PID question

[Mike W1]

Mypins can easily be programmed to read in Fahrenheit, mine is.

That said, I'll be ordering my next set of components from Auber anyway.

IMHO the Auber is definitely a better operating rig but at around $46 +S&H I can't say mine does things any better than my $11 Rex. The Celsius only capability is not even an issue once you set it up with an easily made chart for our temperature ranges. The Mypin at around the $30 area isn't as good as the Auber and I could not get it to regulate my hot plate which the Auber does well and the Rex accomplishes but at a slightly higher swing of temperatures. Was about ± 1° F with the Auber and about ± 3° C (± 5.4° F). Certainly close enough for a hot plate and it does better than that on my lead pots, maybe around ± 2° C though I never recorded that latter figure on paper but that's about all it swings on numerous glances while casting.

Though I have both fleabay and Auber TC's I only suspect the Aubers are better because none of mine have failed thus far.

 

[358156 hp]

Sounds like a reasonable conclusion Mike.

 

[Kevin Stenberg]

Just a suggestion. If you have excess to an old computer tower. A few minutes of demolition on the case. And you can have 1 or 2 small fans, a small heat sink, and there is a small metal box inside the main case that is just the rite size for a PID build. I have salvaged 3 old towers and all 3 had the same parts. You can also salvage enough wire for a couple of builds. Kevin

 

[Will]

I have been searching for something to build a box out of. Not having much luck so far. Really hate to pay $20 for a box.

 

[358156 hp]

Search for "electronic project boxes", or simply "project boxes".

 

[Kevin Stenberg]

I have been PMing with OB111 on CB. He sells electrical parts and pid's to members. Since my electrical skill is almost non-existant. I asked him if I could make just a temperature reader from one of the more popular pids. He said that all I need is the monitor and a thermocuple. Hook the TC like normal, and hook the power directly to the monitor. For safety I think I will put an inline fuse in the power supply line.
I will be using this to monitor mold temp, Lubesizer temp. I just got tired of buying NOE's temp probe every year.

 

[Brad]

My PID is from ObIII and it has been trouble free. I would buy another from him.

 

[KeithB]

If the only thing you need is an electronic thermometer and don't need the control function that a PID offers maybe a cheap digital voltmeter with a thermocouple plug-in might work. I've got a Sperry with a T/C input and it works fine. Maybe Harbor Freight will put one on sale.

 

[JonB]

I wonder how these will hold up ? only $23.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/451769/lyman-digital-lead-thermometer

 

[358156 hp]

It sure appears to be worth a try. Being digital, millennials should be able to use it too, after a week or so of training.

 

[Mike W1]

Should work but the probe looks like one of the $1 wonders off ebay. Don't want to bump any of that plastic coil or handle to something hot! On the good side the skinny probes apparently respond faster to temperature change, particularly in the air.

 

[freebullet]

Mmmmm, I really need to gather parts for 7 pid's.