PID Controller
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When I poach things in my waterbath, I first of all place the items (sausage) in a vacuum sealed contained. I use an old turkey roaster that I pickup up for $ 20.00. I fill the roaster half full with weater and controll the water temperature with a PID controller. Very accurate controll to within .1 degrees . Also when I use my water bath, I put a small acquarium circulating pump into the water. This helps stabilize the temp.
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Here is the definition of a PID controller: A proportional-integral-derivative controller (PID controller) is a generic control loop feedback mechanism (controller) widely used in industrial control systems - a PID is the most commonly used feedback controller. A PID controller calculates an "error" value as the difference between a measured process variable and a desired setpoint. The controller attempts to minimize the error by adjusting the process control inputs.
You can pick them up on EBAY for about $ 40.00 c/w solid state relay and a temp. probe. These are used in place of a mechanical thermostat which has a relatively poor control of what you are heating, be it a smoke house or a water bath. You do need to do some wiring and put the controller and SSR into a project box but its worth the effort.
You can pick them up on EBAY for about $ 40.00 c/w solid state relay and a temp. probe. These are used in place of a mechanical thermostat which has a relatively poor control of what you are heating, be it a smoke house or a water bath. You do need to do some wiring and put the controller and SSR into a project box but its worth the effort.
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In the picture below, you will see a picture of the front of my controller. It is marked SESTOS.
There is a keypad on the front of this to allow the user to establish a setpoint: https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Hg0u ... 280171.JPG
You momentarily press the button on the lower right side. When it flashes, you run the display in the set value window to the temp. you want to maintain. Then press set. You start up your smoker or water bath and insert the temp. probe and let the PID do its job.
There is a keypad on the front of this to allow the user to establish a setpoint: https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Hg0u ... 280171.JPG
You momentarily press the button on the lower right side. When it flashes, you run the display in the set value window to the temp. you want to maintain. Then press set. You start up your smoker or water bath and insert the temp. probe and let the PID do its job.
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sketch of pid controller
Here is a pencil sketch of the controller I have built: https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8 ... directlink
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- Joined: Wed Nov 30, 2011 16:38
- Location: Victoria BC
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- User
- Posts: 77
- Joined: Wed Nov 30, 2011 16:38
- Location: Victoria BC
That is exactly what I have a pilot flame with a solinoid to turn the LPG on and off. If you are using an electric plate or element it is a good idea to switch an external relay instead of putting the load on the contacts of the controller.I can't figure out how to apply them to a LPG heated smokehouse except to have a pilot light and a solenoid to turn the gas burner on and off.
perhaps I will try it. I just canablized my old kitchen range, took all of the valves and burners and the oven control with the thermostat. I just have to adjust the orifices to work with LPG. I have a solar panel and a small 12 volt battery and some 12 volt relays. Now to find some 12 volt solenoid valves.
Ross- tightwad home cook
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I just got my PID put together today, thanks to a lot of help and advice from ajwillsnet, and I hooked it up to a hot plate with a large pan of water and the tempature stayed with in .01 of a degree. My current temp controler on my smoker will fluctuate about 8 to 10 degrees from the time the electric burner turns on then turns off. I can't wait to put my PID controller on my smoker.
This is going to be a great investment, less than $100.00, and a good addition to my smoker.
Thanks again Bert,
GL
This is going to be a great investment, less than $100.00, and a good addition to my smoker.
Thanks again Bert,
GL
Ponsa llena, Corazon Muy Contento!!