Are my SSD and PID compatible? I've attached some photos of the instruments, as well as their accompanying documentation, for reference. It looks to me like the SSD is good in terms of voltage, but may not be able to handle the output current of the controller?
Also, this might be a stupid question, but if I calculated my heat blanket based on 120V, and my controller is outputting 12-16V, did I totally mess that up?
Finally, I am planning on using two blankets, and am not sure the best way to hook these up to the controller(s). Happy Monkey appears to be using a single controller to run both, simply using a second PID as a thermometer, to monitor temp in the second blanket, without actually having the ability to independently change its temperature. Is this working for most people? Would it be better to build two totally independent control boxes (i.e. 1 SSR and 1 PID for each blanket)?
I agree that the PID and SSR are fine. PID voltage output is in the 3-32V range of the SSR. The thing I would be thinking more about is whether your SSR is compatible with your blanket. It is rated for 10 amps so can switch a 10A current on and off. My blanket is 2400W and runs on 240V power so draws 10A when current runs to it (amps = watts/voltage). In electronics you generally want a safety factor in your ratings. So if your blanket is only drawing 5amps of current then I think your SSR is fine, but if your blanket is drawing 8 amps or 10amps I would be looking at getting a higher rated SSR - the next up is usually 25A rating.
That SSR is too small, even if you use a heat sink. I would run at least a 25amp. Your PID will output a switched 12VDC. You can run one PID with two SSR's, one for each mat. I would run two PID's and two SSR's.
I run 2 PIDs and 2 SSRs. I have a main power switch of everything and individual power switches to power each blanket. Don't forget to put some fuses in there to protect your blankets. I have fuses for each blanket. I'll see if I can dig up my wiring schematic.
This is kinda a thread jack, but the site won't let me create my own thread, so I found a similar thread, and am jacking it. I'll give it back i swear. But, I was curious if anyone could see any notable flaws in my materials list thus far.
Control Box:
1-8x8x4 Enclosure
1- 6 circuit terminal block
8- 20A 250 Volt fuses
1- 4 Position Fuse Block
24 ft. 16 AWG Wire 60v
75 Spade Terminals 16-14 600v
1 Sd1-025-RR Contactor Switch 25A 600VAC
1 AC 110-240v PID
1 Solid State Relay 4-28VDC Coil / 48-660VAC 25A Output
Still haven't ordered my thermocouples, heat blanket, or any of my females or power cord. I was hoping you guys could tell me if i'm about to fry myself, or not. Any tips and suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated
Sorry the site wouldn't also wouldn't let me post pictures until I had 3 posts.
So heres what I've gathered thus far, SSR, PID, and Contactor switch are in the mail.
In my set up a heat sink is essential, it ensures effective transmission of electricity. Allowing the SSR to heat up backs up the system, the transmitting wires start to warm up and become less efficient, as does the SSR. Once the system backs up, it's not long before a fuse is blown or the SSR fails, depending on the supply.
