Heating Element Control

[claytonhaske]

Thank you so much!!!!! I guess since i didnt know what i was looking for, i didnt know what i was looking at. Thanks again, i greatly appreciate the time you took to help me out!

[zaph1]

An update on mine, the voltmeter/ammeter died after 45 minutes. The still ran fine and the controller worked fine for two fulls runs over the weekend. It was measuring a full 240v @ 20A, although I ended up running it at only 200V @ 17.5A to prevent scorching. Not sure why it was only reading 200v maxed during testing, although it was on a different power source at the time.

Really, you should build one of these instead of buying one. There's less than $20 in parts and it's not very difficult.

[goinbroke2]

Question to the mods;

I was EXTREMELY frustrated scolling through 100 pages with a million different answers, trying to figure out WHAT I wanted let alone HOW to build it.

Can we post a single locked thread "THIS IS HOW TO BUILD A ......" and have seperate ones for phase angle controller or SSR or whatever?
I was pulling hair out until I seen a post about the $45.00 SSR kit from stilldragon (somewhere) and went for it.

So, whoever wants to posts about their particular build/cost/ease/etc can start a thread "this is how to" then lock it. It would simplify the whole electrical conversion for newby's. (and some of us old guys who are now converting from propane).

Thanks,
GB2

[sambedded]

An update on mine, the voltmeter/ammeter died after 45 minutes.

We have a discussion about same volt/ammeter here http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... A#p7021788

And I posted a warning about burning this unit.

[zaph1]

Thanks. I'll go to that thread and post a question about it there. Actually, I'm just going to replace the resistor and put the voltage on a 3-way switch. Up will show line voltage, down will show element voltage. It shouldn't burn out while running line voltage and you only need the element voltage when changing the dial.

I agree that this thread is ridiculously long and needs replaced with more current, concise info. Having to sort through 1230+ posts is really a way to discourage people from reading the stickies. Add to that the pre-built SCR in the last 100 posts, and the first 900 posts are irrelevant.

[claytonhaske]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/140920285492?ss ... 1423.l2649" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
i just ordered one of these controllers....there is only one left, i think its gonna be perfect for what i need. what do you guys think??????

[AussieCol]

Hi claytonhaske, I just bought one of these controllers and put it in a project box for some protection against small fingers and splashes. I have run it with my relatively low power (1380w) element on my pot still and it's great. You will need a bigger box and maybe some cooling if you have a higher power element. They aren't expensive with a total cost of $40.00 including the optional temp controller, all off eBay. Power cord was bought from a local hardware store and cut to suit for simple connection. Assembly also very easy, even for an inexperienced "electrical" hobbyist. I chose to use a temp controller rather than wire in a voltmeter/power meter to help with adjustment for the ideal reduced heat setting. Cheers, SW

[mystakilla]

Clay, as stated, that controller is for only 110V, was 110 all you have or you planning to go with 220v down road?

[claytonhaske]

Clay, as stated, that controller is for only 110V, was 110 all you have or you planning to go with 220v down road?

All i have access to right now is 110v (apartment living) so, this controller is perfect for what i need it for.

[FordCustom]

Hi, this is my first post. I have been gathering parts to build a controller as the one at brew shops are a couple hundred dollars.

Well, I found an SCR cotroller on eBay for $20 shipped. 220v 10k watts. I have one in the mail.

I want to pair it with a 5500 watt ULD heating element. For a keg for boiling "water".

[Wander]

Hi, this is my first post. I have been gathering parts to build a controller as the one at brew shops are a couple hundred dollars.

Well, I found an SCR cotroller on eBay for $20 shipped. 220v 10k watts. I have one in the mail.

I want to pair it with a 5500 watt ULD heating element. For a keg for boiling "water".

This is my first post here as well... I'm not sure if you're asking a question or merely stating intent. So far I'm only a homebrewer, though home distiller is certainly on this year's agenda.

Anyway I plan on building a BK with the same 10kw SCR controller + 5500w element, and would be glad to offer any knowledge I've gleaned from previous examples I've seen so far. Basically the normal recommendation is have a gfi protected 230v circuit, then run both hot legs of the 230v through that ebay SCR out to the element, and ground to the element box. I'd be interested to see any pics of the project once you're underway, I'll be building mine later this summer.

[jholmz]

100_0578.jpg (2.19 KiB) Viewed 5875 times

100_0581.jpg (10.08 KiB) Viewed 5875 times

ok these are pictures of the setup i have the red wire going to the middle screws are the ground i didnt have any green wire. the bottom pic is the pot wiring. the pot is a b500k http://www.ebay.com/itm/160811212851?ss ... 1439.l2649" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow i tried hooking a fan up to the output to check if it worked and nothing not sure where i went wrong any help appreciated thought i had finally got my electric changeover ready to go

[maheel]

ok these are pictures of the setup

are you sure that is a variable Resistance SSR ?

it look like a plain SSR and needs to be run of a PID (based on it saying on the bottom "control = 3-32DC)

where did you get the SSR can you link to a spec sheet

see how this one looks different with the OHMS 470-560kΩ indicator for control
http://www.ebay.com/itm/25A-25-380V-AC- ... 35c38fd8d8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[StillBill22]

Hello everyone:

I have been reading on the forum about Heat control for a still.  I am
putting together a 3'' reflux still on a full Keg boiler with a 240V line. I have an Auber SYL-2372 controler,
Fotek SSR-40 DA-H, 5500W element and RTD pt100 Thermocouple.  I am not sure
this setup will work even in manual mode if I am reading the manual right,
http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_ ... cts_id=237" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
Can anyone please take a bit of time and tell me what to do or how to make
this set up work? I read that someone posted something about control output by
either burstfire, or 4-20ma signal but I do not know what that means.

Thanks
happy stilling StillBill

[jholmz]

this is the one i bought maheel http://www.ebay.com/itm/310570379385?ss ... 1439.l2649" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow just ordered one like you linked in 40a this is the one i just ordered http://www.uxcell.com/solid-state-relay ... 30797.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow gonna be around 10 day delivery time so waiting again. hope it works for both 110 and 220 hate to have to buy another

[sambedded]

this is the one i bought maheel http://www.ebay.com/itm/310570379385?ss ... 1439.l2649" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow just ordered one like you linked in 40a this is the one i just ordered http://www.uxcell.com/solid-state-relay ... 30797.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow gonna be around 10 day delivery time so waiting again. hope it works for both 110 and 220 hate to have to buy another

I'm sorry to say it but you bought a wrong SSR. But the second one (which you are expecting in 10 days) is exactly what you need.

[jholmz]

k thanks sambeded just tryin to get it back up and running gettin low on stock and dont want to fire up propane again

[Livetoride]

Hey guys, what's the best way to wire in a switch? I've done this before with a secondary power wire but not like this! Here's a picture of how I have it setup now! Any help would be great thanks!

Connection on far left is ground, one in the middle is the neutral, and the brown is the active!

Here is the switch!

[jeepkidd]

I built my 'Mulekicker' controller and have still been following this thread out of curiosity. I see other types of controllers people are trying, but can't figure out why. Mulekicker's plans are easy to follow and the controller works great. I used 2 dryer cords with male ends already on them and put a female outlet on my controller box. My still plugs into the controller, and the controller into the wall. I have run it many times and it has no problems. Yesterday I ran 2 back to back stripping runs.

For anyone who is looking at the over 100pgs in this thread and getting confused about what to do, just build Mulekicker's controller.

Here is the thread with how to build it, and even the part numbers for everything you need to order: http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 83&start=0

[Bushman]

I built my 'Mulekicker' controller and have still been following this thread out of curiosity. I see other types of controllers people are trying, but can't figure out why. Mulekicker's plans are easy to follow and the controller works great. I used 2 dryer cords with male ends already on them and put a female outlet on my controller box. My still plugs into the controller, and the controller into the wall. I have run it many times and it has no problems. Yesterday I ran 2 back to back stripping runs.

For anyone who is looking at the over 100pgs in this thread and getting confused about what to do, just build Mulekicker's controller.

Here is the thread with how to build it, and even the part numbers for everything you need to order: http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 83&start=0

+1, I didn't build but bought his controller and all I did was change the cord to make it longer and wired the 240 to my outbuilding. Works great everytime.

[rad14701]

Hey guys, what's the best way to wire in a switch? I've done this before with a secondary power wire but not like this! Here's a picture of how I have it setup now! Any help would be great thanks!

That is the wrong way to hook up that particular SSR... It requires voltage, not resistance, for the control circuit... Note how it says 3 - 32 VDC instead of a resistance value...

[Antaean]

I have been reading this thread and am thinking of building the Mulekicker controller: viewtopic.php?f=46&t=17383&start=0

I do not mean to sound redundant but I have a few questions,….. do I understand it correctly that the
PSR-25 SSR - Newark # 97K7822 $44.65 http://www.newark.com/united-automation" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow ... tt=97K7822 can operate at 110v or 220v?

Mulekicker added to a later post here that he added a 25A A/C meter, this shows a read out of the output?

I am planning on running a ½ keg (15.5 gallon) so I am looking for 4500watt heating element, since that is what looks to be recommended here for that size.

[Antaean]

could this controller be used, or is it complete?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Digital-F-C ... 1970614%26" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[StillBill22]

I think I have the wrong SSR. Could I just use a solid state relay voltage resistance regulator and the PID to read temp??? How does the solid state relay voltage resistance regulator work, just turn up the resistor for more power and higher temp??? anyone???

[Livetoride]

Hey guys, what's the best way to wire in a switch? I've done this before with a secondary power wire but not like this! Here's a picture of how I have it setup now! Any help would be great thanks!

That is the wrong way to hook up that particular SSR... It requires voltage, not resistance, for the control circuit... Note how it says 3 - 32 VDC instead of a resistance value...

Ok cool thanks for the info, what would be the best way or should I just go and order a psr-25 to save the hassle?

[mystakilla]

Are you wiring up for 240 volts?

If you are you will need a double pole switch to wire up the controller.

If you need help with it I can insist on helpin you out to the best of my knowledge. Just let me know if you need help.

[Livetoride]

Are you wiring up for 240 volts?

If you are you will need a double pole switch to wire up the controller.

If you need help with it I can insist on helpin you out to the best of my knowledge. Just let me know if you need help.

If you are referring to me mystakilla
Yes Iam wiring It up for a 240v application! Something like this should be sufficient? http://www.tradewarehouse.com.au/25a-do ... witch.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[mystakilla]

Yea that should work fine

[Livetoride]

Champion thanks for your help! Any advice for wiring my ssr? It's not wired right apparently? Or was that referring to the switch?

[sambedded]

Champion thanks for your help! Any advice for wiring my ssr? It's not wired right apparently? Or was that referring to the switch?

It is wired right but you have a wrong SSR. You need something like this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/SSR-40VA-AC-24- ... 1058557493" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow