Author Topic: Cheap PID on eBay  (Read 1157 times)

RobertL

  • Guest
Cheap PID on eBay
« on: October 21, 2011, 07:46:54 AM »
Anyone have experience with this PID? Does anyone see a reason why it wouldn't work? Tex you seem to be the expert on PID's what do you think?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/110748415725?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
« Last Edit: October 21, 2011, 09:08:03 AM by RobertL »

Tex

  • Guest
Re: Cheap PID on eBay
« Reply #1 on: October 21, 2011, 07:53:19 AM »
« Last Edit: October 21, 2011, 08:04:02 AM by Tex »

RobertL

  • Guest
Re: Cheap PID on eBay
« Reply #2 on: October 21, 2011, 09:09:21 AM »
Sorry that's what happens when I post before I finish my cup of coffee. First post updated with link.

Tex

  • Guest
Re: Cheap PID on eBay
« Reply #3 on: October 21, 2011, 09:38:33 AM »
I think it's a bad choice. Without going into too much detail, you'll want a PID with DC switched output, DC input/AC output SSR, and RTD/thermocouple.

ph33nyx

  • Guest
Re: Cheap PID on eBay
« Reply #4 on: October 28, 2011, 11:18:50 AM »
So what's the difference between these and the ones I see selling for $159?

Tex

  • Guest
Re: Cheap PID on eBay
« Reply #5 on: October 28, 2011, 11:54:22 AM »
I'd have to read the specs to give a detailed answer; but I DO want a PID with a switched OT1, not mechanical relays. It's a longevity issue because a PID'd espresso machines OT1 will be switched on/off thousands of times per day, and a switches lifetime is measured in millions of on/off cycles, versus a relay which has a much shorter life expectancy. The OT2 output can be a relay because I just use it to control steam temps.

Then consider quality: The Watlow, Cal, Fuji controllers are made under very tight QC standards - the cheap stuff from 3rd world countries aren't. I buy the more expensive units (mostly used) because I don't ever want  one of my machines to fail because I cut corners on the controller.

Other than that, there's documentation to consider. Have you ever read Chinese that's been auto-translated? Those manuals are a joke!
« Last Edit: October 28, 2011, 11:57:09 AM by Tex »

ph33nyx

  • Guest
Re: Cheap PID on eBay
« Reply #6 on: October 29, 2011, 04:35:22 PM »
So, how are the ones you use\recommend different than this?

Offline Ascholten

  • Administrator
  • *****
  • Posts: 11916
  • Artisian 6 and Behmor
Re: Cheap PID on eBay
« Reply #7 on: October 29, 2011, 04:53:27 PM »
Yokugawa also makes an excellent PID.  I use them at work for Lube Oil temperature control on PA fans,  they have 4 channels,  a ton of settings for each.   Min / Max / hysterisis / delay / NO / NC / Hold / etc etc.... not to mention the settings to 'tune' each aspect of P I D.   Their inputs can be RTD / TC and some other inputs.   outputs can be 4-20 / relay etc.
They are really versatile and can take a ton of abuse.  I also have some on the limestone system and they are constantly coated with cement crap, and keep on trucking.

Aaron
As I have grown older, I have learned that pleasing everybody is impossible, but pissing everybody off is a piece of cake!

Tex

  • Guest
Re: Cheap PID on eBay
« Reply #8 on: October 29, 2011, 04:58:11 PM »
So, how are the ones you use\recommend different than this?


No, I regularly recommend Auber products for those who need/want to cut corners. For those who value quality and rock solid reliability I recommend http://pidkits.com

Offline Ascholten

  • Administrator
  • *****
  • Posts: 11916
  • Artisian 6 and Behmor
Re: Cheap PID on eBay
« Reply #9 on: October 29, 2011, 05:05:15 PM »
Folks, spend the few bucks and go with quality.  The first time you weld relays / switches shut and end up burning up the heating element in your pot or worse, you will wish you spent the extra few bucks.

Aaron
As I have grown older, I have learned that pleasing everybody is impossible, but pissing everybody off is a piece of cake!

Tex

  • Guest
Re: Cheap PID on eBay
« Reply #10 on: October 29, 2011, 06:59:46 PM »
Folks, spend the few bucks and go with quality.  The first time you weld relays / switches shut and end up burning up the heating element in your pot or worse, you will wish you spent the extra few bucks.

Aaron

+1