NOE made PID – What do you think?

NOE has started looking at possibly making our own lead pot and while it is too early to say too much about that, we do want to talk about an off-shoot of that project.     While doing preliminary design work on the pot we decided it had to be PID controlled from the outset so we sat down with an electrical engineer and designed a PID controller to use with our new lead pot.

We did a number of things to help make it simple, easy to use, easy to maintain, and upgradable.

First off, the design uses a standard computer power cord (C13 style plug).  This means wherever you are in the world changing to the appropriate power cable shouldn’t be a problem.

Second, we are looking at making two versions one using 120V and the other using 240V so the units will be usable worldwide.

Third, we are using a mechanical switch (Contactor) as solid state relays are not recommended for the currents most melting pots require.   That switch is a standard HVAC part so if it wears out, it can be easily and inexpensively replaced at any HVAC supply store.

Fourth, we used a standard K-type thermocouple probe which allows easy replacement via a socket on the unit face rather than being hard-wired.  This allows users to pick a probe length anywhere from 4 to 14 inches depending on pot size.

The unit is fused for 15A at 120V or 30A at 240V to work with most conventional house circuits.

Both the hot and return lead are switched for an added safety margin.

Temperatures can be set between 50F and 932F (10 and 500 C) and can go as high as 1200 F (650C) with a probe change.

The unit is roughly 8 x 5 x 5 inches ( 20x12x12cm) and will come with a 20 Amp rated 120V or 240V  outlet depending on the model ordered.

We are looking at a price point around $200 USD and hope to be ready to ship early next year.

We are interested in your feedback and suggestions and hope to have some photos of our prototypes up soon.