 1 side of the 220 power and the neutral.

The SSR may need to be mounted to some metal for heat sinking.

Anyone got any alts?

[Mark R]

I question the extension cord for the 220. How many amps/watts are the heating elements, prolly needs to be 10° thermal wire. Without seeing how it's wired.

Other than that sounds good.

OK Huey… I think this will do ya… get this controller,
http://www.auberins.com/index.php?ma...roducts_id=206

and use a cut extension cord to power the SSR that will carry the 220 to the smoker elements
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/OMR...904?Pid=search

You can pick 110 to power the controller off 1 side of the 220 power and the neutral.

The SSR may need to be mounted to some metal for heat sinking.

Anyone got any alts?