Adding meter to existing controller.

If it plugs in, post it here.

Moderator: Site Moderator

Post Reply
User avatar
S-Cackalacky
retired
Posts: 5990
Joined: Fri Feb 08, 2013 4:35 pm
Location: Virginia, USA

Adding meter to existing controller.

Post by S-Cackalacky »

I found this digital 4 in 1 meter on Amazon that doesn't have any information about what circuit frequency it's rated for. Does anyone know if it will work on USA 60Hz service.

Here's a link:
Every new member should read this before doing anything else:
User avatar
acfixer69
Global moderator
Posts: 4826
Joined: Mon Dec 20, 2010 3:34 pm
Location: CT USA

Re: Adding meter to existing controller.

Post by acfixer69 »

I used one like that a while back it seemed to work, but I just used it as a bench mark. Up and down. Went back to analog amp meter. If you are concerned about frequency for a couple bucks more this will measure that too.
User avatar
S-Cackalacky
retired
Posts: 5990
Joined: Fri Feb 08, 2013 4:35 pm
Location: Virginia, USA

Re: Adding meter to existing controller.

Post by S-Cackalacky »

Thanks AC! I think I'll go with your recommendation just for the peace of mind. Looks like it adjusts to the frequency of the circuit it's monitoring.
Every new member should read this before doing anything else:
User avatar
Yonder
Site Donor
Site Donor
Posts: 832
Joined: Tue Nov 28, 2017 1:53 pm
Location: Best State in the Union!

Re: Adding meter to existing controller.

Post by Yonder »

S-Cack, I use something similar and found that the constant use in a 220 heater circuit burns the display out. My solution was to add a simple push button in the switch line. When i want to set or verify i push the button and the display is on, elsewise its off and not distracting me.
Double, Double, toil and trouble. Fire Burn and pot still bubble.
User avatar
S-Cackalacky
retired
Posts: 5990
Joined: Fri Feb 08, 2013 4:35 pm
Location: Virginia, USA

Re: Adding meter to existing controller.

Post by S-Cackalacky »

I'll take a look on Amazon for a switch. Maybe that's why AC switched to analog meters.
Every new member should read this before doing anything else:
User avatar
bluefish_dist
Distiller
Posts: 1502
Joined: Fri Jan 16, 2015 10:13 am
Location: Eastern Ia

Re: Adding meter to existing controller.

Post by bluefish_dist »

The only time I have heard of the meters failing is when the power side is wired after the scr. I ran my meters for years by using line power and then the amp ring on one leg of the heater after the scr. Ran well. Bought several different ones off eBay. The ones that do the power calculations for you are nice so you can just read the power directly.
Formerly
Dsp-CO-20051
User avatar
S-Cackalacky
retired
Posts: 5990
Joined: Fri Feb 08, 2013 4:35 pm
Location: Virginia, USA

Re: Adding meter to existing controller.

Post by S-Cackalacky »

B_d, good point. I've heard that as well, but didn't know about putting the ring on the load side. Thanks for posting.
Every new member should read this before doing anything else:
User avatar
Yummyrum
Global moderator
Posts: 7652
Joined: Sat Jul 06, 2013 2:23 am
Location: Fraser Coast QLD Aussie

Re: Adding meter to existing controller.

Post by Yummyrum »

It won’t matter if the current sensor is immediately before or after the Controller as the same current flows in both parts of the curcuit .
But the voltage measurement has to be on the input to keep the smoke in .
User avatar
Oldvine Zin
Site Donor
Site Donor
Posts: 2414
Joined: Sat Jun 06, 2015 9:16 pm
Location: Pacific Northwest

Re: Adding meter to existing controller.

Post by Oldvine Zin »

I use and like my analog meter, makes it look a a bit frankenstein

OVZ
Chucker
Swill Maker
Posts: 190
Joined: Thu Apr 24, 2014 11:05 am

Re: Adding meter to existing controller.

Post by Chucker »

I only wanted a simple analog meter, thinking it would be inexpensive, effective enough, and perhaps offer a more stable reading. However I wasn’t finding good Amazon descriptions about connection requirements, if extra parts were needed, or finding the needed range. And I wasn’t willing to go the high cost route and purchase from more specialized sources.
So I caved and got a cheap digital. I figure that it, like the SCR, is both cheap and easy to replace. It’s not like I use it constantly or heavily.
User avatar
S-Cackalacky
retired
Posts: 5990
Joined: Fri Feb 08, 2013 4:35 pm
Location: Virginia, USA

Re: Adding meter to existing controller.

Post by S-Cackalacky »

The 6 in 1 digital meter was delivered a couple of days go. Now I'm debating with myself about how to install it. My controller is in a metal box. If I go cutting holes into the box, I'll need to uninstal all of the other components so that they don't get contaminated by metal bits and then reinstall everything back into the box. Or, I could buy all new components and build a new controller and keep the old one as a backup. Another option might be to install the meter into a second smaller box and somehow attach it to the existing controller. Maybe I'm way over thinking this.
Every new member should read this before doing anything else:
User avatar
jonnys_spirit
Site Donor
Site Donor
Posts: 3629
Joined: Wed Oct 21, 2015 7:58 am
Location: The Milky Way

Re: Adding meter to existing controller.

Post by jonnys_spirit »

I use a nibbler for making openings (square) into cases - Drill a starter hole and nibble away! Clean up with a file..



Cheers!
-jonny
————
i prefer my mash shaken, not stirred
————
User avatar
S-Cackalacky
retired
Posts: 5990
Joined: Fri Feb 08, 2013 4:35 pm
Location: Virginia, USA

Re: Adding meter to existing controller.

Post by S-Cackalacky »

Thanks j_s! Depending on how I decide to go with this, I may order one of those.
Every new member should read this before doing anything else:
Post Reply