Power controller...the neverending quest

[Lagtastic]

Hi guys,

I'm a long time lurker but a new almost-happy owner of a pot still. I bought it for several reasons, one of them beeing my lack of skills in metal working and welding. Also, i think i have a lot of nice qualities, but i can't get to understand how electricity works. Seriously.

You see where i'm getting at...there's a milion posts about that subject on this very forum. Believe me, i've read them (don't think for a second that I understood 10% of what's in here: http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... =85&t=3342 GOD...! )

I'm going to save you some time and explain my situation at this very moment:

I have a 1500w heater band for an 8 gallon.
Brewhaus dosen't carry their controller anymore
I understand that this very piece of equipment (that needs an heatsink to avoid overheating...) is available on the web (https://www.amazon.ca/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_ ... Caps%2C235" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow)
I live in Canada, importing anything from the US is pricey (conversion rate + customs)
As you can see, this is less than a deal here....
I have these options: controller kit (from the US...and i have to learn how to weld), buying a RSC (that is not much of a deal), or buying this, that i found locally: http://www.acceselectronique.ca/lesite/ ... &id_lang=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

What i read from various posts is that a variac could work, but that they are overpriced.

Other than the price, do you thing that this piece of equipment would work? Is the A and V ok? the specs of the bandheater is 120V / 1500W.

I'd really like to have your opinion on that....i'm a bit lost between those options.

Thanks a lot!!

[rad14701]

If you had the variac I'd suggest using it but if you are looking to purchase I'd go with a basic controller instead because you'll get more bang for your buck... You should be able to find a 120V/240V power controller for about half the price (or less) of that 120V variac...

[Danespirit]

Have a look at what I built here: http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 85&t=58011
It's very simple and you will only have to cut one of the wires coming from the wall outlet, in order to let it go through the SCR.
The extra heatsink I put on, ain't required.
This particular SCR is rated for 3,8 kW (3800 W), so it would have an easy time driving your element.
All you have to do is to buy a cheap project box, drill a hole for the potentiometer shaft, and screw it together..it's that simple.
I assume your customs have something like a marginal limit for what price an item could have before they charge you anything? (they do were I live)
This one is 5 or 6 $.

[Lagtastic]

Thanks to you guys,

Danespririt: is your controler a small one found on ebay? like this one: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/4000W-AC110V-220 ... SwxehXPFCp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Thanks!

[Danespirit]

It's similar and this one will work.
Here is mine...even cheaper: http://www.ebay.com/itm/AC-220V-3800W-S ... SwA3dYFvpP" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
If you want to go completely without doing anything else than attaching two wires, here is the one I've chosen for my primary controller: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/220V-AC-SCR-Volt ... SwKOJYGxQ9" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
The built quality is fine, mine has served me for about two years now.
The device could easily handle your power input, without much heat developed.