Offset with a PID/SSR issue

[hawaiian diesel]

Hi guys. I have a 12vdc/12vdc PID ans a 12vdc SSR. I connected the wiring correctly and when the SSR activates I get only 11.7 vdc and not the full12vdc. This cause a dramatic drop in rpm for my fan.

 The question is. Does a 12dc SSR contact drop 1.3vdc or do I have a faulty SSR?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[gr0uch0]

Umm...you've only dropped 0.3 volts, not 1.3, going from 12 to 11.7.

I'd say that's fairly normal--and nominal--in my limited electrical knowledge.

 

[hawaiian diesel]

Sorry, I meant 10.7. Must be the time difference!

Why would there be a current drop?

 

[gr0uch0]

Not sure, given your changed parameters: maybe someone with more electrical knowledge than I've got will weigh in.

 

[hawaiian diesel]

Thanks Gr0uch0!

Not sure if this is a parasitic drop, or a faulty SSR.

I'm not smoking for awhile. I got about 15lbs. of pulled pork in the freezer.

Thanks again

 

[hawaiian diesel]

Anyone? I'm about ready to return it and buy another one. Thanks!

 

[akdutchguy]

What are you running for a power supply?
The relay will take some voltage to operate it. How is your power supply wired to the pid and ssr? Any pics of the setup? I'm no expert in the pid/ssr electrics. I am going to build one for my sausage smoker when my kids move out of the house in 18 years.
Jason.

 

[hawaiian diesel]

What are you running for a power supply?
The relay will take some voltage to operate it. How is your power supply wired to the pid and ssr? Any pics of the setup? I'm no expert in the pid/ssr electrics. I am going to build one for my sausage smoker when my kids move out of the house in 18 years.
Jason.

I'm running a JDL612 DC. Power supply is a Nintendo 12vdc fan cooler and powering a Antec 80mm 12vdc fan.

I tested it again and still have the loss in voltage. I hooked up a mechanical relay  and it works fine.

My assumption is the voltage drop is normal.

I got a BWD relay from Oriley's with a lifetime warranty and also got a spare one .

 

[akdutchguy]

If the mechanical relay works I would just run with that. Depending on the cycle rate of your setup when smoking, the mechanical relay will wear out faster. At least you have a backup relay and lifetime warranty. I think you will be alright.
Jason

 

[hawaiian diesel]

Thanks Jason!

I think I'll keep it this way. After reading some other threads, when the SSR goes bad it stays in the closed position. Mechanical's stay open.

I'll put an LED for the fan cycle and use it in conjunction with my wireless thermometer.

Can't wait to smoke a brisket on Friday!  

 

[akdutchguy]

Keep us posted on how it works for you. I need to do a brisket again.
Jason

 

[dward51]

Hawaiian Diesel,

A 0.3vDC drop across the two output terminals of an SSR is very normal.  This is basically the overhead for the triac, snubber circuit, and zero crossing and detector circuit on that side of the SSR (it's what makes it work to over simplify).  Have you tried powering the setup from a automotive or lawn mower type battery?  A 12v battery of that type is actually going to be in the 12.8v range when fully charged and should not be a problem for either the SSR or the fan to handle the small increase in voltage.   Also what is the true output of your Nintendo charger?  A lot of those were 9v.  Have you put a meter on it?

Also the JDL612 will run on up to 30v DC.  I would look at finding a slightly higher output DC power source.  Say a 15 to 18v computer power supply such as a Dell or HP?  You could use a dropping resistor if the fan speed became too much.