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element controler help
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 8:24 am
by firedawg4400
I just purchased an electric element controller DIY kit from a local builder. He said it had everything I needed to control the element on my still. Im running a CM reflux still on a 220V heat source using a 15.5 gallon keg as the pot. My problem is I have no idea how to set this kit up. It did not come with instructions and I am NOT electrically skilled. Can anyone help me out with this? It also has a box to mount all the equipment in. Thanks and love the forum. Ive been reading and reading and reading. I have been running as a pot due to not having the controller.
Re: element controler help
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 8:49 am
by firedawg4400
After a little more digging, it looks like I have a Still Dragon controller. Guess I can try to contact them.
Re: element controler help
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 9:05 am
by bellybuster
there's a couple hundred posts on here with wiring diagrams
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 81&t=45238
Re: element controler help
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 9:25 am
by Prairiepiss
If its an actual Stilldragon kit. They have instructions on how to put them together.
This is what it will look like. Or should look like. When done. If you can't find the instructions. Let me know.
Re: element controler help
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 9:33 am
by firedawg4400
Yes it is a Still Dragon kit. Not sure why it doesn't have instructions. When I got it after I got home from work, it was already open. I think the wife or son may be the culprit.
Re: element controler help
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 9:36 am
by Prairiepiss
It use to be available on their site.
Re: element controler help
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 9:42 am
by firedawg4400
I didn't see it, but I will look again....
Re: element controler help
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 9:44 am
by Prairiepiss
I think you will be getting it soon. Help is on the way. LOL
Re: element controler help
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 9:57 am
by firedawg4400
Help has arrived!! I should be able to get it all wired up. Thanks!!!!
Re: element controler help
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 10:01 am
by Prairiepiss
Cool. If you have any questions. I can try to help. I've built a few now.
Re: element controler help
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 11:15 am
by Tap
There is a full tutorial with pictures on the still dragon forum. The forum links from their website.
Re: element controler help
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 12:01 pm
by Soggy Bottom Boy
firedawg4400 wrote:..... It did not come with instructions and I am NOT electrically skilled. .....
I don't see any heatsink paste in your pile of goodies, either. Is that missing too?
Re: element controler help
Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2014 7:41 am
by firedawg4400
No I guess it didn't, unless the white string think is it. I have not idea. Is that something I need? Im assuming it would go under the Heat Sink?
Re: element controler help
Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2014 7:51 am
by Prairiepiss
Yes it should go between the SSR and heatsink. It should have been in a little squirt tube. About an inch long or so. In with the little parts. Look inside the strain reliefs. Mite be in one of them.
Re: element controler help
Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2014 8:58 am
by aquavita
That little piece/glop/tube is pretty easy to miss. Your local Radio Shack will have a bunch or thermal paste to pick from - important stuff for a heat-sink.
Also possible that it was missed during the kitting process for shipment. I had a little rubber foot missing from a kit I purchased. Notified them and they sent one out to me straight away. Pretty decent customer service.
Re: element controler help
Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2014 9:24 am
by firedawg4400
Thanks for the info!! Going to get it all wired up next week. Thinking about adding a volt/amp meter and an on/off switch. Also have a 120V computer fan. It is from a large computer bank system. Probably just plug the fan into an existing outlet in the garage. A trip to Radio Shack is in my future.
Re: element controler help
Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2014 9:32 am
by rager
PP
what gauge wire is being run from the pot to the SSR?
Re: element controler help
Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2014 9:48 am
by Prairiepiss
I used some 20 g I had laying around. It doesn't need to be all that big.