? on using search bar

[sadie33]

Is there a way to search the MOST RESENT posts? I spent 2 hours reading some thread on controllers and it was started in like 2006 and the first 10 pages were kinda irrelevent with PIDs and what not.

Is there a way to search like the last 3 years or something? I know I can just check the dates, but I always forget and just start reading then realize what I read is outdated.

[Salt Must Flow]

If you click on 'Board index' it will show you all of this forum's categories.

Now click on 'Related Electric Accessories'. Right now there are 5 pinned topics on top. The most recently commented on topics will be displayed below the pinned topics.

I don't use the search bar in this forum. I type the following in the address bar site:homedistiller.org type your search query here

If you type that along with your search query in the address bar, click enter, you should get a lot of relevant search results.

[Salt Must Flow]

Generally speaking, there are a few most common types of controllers people build.

Some use a relatively inexpensive SCR to make a basic variable power controller. There's lots of basic wiring diagrams here that are very easy to follow.

Some use the Still Dragon DIY Controller Kit or similar parts to make a variable power controller. This type uses a SSVR (Solid State Variable Relay), a heatsink, and a Potentiometer. Most would agree that it's ideal to use a fan to cool the heatsink especially if you're using 240V. The heatsink will get pretty darn warm and at least a small fan (computer fan/PC fan) will keep it nice and cool. Lots of basic wiring diagrams available here and elsewhere too.

Some use an Auber Instruments Power Regulator. The most basic variable power controller is the Auber DSPR1. This controller allows you to control power to the element from 0% to 100% in 1% increments and that is all. The Auber DSPR200 and DSPR400 can operate in two different modes. It works as a variable power control mode (from 0%-100% power) and can operate in PID mode. They use an extremely accurate RTD Sensor/probe which will display the temp in 0.1 degree resolution. It also has many included smart functions, temp alarms, settings and some stuff you may never use. These type of controllers use a SSR (Solid State Relay), heatsink, ideally a small fan and a RTD Sensor. Lots of bells & whistles can be added to this controller like power indicator lights, flashing light/buzzer alarm, alarm kill switch and stuff like that. I'm not aware of any other controller that is capable of what these units can do in such a small package/single unit. These units come with instructions that include wiring diagrams. There's wiring diagrams here as well.

[sadie33]

thanks!!

[BoilerMaker]

This is how I would do it, on a PC/laptop (maybe there are other ways too). Searching for "controller" just as an example:

1. In the blue Home Distiller banner at the top of the page, there's a search box. Click on the gear icon to get the advanced search page.

Scroll down past Google Search to use the built-in search engine.

2. Search query > Search for keywords:
Enter one or more words. Any words three letters or less are ignored. e.g. "controller" and "SCR controller" will give the same results.

3. Search options > Search in forums:
Select a specific forum: e.g. "Electric Related Hardware"

4. Search within:
Selecting "Topic titles only" will narrow down the results.

5. Limit results to previous:
Leave as default (All results) or select "1 year"

6. Hit search button at bottom of page.

By default results are sorted in order of descending time. Start with the first result and work your way down. To change something click back on the browser and make changes. It doesn't like rapid fire searching so you may need to wait 15 sec or so between searches.

HTH

[sadie33]

This is how I would do it, on a PC/laptop (maybe there are other ways too). Searching for "controller" just as an example:

1. In the blue Home Distiller banner at the top of the page, there's a search box. Click on the gear icon to get the advanced search page.

Scroll down past Google Search to use the built-in search engine.

2. Search query > Search for keywords:
Enter one or more words. Any words three letters or less are ignored. e.g. "controller" and "SCR controller" will give the same results.

3. Search options > Search in forums:
Select a specific forum: e.g. "Electric Related Hardware"

4. Search within:
Selecting "Topic titles only" will narrow down the results.

5. Limit results to previous:
Leave as default (All results) or select "1 year"

6. Hit search button at bottom of page.

By default results are sorted in order of descending time. Start with the first result and work your way down. To change something click back on the browser and make changes. It doesn't like rapid fire searching so you may need to wait 15 sec or so between searches.

HTH

YES!!!! this is what I was looking for! #5 is a HUGE help by selecting 1 year or whatever I want.
thank you!!

[Dancing4dan]

Adding this information to helpful hints would be helpful. My knowledge about searching isn’t great.

viewforum.php?f=35

[ozark_jake]

Using the google search box and selecting "Date" from the "Sort by" dropdown at the top right of the result window also works.