I've been using my Napoleon bbq as a Smoker for a year now and happen to win a 30"
masterbuilt analog Smoker. I want to build a pid controller but all the guides I found use an ssr and DC output. They don't list the wattage but max would be 1500watt element.
From what I know I need a pid controller and either a contactor or ac relay. What should I be using I conjunction with with pid controller? And can anyone link me to an appropriate relay/contact. Or even a online tutorial I could follow.
I know you can buy an auber one but that's to much and I prefer diy. I'm also in Canada so shipping adds to much.
All help is greatly appreciated.
*EDIT*
I think I figured things out. I should be able to follow this guide for my project, correct?
http://www.ice8420.com/blog/2012/01/diy-pid-control-for-bbq-sous-vide-mash-tun-whatever/
Hi there and welcome!
That parts list from the link you provided should do the job. You won't need the blower fan.
I'd like to also impart a little info from my PID buying and building experiences, so please bare with me :)
Option 1:
Buying only the necessary parts in the list from that site, you will spend roughly $100 USD.
I'm not sure what shipping would be on the various parts but be sure to factor that in.
Also, if you have all the tools, connectors, extra wire, heat shrink wrap, etc. etc. then you are good, but factor in the cost and shipping of all that stuff as well.
Option 2:
An Auber plug and play PID that technically will handle up to 1800 watts with the multi-purpose probe runs $150 USD before shipping.
https://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=110
Comparison:
I can tell you that $100 + any extra tools/equipment/supplies + shipping on the various items in the list will definitely be more than $150 USD.
I don't know what the Auber shipping would cost you but I imagine that the item plus shipping will run you about the same as all of the parts/tools/supplies and shipping for building your own PID.
I think Auber was very smart here and they figured that out with their pricing model lol.
In all I found it to be very competitive in price when comparing the Auber plug and play PID's to the cost of everything needed to build one.
Now even if the cost of building is a little less or the same there is still the fact that you must spend the time to do it all, get it all right, test it all, replace busted or defective pieces (cheap Chinese parts switches, etc.), and the biggest pain in the butt of being able to EFFECTIVELY cut into a project box for mounting the various controller pieces that pop in/out of the box. Try cutting out good square shapes of a box using a dremel wheel because saws are too large!
In the end for COST, buying the Auber Plug and Play seems to win out in my experience and in my book basically every time.
NOW, with all of that said there is no substitute for making a custom controller box BUT take your estimated cost and basically add and extra $50-$100 to it because of all the parts, tools, shipping, etc. Also be ready to spend your time getting it right.
So now it just comes down to what you want.
Simple, quick, and ultimately less expensive - Auber plug and play
Custom, money not that big of an issue, and you like doing the project/work - Build your own
I hope this info helps so that you can learn from my experiences rather than learn through act of doing/suffering yourself :)