Recently I've seen PID kits for around $20-30. Thinking about either building an external plugin box or chopping a hole in the top panel of my Smokette. Have any of y'all tried this?
PID mod/addition to Cookshack Smokette? Anyone done this?
- Thread starter tjrr
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bmaddox
Master of the Pit
I have built a controller for a sous-vide machine and have been looking into building one for a smoker. The problem I have been running into with a smoker controller is getting one that has the amp capacity to power the element (I am trying to power a 1500 Watt element). I enlisted the help of a friend that works for an industrial HVAC control company since he deals with PID's every day and he said that by the time he built one from scratch I would have over $100 into it so the best bet is to buy one from Auber since their prices are extremely reasonable.
Power problem is easy. Surprised your PID guy didn't know that. Yes, you can buy an Auber and it will work great. I contend I can build better for less. More work? Yes. But I'm getting paid nothing either way. I have FAR more time than money.
bmaddox
Master of the Pit
We had no problem figuring out the power problem but it involved spending more money. By the time I had priced out all the parts for a complete control box with probe, plugs, case, etc I was over $100. When I can go to Auber and buy one for $150 and not spend a day cursing at myself while building the controller than it is worth the $50.
bmaddox
Master of the Pit
Actually at 500 watts you will find that almost all PID controllers can power that right out of the box without an SSR (although my understanding is that a controller with an SSR will have a longer life span)
If it were me, I'd use the SSR. I just think it would be better all around in the long run, and they are fairly inexpensive.
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